Truth Magazine

By Hoyt H. Houchen

On Monday morning, May 13, 1 received a telephone call from Texas to tell me that brother Roy Cogdill had passed away the night before (Sunday evening, May 12, at about 11:30).

My first acquaintance with Roy E. Cogdill goes back many years, to the time that I was about nine years of age, possibly 1928. Since that time we have had a close association through the years. We have worked together in several gospel meetings, but we somewhat grew apart in the last few years because of the span of miles between us.

The first recollection of brother Cogdill in my early boyhood years was most impressive. I can well remember my first glimpse of him. He was to preach in a gospel meeting at Alhambra, California. He and his wife (Lorraine) had driven out from Texas in a green Ford coupe, possibly a model A. My parents and I drove to Alhambra that Sunday morning to attend the meeting (I believe it was a tent meeting). In the Bible class sat this young couple, a blond hair young visiting preacher with his attractive and dignified looking wife. I heard his clear, booming voice for the first time as he made some comments about the church at Corinth.

From my earliest impression, Roy Cogdill continued to have a great influence upon me. He was a source of encouragement to me as a boy preacher in southern California and in my preaching years in other places in the years to follow. He was a pillar of strength, firm in his convictions and never hesitated to express them. No one ever had to guess where he stood on any issue. He loved the truth and preached it with force, conviction and simplicity. He was an outstanding speaker, and in my opinion, when he was in his prime he was without a peer in the pulpit.

My wife (Doris) and I had many pleasant associations with Roy and Lorraine Cogdill through the years. We had the privilege of living in the same city that they did on two occasions, both cities in Texas (San Antonio and Lufkin). We took pleasant automobile trips together, and we remember with joy when on a beautiful day we would stop at a roadside park to eat a picnic lunch. Lorraine always wanted me to drive, not that I am such a great driver, but I guess she thought that anybody’s driving was safer than his.

We shared some of the tensions during Lorraine’s illness in the Houston Medical Center. The Cogdills were living in Nacogdoches and we in Lufkin during that time. She departed from this life on Thursday morning, June 23, 1960. Had she lived until July 21st, she and her devoted husband would have celebrated their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. The funeral was conducted in the church building at Mound and Starr (Nacogdoches), James W. Adams, Fanning Yater Tant, and this writer participating. Her frail and worn body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Lufkin, Texas. Brother Cogdill later wrote:

The grief we feel when our loved ones depart to be with the Lord is but selfish. We shrink back from the loneliness and void their going leaves in our lives and know our tremendous loss in the lack of their presence to strengthen and encourage and help us as they have through all of these years of the past. But we strengthen our hearts and mend our spirits, even dry away our tears, in the knowledge that they are as much alive as they have ever been and in the transition are infinitely better for they are free from differing and the heartaches of this life and know only the happiness and bliss of those who have “died in the Lord”(The Gospel Guardian, August 11, 1960, p. 10).

Roy Cogdill had known the Faulkner family who were members of the old Tenth and Francis church in Oklahoma City. Nita Faulkner also lost her companion by death, thus Roy and Nita were later united in marriage. They shared many happy years together, as well as burdens and sorrow due to Roy’s illness in the last few years. Nita was a faithful and beloved wife. Roy once said to us that he did not know how he was so fortunate as to have two such wonderful wives. Nita has two children: Pam and John. Our oldest son, Ron, was with Pam in Florida College in 1962, and he also served as best man at her wedding. Later, Roy and Nita adopted a little boy, Philip, now a grown man.

Roy E. Cogdill not only preached with power, but also employed his pen to express his convictions in defense of the truth. He had occasions to stand upon the polemic platform and “contend earnestly for the faith.” In December 1946, he met D.N. Jackson (Baptist) in Lufkin, Texas. Four propositions were debated, and the speeches were recorded and published in book form. Brother Cogdill, using several charts, did a commendable job in devastating Baptist arguments and defending the truth.

