[Toledo]

I hope this post does not stir up a controversy; that is not my intention. I'm sorry if this is deemed "inappropriate", but I've been asked to share a bit more about my experience with Dwight Rader. All my experiences with him were frankly positive.

Suffice to say that my labor with Dwight was absolutely practical: we built meeting halls together. He did the general oversight and much of the carpentry; I did much of the sweeping.

I am no carpenter (I can tell which end of a hammer to hold, if I look at it for a minute), but I used to take several weeks off to "stand with" with Dwight in his work. I stood with him for the halls in Cleveland (twice), Willoughby (twice), Columbus, and Mansfield.

I saw him put brothers together in the most practical ways ("If you want to pray-read, go home! We're here to work"). I watched his patience in dealing with brothers who were incompetent (like me) or opinionated or both. I could see his personal concern for the safety of the saints, and for the careful completion of the tasks at hand.

Dwight had a harsh voice but a tender heart. He could take charge on the work site, then sit and weep before the Lord all through a church meeting. He caused those who knew him to love the Lord in a genuine and practical way. Dwight made me realize the churches are a whole lot more about saints cooperating together and loving one another, and a whole lot less about doctrines and teachings.