Many years ago, on 4422 West Leon Terrance, before an evening event started, Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., told the congregation from the pulpit, “He was right there…telling me the time.”
Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr.
“I spoke to him a lot while I was on the Altar Guild. He was a good deacon and always willing to help you with any questions.”
Ms. Marilyn Jude
Those who knew Deacon Croft knew he was a dedicated Deacon who upheld his role as a deacon in and outside the home. He was also an honorable husband to Sister Mildred Croft and a fun father. He kept the role of a Deacon from the Scriptures true to his heart.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1st Timothy 3: 8-13
Sadly, he passed on Holy Thursday, April 2. His homegoing celebration will be today, Good Friday, May 5th, at 7750 North 60th Street. The family hour begins at 5:00 pm, and service starts promptly at 6 pm.
Deacon Derias Croft has been a Christ The King Baptist Church member since April 9th,1985, at the official organizational meeting. The first worship service was on Sunday, April 21st, 1985. He was one of the thirty-nine members at the first worship service at Christ The King Baptist Church located at the Vel Phillips Center on 21st Street.
Deacon Croft continued to stay with the church. On July 3rd, 1996, when Christ The King Baptist Church took residency at 4422 West Leon Terrace, Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., issued a two-year liquidation plan and burned its mortgage; Deacon Croft also participated in burning the mortgage on December 2nd, 1990.
Finally, Deacon Croft also helped burn the mortgage at 7750 N. 60th Street issued by Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr. Deacon Croft was not only a financial giver but also gave his time and talents on the Deacon Board, in the Male chorus, and in All The Kings Men. Upon his condition, he became an emeritus Deacon.
Please keep his friend, close spiritual brother & Pastor, John Wesley McVicker, Sr., and wife Sister Marilynn, in your prayers, along with the late Deacon Croft’s wife, Sister Mildred Croft, children, grandchildren, the Deacon Board, and all family members, Christ The King, and the Croft family in your prayers.
Reporter Jude 