Through the bitter and hard fought controversy on issues confronting the church, Roy Cogdill was prominent on the fieldof battle. In those years his pen was active in the pages of The Gospel Guardian, and his voice was heard in pulpits all over the nation. He was relentless in his opposition to unscriptural practices. There is no question that faithful congregations today are standing for and practicing the truth because of the work done by such men as Roy E. Cogdill.

Agreement was reached in 1957 for Roy E. Cogdill and Guy N. Woods to debate the issues of churches supporting benevolent homes and the Herald of Truth nationwide radio broadcast, also being supported by churches. The discussion was held in the Philips High School auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama (November 19-23, 1957). There were four speeches delivered each night for six nights, each being thirty minutes in length. The speeches were recorded on tape and transcribed. Numerous charts were used in the discussion. Brethren from all over the nation attended the debate, many of us travelling in inclement weather. Many of us believe that brother Cogdill’s opening speech on authority was masterful, and dealt a devastating blow at the very outset to the unscriptural practices being defended by brother Woods. The debate was on a high plane and a definite contribution was made to a study of the issues which divide us. James W. Adams moderated for brother Cogdill and Thomas B. Warren was the moderator for brother Woods. The debate was published in a book (The Cogdill-Woods Debate) and is still available.

We rejoice that an “Appreciation Get Together” was arranged for brother Cogdill in Houston, Tuesday evening, April 23, 1985 on the eve of his seventy-eighth birthday. The occasion was a dutch treat dinner at Luby’s Cafeteria. The tribute was appropriate, as so many of us have benefitted from the fruits of brother Cogdill’s labors for so many years. We regret that he was in poor health the last few years that he was upon this earth. Consequently, must of his preaching was curtailed and especially his gospel meeting work. We extend our thanks to thoughtful brethren who provided the special appreciation night for brother Cogdill, and we are also thankful that he was able to be so honored only a few days before his death. He was moved emotionally by the kind remembrances extended to him by so many. Letters and cards, from even those of us not able to attend, were all bound in a single volume and presented to him on the evening of the get together. He cherished it. Indeed, honor (tribute) was given to one whom it was due (Rom. 13:7).

Roy E. Cogdill was an outstanding and effective preacher of the gospel. Never can we fully appreciate all of his contributions to the cause of truth. He will be missed, but his influence will continue to live. He will ever be regarded by faithful brethren who lived during his lifetime, and by those who read the history of the Lord’s church in his generation as a great defender of the faith.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 14, pp. 422-423
July 18, 1985

By Clinton D. Hamilton

It was about 43 years ago that I first saw and heard Roy E. Cogdill at Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee. N.B. Hardeman, the president, announced his appearance and indicated he was one of the most powerful and effective preachers among us. When he appeared, he was a powerful speaker, well read, highly regarded, and aggressive in defense of truth. With a robust body, a regal bearing, and an emphatic and resonant voice, he spoke with conviction and positive assurance in the rightfulness of his message.

Little did I know at the time that time and circumstance would converge to bring us into close association in later years and that a lasting friendship characterized by trust and confidence in one another would result. My family and some of his were to become personal friends in very close association. Our work as preachers of the gospel sharing a common faith and unfeigned confidence in the truth kept us united in belief and effort. When I first heard him, his confidence was reassuring as well as abundantly evident. Through the next few years he used his great ability as a logical thinker and powerful speaker in defense of truth against error both within and without the church of the Lord. He exercised great influence and ever stood ready to defend truth. Within five years after I first met him, the gathering storm of traumatic rupture of the body of Christ was well under way. Ultimately the issues would separate those who had been his friends and allies. Foy E. Wallace, Jr. and N.B. Hardeman both had been his friends and commended his dedication and defense of truth. But as the controversies over carnal warfare, congregational cooperation, church support of human institutions, and related issues continued into the early fifties, friendships were strained and broken. Among those so ruptured were those between Roy Cogdill and N.B. Hardeman and Foy E. Wallace, Jr. In spite of their being divided in views as to right and wrong, Roy Cogdill kept a warm spot in his heart for both of them. In private conversations between us, brother Cogdill expressed sadness over the rupture of their friendship and never expressed bitterness against either one of them. However, he lamented the personal displeasure they expressed on occasion toward him.

