Sue Traughber Chalk

In my early years at David Lipscomb College beginning in 1956, two of my brightest students and most supportive individuals were twins: Sarah and Sue Traughber. These two young women "set the standard" for my classes, which consisted of approximately 150 students. Sarah and Sue always made 98 or 99--they were clearly at the top of the class.

In time, Sarah married Cliett Goodpasture, the son of B. C. Goodpasture, who was the editor of the Gospel Advocate. Cliett was a co-teacher at David Lipscomb College. In those days, we did many things together.

Also in time, Sue married John Allen Chalk. They bore two children: a son and a daughter. In the 1960s, John Allen became the pulpit preacher of the Highland Church of Christ and a speaker of the national program called the Herald of Truth.

John Allen Chalk did a wonderful work to help transform the Highland Church.
1. He taught a powerful series on Romans, showing all the people that God saves us by grace through faith, not by good works. In the 1960s, this was a "fresh, new teaching," which changed the church--and the entire brotherhood--for the good of the future.
2. He taught a powerful series on the Herald Truth about three revolutions: about sex, power, and race. These were also "fresh, new teachings," which eventually helped change the views of the church--and the brotherhood--about attitudes and actions about people from different backgrounds, cultures, and races.

All the while, Sue remained strong and supportive in these difficult times. Much criticism arose over these issues, and John Allen and Sue decided it was best to turn to law, and they have done a tremendous work there.

As often happens, there are people who are many years ahead of the nation and the church, and the masses rebuke, condemn, and criticize such people. But in time, the masses ultimately realize that these people are correct, and thus they change. This is the way life works.

It has been a great pleasure and honor to work with Sue and John Allen through many years. I hope YOU know these people, and their great efforts and good examples. We need many more people like them.

Share YOUR thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis