Judson’s Dime

Warren E. Berkley

Judson Woodbridge was one of my mentors. For a few years in the 1970’s, we lived in the same neighborhood and were both involved in the work at the Mulvane church of Christ (Kansas). When there were gospel meetings in the area we would attend together. And we would often meet with other preachers for coffee or breakfast. Especially if visiting preachers were in the area, these get-togethers would be arranged.

Judson always made sure he had a dime with him!

On a couple of occasions, my curiosity about Judson’s dime was answered. Conversations with preachers might take a particular turn, where gossip or accusations would be made against a preacher who was not present. Judson had a very bold way of responding. He took his dime from his pocket, slide the dime across the table to the man making the charges and Judson would say: “Let’s go call bro. ________ right now and talk to him about this. Let’s let him respond.” {This was before cell phones, in that era when a pay phone would place a call for a dime.}

Nobody ever accepted Judson’s offer. There would be some excuse, or the accuser would back down from his accusation. In later years, when Judson began to decline in health, I would go to these gatherings without him. One time I visited with Judson before going to one of these. Before I walked out the door he called me back, and gave me a dime. “You might need this,” he said.

“Do not testify against your neighbor without case, or use your lips to deceive,” (Prov. 24:28).