A Great Man Has Fallen
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Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Friend to Friend
A Great Man Has Fallen
by Phil Sanders
On May 14 at 8:04 am, at the age of 92, Hugo
McCord, a beloved teacher and preacher of the
gospel passed from this life to be with the Lord.
Though he had a doctorate degree, he never allowed
his students to call him doctor, because he
believed the principles taught in Matthew 23:7-10.
I remember in chapel one day, brother McCord
quoted John 6 in its entirety - all 70 verses from
no known English version. He was quoting from his
knowledge of the Greek text, translating as he
went. The Bible he held in his hand was actually
upside down and opened to the wrong place.
Quietly, confidently, deliberately, and reverently
he quoted every verse.
Brother McCord will perhaps best be known for his
translation of the New Testament, "The Everlasting
Gospel" (the FHV, named after Freed-Hardeman
University, his alma mater and publisher). In
addition to the New Testament, this fourth edition
includes Genesis, Psalms and Proverbs. The
translation notes at the end of the volume are
exceptional, a treasure in their own right.
Students learned best from brother McCord by
asking him questions and listening to his answers.
He was a master at word studies. His mind was
exceptionally sharp, molded by hours and hours of
study. He arose each morning at four to linger
over the text and pray. Brother McCord was a
highly disciplined student. He bought the truth at
great price.
When he was young a bee stung him in the throat;
this gave him an unusual voice. Coupled with his
thick Mississippi accent, Hugo McCord was one of a
kind in voice and often imitated. He knew how to
put words together in expressive yet precise ways
to say just what he wished.
His thorough knowledge did not lift his heart with
pride. He was humble and contemplative. He gave
great reverence to God and his word. Though
usually the most knowledgeable man in the room,
brother McCord never let his knowledge go to his
head. He did not berate others or browbeat them
for ignorance. He gently, as a man of God,
corrected (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Hugo McCord had the purest soul of any living man
I ever knew. No one could doubt his devotion to
truth or righteousness. He took much heat over his
translation of John 3:16 ("his unique Son" for his
only begotten Son). But brother McCord did not
give an inch for a moment. He would be true to his
God rather than yield to the pressure of well-
meaning brethren. He was honest with the text,
whatever the cost. His loyalty was first, last,
and always to God and to Scripture. He swore to
his own hurt and would not take it back (Psalm
15).
I thank God for his memory and for the many
lessons I learned from him. As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
God gives us others, and they are great gifts! By
brethren our lives are shaped and molded for
service. How poor we should be without them.
Say thanks to a friend who has influenced you; you
may not have him long.
with kind thoughts and love, Phil Sanders.
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