Harold E. Kohn was from Michigan. I still lived in my native Ohio when I discovered him. He was a fellow pastor, writer, lover of nature and Michigander. Once a year the Public Library of Mt. Vernon, Ohio had a generous sale to rid themselves of their discarded books. It was a bit of an annual holiday for me.
Had it not been for Dorothy Hall I might never have met Mr. Kohn. Dorothy read every word of the Mt. Vernon News from the masthead to the most obscure classified add. She knew I loved books. When notice of the annual library sale hit the paper I could count on Dorothy clipping it for me.
At one of the annual sales I met Mr. Kohn…I discovered one of his books that is. He is no longer living. Sorting through the stacks I happened across a collection of his essays, “Thoughts Afield.” I was delighted to discover that “Thoughts Afield” was a collection of nature essays set in rural northern Michigan. It was written by a pastor. The book was generously illustrated by his own original artwork. If I remember right I added it to my personal library for a quarter.
Considering creation is important. It is something we should do every day. And we should look beyond creation to the Creator. In the first part of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans he describes the downward spiral of people who turn away from God. He writes that they exchange the truth of God for a lie and worship and serve the created thing rather than the creator. The wisdom literature of the Old Testament instructs young people to remember their Creator in the day of their youth. When Paul spoke on Mars Hill in Athens he spoke of the Creator God and said, “He created all things…and in him we live, and move, and have our being.” When the New Testament reaches its dramatic climax in the Revelation of Jesus Christ the occupants of heaven are declaring the worthiness of Christ, among other things, because of his Creation. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:11 KJV) When I can’t get afield myself Harold E. Kohn’s essays help me ponder the wonders of creation.
Now I have another of his books to enjoy. When I turn the little volume over in my hand and admire it, I wonder if anyone will ever consider it a day well spent because they discovered a copy of one of my books in a used bookstore. Sometimes when the fire burns low in the evening I think about things like that. It makes me want to get to writing worthwhile things.
If you ever pray for me, pray that I will write things worth publishing. I would to get things into a form and venue that will survive me. All my life I want to write things that encourage and inspire and convict others. When I am gone I love the thought of someone I have never met discovering the beauty of Michigan and the wonder of Christ in my writing.
Ken Pierpont
Riverfront Character Inn
Flint, Michigan
July 18, 2005
Books by Harold E. Kohn include:
Books I have:
Adventures in Insight
Thoughts Afield
Books I am looking for:
Best Wishes for Common Days and Special Days
Evergreen Things
Feeling Low?
In Unexpected Places
Nearby
Pathways to Understanding
Seeing Stars
Small Wonders
The Tinsel and the Hay
Through the Valley
Where Heaven and Earth Meet
UPDATE: Today I receive a copy of Best Wishes as a gift from Nancy in New Mexico. She saw she had a book I wanted to add to my collection as was kind enough to send it to me as a gift. Nancy, if you read this, send me your address and I will send you a free copy of Sunset on Summer.
I am a librarian in NM and was cleaningout my new (old)library and came across Mr. Kohn’s book Thoughts Afield. I almost put it the discard pile and then decided to start reading it. I am really enjoying the book. Then I found something even more interesting, a hand written poem/prayer by Mr. Kohn. I read one passage everyday to remind me of how I spend my time.
Lord of the timeless waters
That were here before man was here
Grant me unhurried calm
Let not the busy beating of the seconds
quicken the tempo of my living
so that I become more of a clock
than a man
Let no awareness of swiftly passing moments
make me forgettable of everlasting thins
and the Everlasting One
That is a treasure, Kim. I’ve had some contact with some of Mr. Kohn’s family. They seem like good folk. I love reading his books.
Have you read Harold’s book, “Reflections”? I notice you did not have it on your list.
I am a collector of W. Phillip Keller’s books. You would love his books, too!!
Gail
A Touch of Greatness is a wonderful read. Harold puts things into a wonderful perspective and the woodcuts add to the treasure of this book. I found the book in my basement and started to read it. It is a treasure and an enjoyable to read. It will bless you!
It was his book “A Touch of Greatness” that first caught my attention. Marvelous. In 2001 I was in Petoskey MI looking for a desk for the church office. I was talking with a man there who was from Charlevoix. I mentioned our author friend and asked if he had ever heard of him. He smiled, “Yes, I married his daughter.” A delightful conversation about this fine author followed.
Mike–That is a great story. Thanks for taking time to connect. Where do you pastor?
I have many of Mr. Kohns books. I as well found my first Thoughts Afield at a garage sale. I think I have most of them now , from other sales and eBay.
I read and re read. Love.