LYNCHBURG, Va. — It is what it is.
That favorite phrase of Eddie Stratton, who retires Dec. 31 as treasurer of the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, took on new meaning at an Oct. 8 celebration as Mission Board members grappled with the approaching end of his 12-year tenure.
Stratton was praised for both his financial acumen and sensitivity to ministry at the celebration, held during the fall meeting of the Mission Board at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center — one of several BGAV institutions which have thrived under his leadership.
Eddie Stratton points out a room at Eagle Eyrie's Voight Conference Center renovated in his honor. (VBMB photo by Nathan White)
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“Eddie seems to have 20/20 vision for creative possibilities to be the best possible steward of the Lord’s treasury,” said BGAV president Carl Johnson. “He’s always several moves ahead, always thinking about tomorrow.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to evaluate a treasurer when things are running smooth,” Johnson said. “The real test comes when there are tough times. That’s when Eddie has been at his best.”
“You have demonstrated you are a dedicated Christian with a servant’s heart,” said Jeff Bloomer, who has worked closely with Stratton as chair of the Mission Board’s support services committee. “You’re always looking for the most effective way to advance the Redeemer’s kingdom. You’ve managed our resources, however limited, to a new level.
“We will remember your famous quote. We recognize you’re leaving us and we recognize — it is what it is,” said Bloomer.
BGAV executive director John Upton recalled the grim days after Sept. 11, 2001, when, having just assumed his new role, Upton faced the sudden death of former treasurer Nat Kellum as the country was reeling from unprecedented terrorist attacks.
“Things were falling apart, the country was in disarray,” said Upton. Stratton brought new hope, he added.
“I don’t think I have ever trusted anyone as much as I trust you,” Upton told Stratton. “You’re always speaking truth even when you disagree with me and you have always been there. Thank you for your friendship, your honesty and the great work you’ve done in being transparent to Virginia Baptists. Thank you for keeping trust with the Virginia Baptist family.”
In recognition of those contributions — including his efforts to improve both Eagle Eyrie and Camp Piankatank — contributions from Baptists across the state were collected to renovate and furnish one of the rooms at Eagle Eyrie’s Voight Conference Center, the first of an anticipated renovation of the building.
Rod Miller, Eagle Eyrie’s director, said a plaque will hang by the door of the room, a reminder of what Stratton has “accomplished at Piankatank and Eagle Eyrie.”
The Oct. 8 celebration featured a piano duet by Waynesboro, Va., musicians Ken and Margaret Denton, longtime friends of Stratton, and a video featuring congratulations from Virginia Baptist leaders and from staff at Eagle Eyrie.
Stratton will continue after Dec. 31 as the Mission Board’s chief development officer, overseeing its endowment, which was created during his tenure.
Robert Dilday ([email protected]) is managing editor of the Religious Herald.