HUNTSVLLE, Ala. (BNc) by Peggy Nichols Champion — I answered the door yesterday and found a Deputy Sheriff standing there, from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
He inquired if ours was the Hudson residence. I told him no, and he then asked if it is the Nichol’s residence. I told him my father is Nichols and lives downstairs.
The deputy said he was looking for Flavil Nichols. That scared me! Then he showed me a Bible that on the inside had a “Member” lapel sticker, like we wear at church, with his name in it, in my handwriting!
The officer told me he came across the Bible while cleaning out his files of items that had been recovered in burglaries. He said it was probably from a robbery 10-15 years ago.
He traced it down to us from Dad’s name in the phone directory.
The Bible originally belonged to my deceased Uncle Hudson, which explains why the officer was first asking about “the Hudson residence.” It was later given to Dad!
We suppose Dad had left the Bible at church and it was taken during one of the break-ins we had at our previous building, at the then-Memorial Parkway congregation. (The congregation is now Chase Park.)
I am thankful for the officer who took the time to track us down and find the owner!
2013-03-27 at 2:20 pm
This is a most wonderful and moving story! While a student at Brown Trail, I sat at the feet of Hardeman Nichols, and still regard him as one of the greatest servants of God in the kingdom. I also know Bro Flavil quite well, and have listened to many of his sermons on the Lectureship scene. I’m so happy for Bro Flavil that he’s now reunited with the book I know he loves so well. I must also comment that deputy sheriff for taking the time and the interest to make sure the Bible is returned. And most importantly, I only hope the one who stole it took the time to read it and act upon God’s word that by now he’s a servant of the Most High God. Greetings from Kingston, Jamaica.
2013-03-27 at 2:46 pm
A wee-tiny note: The MEMBER oval shaped name tag is a stick-on printed by Star Bible Publications which I owned until 2006. The opposite side was a membership card which was filled in and returned to the church office. The blue ovals were marked MEMBER; the red ones were printed VISITOR. We supplied hundreds of thousands of these all over the country to churches of Christ. I do not know if Star Bible is still carrying this item.
—Alvin Jennings
2013-03-27 at 4:59 pm
I REMEMBER WELL FLAVIL NICHOLS HOLDING MEETINGS AT HATTON WHERE I GREW UP (SOMEWHAT GREW UP). HE SHARED MEALS AT OUR HOUSE MANY TIMES.
2013-03-29 at 11:51 pm
I had my wide margin bible stolen out of our car in Memphis. Matt was an MSOP student at the time. it is a sad thing to lose a bible. Mine held many, many notes from when I was a student at FSOP. Would be amazing to reunited with my bible again! This is an awesome story!
2013-04-18 at 6:25 pm
I know the Nichols family, as well. The Nicholses lived in Millport, Alabama in 1929-31 or thereabouts. “Brother Gus” preached for the church there. We, at Millport, hold this family in high regards. I went to Freed with Vicki Blackwood (Bertha’s daughter) and I know Peggy and her dad and other members of the family. Jimmy Ponds