Editor, Gazette-Journal:

In early spring this year, our church embarked on a project of building a columbarium. Its location beside the court circle drew many questions and comments, mostly positive. Now that it has been almost completed, we would like to give public thanks and acknowledgment to the brick "artisan" who made it possible.

Joel Emerson spent about three months doing the brick work which involved many hours in the hot summer sun. To say that he did a fantastic job is an understatement. Joel is not just a bricklayer. He puts his God-given talents to use in special ways as evidenced not just by his work, but by his refusal to accept any payment for his work, saying that he did it, not for our church or its members, but for the Lord.

Our committee members were totally speechless when he told us of this gift! We laughed, we cried, but mostly we thanked God for this man’s generosity.

Joel, our friend, we cannot adequately express our undying gratitude for your a...