Etheridge, Elizabeth

Beaver Creek Baptist Church, Sweet Water
Bethel Baptist Association

Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:32
Favorite Hymn: “When the Roll Is
Called Up Yonder”
Hobbies: Working with flowers and sending cards to shut-ins
Family Status: Married to Walter “Henri” for 61 years; two sons; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren

Elizabeth Etheridge, 83, is the oldest active female member of Beaver Creek Baptist Church, Sweet Water, and has been a faithful member for 61 years. She still serves as a substitute Sunday School teacher and cleans the church.
 
Q: What was your childhood like?
A: It was very good. My daddy was a carpenter, and my mother was a teacher. We had a very happy life; they taught me how to work. My mother always told me, “Sister, always be a friend to everyone. To have a friend is to be a friend.”

Q: How did you come to know the Lord?
A: I grew up in Aimwell Baptist Church, just a few miles from Beaver Creek. I accepted Christ during a revival meeting when I was 12 years old.

Q: How have you been involved in church through the years?
A: I have tried to serve God in many ways in church — (Vacation) Bible School director and teacher, Training Union director and Sunday School teacher. … I have always helped in whatever ways I could whether it was cleaning or working with the young people. I married Sept. 6, 1947, to Henri Etheridge. We moved to his hometown to live. The church did not have Sunday School each Sunday. … I soon organized our Sunday School back up as it use to be. I have been teaching Sunday School ever since.

Q: What have you gotten from those ministries?
A: I got a great blessing because I’ve always been conscious of the Lord’s work and living right before others.

Q: How have churches changed over the years?
A: So many churches out in the country have gotten smaller because many people have gone on to be with the Lord. We are just trying to carry on.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in church in the future?
A: If the Lord wants me to work, then I will. I don’t think I’m going to quit unless my health gives up.

Q: What difference has being a Christian made in your life?
A: It makes all the difference. I just want to serve Him so that when He is ready for me, I can see my Lord.