Claude Burke Dickenson, 1901-1992

Born in Russell County, Virginia, on May 26, 1901, Claude Burke Dickenson was the son of Thomas Fletcher and Elizabeth Phillips Dickenson. He had three brothers and two sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.

After graduating form Honaker High School, Honaker, Virginia, he enrolled in Emory and Henry College to make preparations to answer the call to the ministry which God had bestowed upon him early in his life.

It was while he was at Emory and Henry that he met Anne Lee Falin of Stickleyville, Virginia, who later became his beloved wife and constant companion in the ministry. She also preceded him in death on April 22, 1981.

Mr. Dickenson received his Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a member of the Holston conference from 1927 to 1939 where he served North Tazewell, Lead Mines, and Wytheville circuits. After unification in 1939, he served the North Fork-Elkhorn, Jenkin Jones, Crumpler, Coalwood, and Coal Ford charges in the West Virginia conference.

Transferring to the Virginia conference in 1955, he served Greenville-Mint Spring, Staunton; Melfa-Locustville, Eastern Shore; and Amelia, Farmville.

Though "C.B." (as he was known) retired in 1966 at Greenville, after 39 years as a dedicated pastor and faithful minister of the Word, he continued to stay active in his work as a minister by preaching, leading Bible studies and devotions, and serving on the ministry team for the dying at the Blue Ridge Christian Home where he had lived since 1982.

"C. B." left this life to enter his heavenly home on December 31, 1992. A service of celebration was held at Greenville United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 3, 1993, by the Rev. Steve Lewis, Karl Crowe, and James Holloman. By request of Mr. Dickenson, the sermon was delivered by Mr. Crowe who had been a close friend for many years. A graveside service was held on the following day in Bluefield, West Virginia.

He had a genuine love for God and of people: To know him was to love and admire him. He made lasting friends wherever he lived, many of whom continued to seek his guidance and counsel even to the end. The following is a verse from one of the many poems he wrote:

"To see, Dear Lord, thy blessed face
And be supplied with needed grace,
The grace to look no other way,

To thank thee for thy Death for me
And love thee for the One I see,

O Lamb of God, I bow and pray."

 

-Karl L. Crowe