"I can't imagine Ebenezer Church without Buddy Cribb." That remark by a former pastor's wife expresses the feeling of church members as they look at the empty pew in the left front section of the sanctuary and realize the magnitude of their loss. For forty-three years he served as superintendent of the Church School with such dedication and spiritual grace, as one member defines his unique charisma, that he lent stability and unity to the entire church program. Fourteen pastors have ministered to the congregation since "Mr. Buddy" began representing Sunday school at Ebenezer to at least two generations of children, their parents, and even some grandparents. His attention was never just on the organization, but on the individuals listed on the rolls; a good example of his ability to make each person feel special was the home mission offering on Sunday morning when each member who had celebrated a birthday or anniversary during the preceding week came forward to make a donation to the fund; as each donor gave, he could expect to be called by name, given a pat on the head or a handshake as age dictated, and a tactful comment befitting the occasion.
        During those years he also filled repeatedly most of the other positions of leadership in the church, lay leader, trustee, member of the choir and official board which he sometimes chaired, active participant in building committees, substitute for adult classes and prayer meeting as needed and always his carefully considered opinions and suggestions presented in his conciliatory, deliberative manner were influential in decisions made whether they involved his favorite charity, an offering to Epworth, or a major construction project. In addition to his official duties, he was always thoughtful of the details relevant to the proper care of the church facilities and the comfort of worshippers, especially in small group meetings.
      His Christian leadership was not limited to his church, for his influence was felt in the community as well as in his personal life,his business associations, his club affiliations, even in his support of that Clemson football team, the name of Buddy Cribb commanded respect, for it represented high moral standards, ethical conduct, and the determination to stand for right principles. To all who knew him, and especially those who were privileged to worship with him, he remains an inspiring example of one who enjoyed the good life and lived it in such a way that it must have been pleasing to his Lord and certainly a blessing to his family, his church, and his community.
      Surely there were times when his faith and courage were tested, especially during these last years when his health began to deteriorate, but he always seemed to have the strength and the grace to face those challenges, even to continue his witness and his service, evidently because he believed in and lived by these lines from the solo he sang so well during his years in the choir:
                                                             But I know WHO holds tomorrow
                                                             And I know WHO holds my hand."                                          Back
                                                                          (Mrs.Mildred Johnson)