Skip to main content
NewsWith the Lord

Frank R. Chittock, Former Pastor

By September 9, 2011June 17th, 2014No Comments

Pastor Frank R. Chittock

MULBERRY, Fla.—Frank R. Chittock, a retired pastor, died on Aug. 22. He was 84. Frank came to faith in Christ at 26 and received formal Bible training at Baptist Bible Seminary, Johnson City, N.Y., and Trinity Theological Seminary, Newburgh, Ind. He married Norma Cook on Nov. 7, 1947. Together they served in seven pastorates: Bible Baptist, Girard, Ohio; Vienna Baptist, Vienna, Ohio; First Baptist, Princeton, Ind.; Saylorville Baptist, Des Moines, Iowa; Calvary Baptist, Cresaptown, Md.; Shepherd Road Baptist, Mulberry, Fla.; and Fellowship Baptist, Lorain, Ohio.

While in Mulberry, Fla., Frank served at Spurgeon Baptist Bible College as the director of development and taught pastoral theology classes.

The Chittocks retired to Mulberry, Fla., and attended Heritage Baptist Church, Lakeland, where both were active members. Bob Fischer, family ministries pastor at Heritage Baptist, says, “It is interesting how many people Frank’s life touched that you just never heard about.” Although in his 80s, Pastor Chittock published a monthly newsletter for the seniors in his church. He substituted in one of the church’s ABF classes and filled in to preach on Wednesday nights whenever asked. Every Sunday night, he and Norma went to the Florida Presbyterian Homes in Lakeland to minister. Pastor Fischer says he got a call from someone at the homes when the residents learned about Pastor Chittock’s Homegoing. “They were just overwhelmed,” he says. “The lady made the comment, ‘Who will ever fill Frank’s shoes? He had such a dynamic impact upon the lives of these seniors. They loved him. He was faithfully here teaching every Sunday night and spent time caring for their needs and loving them.’ ”

Frank Chittock encouraged more than just seniors and his fellow church members. He wrote to a man in prison who, when he heard of Frank’s death, said, “Frank writes me every week and shares with me portions of Scripture, how I can change, and how the Bible can help me to be a new creation in Jesus Christ. What will I do without him writing me and helping me?” Pastor Fischer says, “Frank was always looking for opportunities to encourage people, to help people, to lift them up, and provide for them. He was active to the end—a great man who finished well.”

Frank Chittock was preceded in death by his parents, Frank L. and Ida Chittock and a sister, Mary Leonard. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 64 years, Norma; one son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and LuAnn; three grandsons, Daniel, Andrew, and John; and a great-grandson, Owen.

Leave a Reply