Roy E. Cogdill could not understand, he more than once said to me, why brethren who disagreed sometimes became bitter against one another. He was hurt at the bitter, harsh, and vituperative comments made about him and remained sad over the situation which he could not change, although he did not remonstrate in kind. In this respect he had a mild disposition, but he kept inviolate truth to which he had committed himself.

In spite of brother Cogdill’s tender feeling for those with whom he disagreed, he never compromised what he believed to be right. He would speak with aggressive conviction, undaunted faith, and uncompromising fervor. This staunch defense of truth with firm confidence in the rightfulness of his course caused many to conclude that he was cold, indifferent, and uncaring. Many hesitated not to assert that he was hard-hearted and basically lacking in human affection. But to hold this view of him is to betray any real knowledge and acquaintance with him. One holding such a view has a distorted view of him. To know him well was to learn that he was one of the most caring and tender-hearted persons one could ever know.

Upon learning of his passing, my wife and I were talking about him. I inquired of her what she believed to be one of his most prominent characteristics. She thought a moment and said, “His caring.” I believe, she spoke the truth. He did care deeply for people and his heart opened to those in need. Multiplied thousands of his money and untold hours of his time were expended in behalf of others. He cared.

When people erred, he would condemn the wrong but could feel for them. On occasion we discussed such situations. He was able to see and understand the human element. He could be sympathetic with the infirmities of others. He cared.

Roy Cogdill was a good thinker. His legal training and diligent study resulted in his developing a logical reasoning process and disciplined mind. Upon review of an issue, hee would search for the fundamental predicates and the consequences belonging to given predicates. Methodically, logically, and carefully he developed his arguments on any given topic. Once he had thought about a subject and then presented it, he did so with clarity, erudition, and fervent conviction. In his powerful, resonant voice, he would with clear logic and scriptural argument present his views.

His sermon on the trial of Jesus was a masterpiece of cogent logic, eloquence, and powerful marshalling of evidence. It was a most moving experience to hear it. One could not be indifferent after having heard the powerful presentation of the Jewish and Roman trials of Jesus. His legal training shone through the presentation brilliantly.

Roy Cogdill was a balanced person. He had a keen sense of humor. But he knew also that everything has its time. Accordingly, he knew when to be serious and when to be humorous. A well-rounded person, he c6uld converse on broad range of subjects. In a private setting, he could capture attention and make powerful points by means of humor, at which he was most adept. Many are the times that my wife and I have enjoyed invigorating laughter by listening to his humorous stories that helped to renew the spirit. But when he spoke on issues of truth he did so with fervor, seriousness, and with the gravity meet for it.

As an attorney, he could have been extremely successful and, no doubt, could have had a financially lucrative practice. But there was an overwhelmirg desire and commitment to preach the unsearchable riches. On the legal profession, he turned his back to devote his life to the proclamation-and defense of the gospel. His sense of values was undistorted and his dedication to the gospel was unashamedly open and emphatic.

A devoted family man, Roy Cogdill was intensely interested in their welfare. Moved by his desire to preach the gospel, he often was absent from home. Therefore, his family had to make great sacrifices also as he traveled widely, spoke frequently all over the country and abroad, and debated points of dispute. In these efforts, he spent large amounts of his funds. Often he was poorly paid. He persisted, nevertheless. He cared about truth and hesitated not in defending it.

Although he was self-confident, he was always willing to receive assistance and was not reluctant to seek the view of those he respected. In 1957, in Birmingham, he debated Guy N. Woods and again, I believe in about 1963, in Newbern, Tennessee. Prior to this latter debate, he requested me to read all that brother Woods had written and to give him the result of my analysis of his writings. I agreed to do so. Upon reading and analyzing the materials, I prepared charts showing his changes of positions and submitted them to brother Cogdill. In the Newbern debate, he used the material. He was interested in truth and wanted any enlightenment from whomever he could secure it. This showed his humility. Brother James W. Adams told me that on occasion brother Cogdill requested tapes and notes of his lessons for him to listen to and to study on a particular topic. Thoroughly versed in Scripture and well read, brother Cogdill desired always to learn more.

