It has been my great privilege to be
associated with Brother Spencer since March, 1965, and to know him as: Bible School President; Bible School Teacher; Mentor;
Pastor; Father in the Faith; and Friend. In order to render due weight, I have deliberately reserved the category, which is
perhaps the most important and poignant of all. I have known Brother Carlton Spencer in all of these role models, but the
greatest of all, I have known him as an Example! More than any Man of God whom I have been privileged to know, I have
seen in Brother Carlton's life, a lofty degree of Principle, Integrity, and Character!
Brother Warren and I consider it to
be perhaps the greatest honor ever bestowed upon either of us, being the occasion when, in July, 2007, at age 93, Brother
Carlton so gladly and willingly came to Attica, New York. He was accompanied by Bernard and Sharon Evans, and Ben Dodzweit;
the purpose of his visit being to dedicate and consecrate the newly re-opened Attica Center Baptist Church, under the Pastorate
of Warren Dayton, then a recent graduate of Elim Bible Institute. The Charge was delivered most eloquently by Brother Spencer
during the worship service, which was greatly witnessed unto by the presence of the Holy Spirit. What followed was the setting-in
as Pastor of Warren Dayton, through the laying on of hands and prophetic confirmation by the presbytery, with Brother Carlton,
presiding.
We esteem it a great privilege and
honor also that our Beloved Brother Spencer has in recent years been willing to identify himself with us as our Senior Elder,
Spiritual Advisor, and “Father in the Faith;" especially has this been true since July of 2007. This remarkable modern-day
Apostle has “fought a good fight;” he has “finished his course;” he has “kept the faith;”
and he has received his “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7,8).
This tribute shall be expanded
as soon as we are able to do so. At present, please read his profile below, as it has appeared previously upon our website:
BROTHER CARLTON'S PROFILE:
Our beloved friend and Father, Dr. Carlton Spencer, and his beloved wife, Lady Margaret, now reside in central
Florida, where they remain actively engaged in the Lord’s service. He stands as a Patriarch in the Body of Christ. His
name is known and loved the world over. His entire life has been spent in the glad service of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother
Carlton did not learn about “Revival” and “Divine Visitation” in a book; rather, he was born
into that dimension! As the eldest son of Ivan Q. and Minnie Spencer, founders of Elim Bible Institute in 1924, he was called
and apprehended of God at a very early age. From earliest childhood, his life was being molded and formed into the vessel,
which was destined to stand as a sentinel, watchman, and overseer in the Body of Christ. This calling he has most faithfully
served from the early 1930’s until this present hour, in a truly humble and self-sacrificing manner.
While
it is true that Brother Carlton would rather serve quietly, than be thrust into the “lime-light;” during most
of his life, by necessity of his God-ordained Office, it has indeed been impossible for him to escape the rigors of a public
life. Amazingly, he remains untarnished; having escaped the negative influences of the same.
During
his thirty years as President of Elim Bible Institute, and ever since that time, Brother Carlton has done his very utmost
to impart to students, pastors, missionaries, and the Body of Christ at large, the great importance of “Divine Principles”
in the life of the Believer.
Few Christian
leaders have lived a more exemplary and unselfish life in the Gospel than has he. It has been his practice to teach, not only
by word and instruction (and an able teacher he is, indeed), but also by living as an open epistle, “known and read
of all men.” By a strong sense of self-discipline, and walking very circumspectly, with stature and excellence in Christ;
he has been able to teach very effectively, by the vehicle of “example!” By this means, he has very skillfully
wrought in many and varied ways, into the lives of his students, a hunger and determination to “be like Jesus.”
As a wise father, he is quick in his teaching and example, to portray and expound upon those life-situations and experiences,
conducive to the leading of his spiritual children into the “Christ-Life,” with its attendant elements of righteous
principles and holiness. Such are to be integrated into every facet of one’s life; even its routine and mundane experiences.
Such an approach reflects clearly, Christian orthodoxy at its highest and best; affording indeed, a straight and unencumbered
pathway into the “Overcoming Life.”
One cannot
remain for very long, under the tutelage of Brother Spencer, without experiencing a change for the better, in every area.
It has often been said that a spirit of “divine excellence” accompanies and follows his ministry; somehow bringing
forth the same quality in those under his guidance. Not surprisingly, this condition is most often brought to bear via the
implementation, in such persons, of what is generally known to be: “The Dealings of God.” Of course, this is a
very proper and Scriptural term, depicting our Lord and His Word, as the “Refiner;” “Fuller;” “Sword;”
“Fire;” “Hammer;” “Threshing floor;” “Winepress;” “Millstone;”
etc.; as well as: “The Author and Finisher of our Faith.”
Brother
Carlton’s ministry has carried him to the nations as an Apostle, to “set in order;” teach and impart New
Testament Church order and government; and to encourage and edify the Brethren. This he has been able to do most effectively;
in part, because of the great love and respect held for him by so many! Truly, many acknowledge and claim this venerable Patriarch
as their “Dad in the Faith.” Many who have known him for half a century and longer, attest to his keen ability
to undergird, strengthen, heal, restore, and repair; and to (as if by some “proverbial super-glue”), hold things
together! To employ a familiar, Southern colloquialism: “No brag…just fact!” In conclusion, what perhaps
most accurately portrays the heart and soul of Brother Carlton, is the reference to the “…pillar in the
Temple of my God…,” spoken of in Revelation 3:12.
