By By LYDIA GRIMES Features writer
He's a man of few words, but David L. Crook has certainly earned the respect of the members of First United Methodist Church of Brewton who express more than enough words about him.
Crook has been working at the church for the past 25 years and his work has not gone unnoticed by church members. They speak very highly of his character and his dedication to the work he does as custodian.
She is referring to the food pantry that operates out of the church and supplies food to those in need.
The office and volunteer staff at the church share the same sentiments as Hammond. As a group, they all got together and got to talking about what a great man Crook was.
Everyone agreed that nobody knows the church better than Crook-who knows it inside and out. Some even said there seemed to be a special connection between him and the church.
When something needs to be fixed at the church, he finds it and fixes it. However, his service does not stop at the church doors, some added. He is always willing to help members of the congregation, whether it be changing light bulbs for some of the older members or moving entire households to another home, he is always pleasant and accommodating.
His demeanor is always cool and calm and is considered not only an employee of the church but a member of the church family as well. All staff members concur that the church wouldn't be the same without him.
Church treasurer Gene Endfinger also had some very kind words to say about David.
Crook, one of several children, was born in Brewton. He attended Oak Grove School on Pea Ridge and after integration he attended W.S. Neal School. He participated in sporst, including basketball and track, and said he was an average student. He graduated from high school in 1973, and while he had an opportunity to attend college, he told his mother that college was not for everybody.
Crook worked with a crew of others who made sure the courthouse was clean and the floors were kept up. While he was working there he made the acquaintance of James Hart who helped him get the job at the church. He continued working at both places and retired from the courthouse after working there for 25 years. He has now also been at the church for the past 25 years. He is not planning on retirement just yet but the church has presented him with a plaque for reaching the milestone. According to him, most of his work is done outside on the grounds, but that doesn't stop him from helping inside the building.
Crook is married and has two children and four grandchildren.