He was a friend who encouraged others to do what he disciplined himself to do. He wrote extensively and did untold good through his pen. His books The New Testament Church and Walking By Faith have done great good. He repeatedly urged me to complete a book I have begun on books of the Old Testament. He used the first volume I produced in the class context and reported his great satisfaction with it. I must get back to the writing desk. He encouraged people to do what they could to further the cause of truth.

His powerful voice was an articulate one against premillennialism and corruption of God’s order for the work of the church. Always vigilant against error and positive in his proclamation of truth, he convicted many in error, admonished watchfulness, encouraged the fainthearted, and consoled the heartbroken. In midst of doing all this, he often faced tragedy, suffered wrong at the hands of his enemies, and bore personal trials patiently. Philosophical about opposition, he never let his opponents depress him to the point of weariness in defense of his Master’s cause. He seemed perpetually refreshed at heart in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ.

From all that I have said here, it is certainly the case that I believe it was good that he was here.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 14, pp. 424-425
July 18, 1985

By H.E. Phillips

On Monday morning, May 13th, brother Harold Fite called me and said, “I have some bad news, Roy passed away last night.” For the moment I was shocked and then saddened because I had lost a good friend. This generation has lost one of its most powerful and proficient preachers of the gospel. Indeed, the ranks of the venerable, battle-scarred veterans among those preachers of the old school are growing thin.

Brother Cogdill had been in poor health for some time, but his love for the truth, his desire for the salvation of the lost, and his concern for the purity of the church compelled him to go where he was needed, even when he was not physically able, until he was unable to do so any longer.

When brother James W. Adams called and asked me to write something about Roy E. Cogdill, I told him I would be happy to do so and expressed to him my gratitude for the opportunity. Limited space commands that I omit many significant things that I would otherwise say.

How I Came To Know Roy E. Cogdill

During my first efforts at preaching, I was introduced to Roy E. Cogdill through his writings. I began receiving the Bible Banner in 1938 and have continued to receive it through the Gospel Guardian and now the Guardian Of Truth. I became acquainted with the work and teaching of Roy E. Cogdill through this avenue primarily.

I first heard him preach in 1946. 1 was greatly impressed with his knowledge of and respect for the Holy Scriptures. I admired his plain and direct approach to his subject. No one could listen to Roy Cogdill preach and fail to understand what he said. They may not agree with him, and many did not, but they knew exactly where he stood on any issue to which he addressed himself.

I became better acquainted with him in the mid 1950’s as the church supported institutional battles intensified. I entered the editorial arena in 1960 with the beginning of Searching The Scriptures. In 1965 I sought brother Cogdill’s advice in some areas of editorial judgment and policy. He freely and willingly helped me again and again.

In 1968 brother and sister Cogdill moved to Orlando, Florida, to labor with the Par Avenue church. This afforded me the opportunity to know the man, the preacher, the debater and the friend as never before. During these last eighteen years of his life, my wife and I grew to know and love Roy and Nita Cogdill well and count them among our dearest friends and kinsmen in the Lord.

Roy Cogilill’s Interest In The Work In Italy

Early in 1975 Roy Cogdill met Alessandro Corazza, who was a preacher in Rome, Italy. His association with brother Corazza soon developed an intense interest in the Italian work, which remained until his death. Brother Cogdill put forth a great effort for the work in Italy from his first acquaintance with Alessandro Corazza. He and sister Cogdill made their first trip to Italy in the spring of 1976. On this first visit to Rome, he baptized a young lady by the name of Patrizia who later was married to Arrigo Corazza, oldest son of Alessandro. He made plans to bring Arrigo and Patrizia to the States to attend Florida College. Since Arrigo and Patrizia planned to be married, brother Cogdill insisted that they marry before coming to America.

The next year brother Cogdill and brother James D. Yates returned to Italy during the summer. Again brother Cogdill preached and encouraged the brethren in all of the faithful churches in Italy. Arrigo and Patrizia were already in the Cogdill home. Brother and sister Cogdill studied with them three or four hours each morning during the three or four months they were in their home before coming to Tampa to Florida College. I had a very close relationship with Arrigo and Patrizia Corazza all during the time they were in school because they worshipped at the Fletcher Avenue church where I worked. Because of this relationship, my wife and I became very close to Roy and Nita Cogdill. I love them for their sacrifice and dedication to help a young man and his wife prepare both in education and attitude to preach the gospel in Italy.

Brother Connie W. Adams and I were invited by the brethren in Italy to come in November, 1976, some six months following the first visit by brother and sister Cogdill. We spent two weeks with the churches preaching and encouraging them. We found the influence of Roy Cogdill among the brethren soon after arriving there.

Again in 1977 brother and sister Clifford Bell of Baytown, Texas, and my wife and I visited Italy. I preached in all of the faithful churches and we visited in the homes of . many brethren. I made arrangements on this trip to bring Stefano Corazza, second son of Alessandro, and Gianni Berdim, son of Rodolfo, Berdini, to my home in Tampa to attend Florida College. Brother Harold Fite of Katy, Texas, made arrangements for Atonella Berdini, Gianni’s sister, to also come to the States to attend Florida College. Because of our common responsibility and interest in these five young Italians we had a close personal relationship and had frequent communications with each other.

In 1980 brother Truman Smith and I again visited Italy, Switzerland and Germany to encourage the brethren in these countries and to preach the gospel. On several occasions while in the home of brother and sister Cogdill, the Italian work would be the topic of discusson. Since his last trip to Italy he frequently expressed to me his longing to go back, but his health would never permit him to return. His work still lives in Italy in the labors of those whom he influenced by his preaching and writing.

Roy Cogdill’s Personal Influence Upon My Life

In my sincere judgment Roy E. Cogdill was one of the greatest preachers of this century. He possessed many of the distinguishing qualities of the apostle Paul. I loved him and appreciated him as a preacher for the following reasons:

First, he spoke boldly as he ought to speak (Eph. 6.20). He used great plainness of speech (2 Cor. 3:12). He spoke d6not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4). He preached the word, in season and out of !eason (2 Tim. 4:2). Roy Cogdill did not speak with tongue in cheek, nor did he evade addressing an issue because it was unpopular. I do not have to tell you that if you knew him. He did not intend to hurt anyone, but he would not spare anyone, friend or foe, if the faith was under consideration. I like that, and I found strength and encouragement from him during the days of the bitter conflicts over institutionalism, liberalism and materialism.

Second, Roy E. Cogdill was set for the defense of the gospel any time any where (Phil. 1:17). He believed in the verbally inspired word of God; he believed it was complete, adequate and final as delivered to the saints (Jude 3). He believed all authority, absolute and complete, was in Jesus Christ. He met any opponent of the faith on the polemic platform whenever the occasion arose, and there was never a doubt in the honest heart of his capable defense of the faith once delivered.

Third, Roy Cogdill had no tolerancefor compromise with truth. Many men during the late forties through the seventies compromised the truth for the sake of popularity, money, the choice preaching jobs, and other considerations that caused some of his best friends of long standing to turn against him. This grieved him much, and on occasions he wept because they had left the truth and had turned from him. But there was not an ounce of compromise with truth for any consideration. I loved him for this characteristic.

Fourth, Roy Cogdill spent most of his life studying the Sacred Writings from God. He knew the Scriptures well. He studied thoroughly and in depth. I have a number of recorded sermons and lectures on tape which he gave to me on two occasions when I was in his home a few years ago. I have obtained others over the past 15 years from other sources. I have a number of his books and booklets which I have read with profit. All of these show depth in the study of the word of God. He had the best general understanding of the church, its nature, organization and function of any man I have known.

Now he has finished his course. He has fought a good flight, and he has kept the faith; henceforth, there is laid up for him that crown of righteousness which the Lord has promised at that day, and to all of us who imitate this pattern of the New Testament servant (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

On Saturday, April 20th, before his 78th birthday my wife and I visited in the home of brother and sister Cogdill. I, of course, did not know that it would be the last time I would see him in this life. He was not able to get out of the bed, but we enjoyed a good visit with him. Upon this occasion he talked briefly of his trip to Italy and of his baptizing Patrizia.

Before we left I went back to his bedroom and told him of my appreciation for all his work in the kingdom, for his defense of the faith through the years, and for all that he had done for me. I told him that his writings and his influence would continue to teach thousands after he was called from this life. He spoke some warm and encouraging things to me, and I prayed with him and gave thanks to God for his work as a minister of Christ for over 60 years, and for his influence upon my life for good. He wept as I kissed his cheek and wished him a happy birthday. My life has been blessed because Roy E. Cogdill lived.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psa. 116:15).

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works follow them” (Rev. 14:13).

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 14, pp. 425-426, 436
July 18, 1985

By David E. Pratte

Let me tell you about a book you must read. If you are a parent with children in public schools, you must read this book! If you someday will be a parent with children in Public schools, you must read this book I If you have grandchildren or any children whom you love and who are in public schools, you must read this book! If you are an elder, preacher, or teacher in a congregation that has children who attend public schools, you must read this book! If you are concerned about why so many young people who are raised by Christians end up rejecting the faith, you must read this book!

What does this book contain? It is official testimony from parents and teachers who testified to the U.S. Department of Education in official hearings held all across the U.S.A. in March of 1984. This book thoroughly documents the reasons for the problems that exist in public schools, and one major reason why so many Christian parents have so many problems with their. children during their school years. The boo4 proves beyond question that the handful of preachers and parents who have been warning people about the dangers in many public schools, were not “crying wolf” when there was no wolf.

Jesus said, “It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true” (Jn. 8:17). And, “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Cor. 13:1). This book contains the personal, first-hand, eyewitness testimony of 108 parents and teachers about problems in the schools. Clearly the Bible recognizes this as a valid way of determining the truth with regard to historical facts. If so, then this book unquestionably proves the following to be facts:

(1) It is as fact that many schools lead our children to believe it is morally acceptable to practice premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, divorce, and prostitution and to read pornography.

(2) It is a fact that many schools lead our children to believe it is morally acceptable to practice abortion, mercy killing, and suicide.

(3) It is a fact that many schools teach our children that it is morally acceptable to enjoy the “moderate” use of alcohol and drugs.

(4) It is a fact that many schools use texts and assigned reading that are full of profanity, sexual suggestiveness, violence, and filth.

(5) It is a fact that many schools encourage our children to believe in or experiment with the occult, Transcendental Meditation, Yoga, and Oriental religions.

(6) It is a fact that many schools lead our children to believe in evolution and reject creation.

(7) It is a fact that many schools use Behavioral Modification and other psychological brainwashing techniques to lead our children to reject the beliefs taught them by their parents and by the Bible.

(8) It is a fact that many schools use “Values Clarification” and similar values education methods to lead our children to believe in situation ethics.

(9) It is a fact that many schools use teaching methods that alienate children from their parents, that teach anti-biblical concepts about parenting, and that teach anti-biblical concepts about family roles.

(10) It is a fact that many schools lead our children to accept all the tenets of Secular Humanism, while at the same time discouraging faith in God, Christ, and the Bible!

No, we do not claim that all students in all schools face all these problems. But many students in many schools do face them. And many schools cover it up so parents will not find out about it. And many students will not tell their parents because they fear their teachers and peer pressure. Do you know what is being taught your child?

What book is this? It is Child Abuse in the Classroom. It is edited by Phyllis Schafley, but 99 and 9/10 per cent of it is verbatim testimony of witnesses without comment from anyone. I urge you to borrow it from a library or order it from Guardian of Truth Bookstore.

This book is the proverbial “bombshell.” It is dynamite! It will motivate you to find out what’s going on in your child’s school and do what you can to make sure it’s good for your child. You must read this book! You absolutely, positively must!

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 13, p. 408
July 4, 1985