"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth'' -- Proverbs 10:4

Sometimes, having trouble answering a question reveals a lot about a man.

 When asked what he found most trying about his job as facilities manager at Heritage Baptist Church, Clair Morehead paused for about 10 seconds before saying, ``the feeling I'm not getting everything done.''

The comment sums up Clair's character, his devotion to the Lord and to the Heritage Family. For the last 32 years, Clair has worked to maintain God's House.  For 18 of those years, he had a full-time teaching job and still managed this seven-day-a-week occupation in a part-time capacity, keeping the Lord's House pristine.  Now in his "retirement" he tackles a variety of tasks as HBC's full-time facilities manager. 
(Photo right: Clair drives the tractor for HBC's Fall Fun Fest hay ride)

Heritage members may not think twice about the tiled hallways and carpeted sanctuary they walk on, or light bulbs that illuminate the church, or the manicured lawn. Those represent a sliver of the many responsibilities of the former school teacher.

``It's extremely rewarding,'' Clair said. ``I'm able to take care of God's House, where I worship and so many friends worship. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity.''

Clair is the go-to guy when it comes to ensuring activities including weddings and church dinners go off without a hitch. His job isn't without risk. In setting up for the Living Nativity, Clair uses a 24-foot extension ladder and shimmies up a tree behind the stable to deposit the star that lights the way for the three wise men.
(Photo left: Clair fills grocery bags with food items for HBC's Food Pantry)

Sweeping, mopping, trash disposal, painting, construction, and setting up for special events are part of Clair's job description. And don't forget about those light bulbs hanging high in the chandeliers above the sanctuary. Those need changed out periodically as well. While Clair wouldn't hesitate to scramble up a ladder or set up scaffolding to handle the task, a mechanism that lowers the lamps to the floor gives him easy access to swap out the light bulbs.

He's part zoo keeper as well. Throughout various rooms in the church (but noticeably missing from Rev. Henry Green's office) you'll find Clair's pets: a four-foot California King snake; a Ball, or Royal, python; four lizards; an African Pigmy hedgehog; two turtles, various fish, and some frogs.  This menagerie reflects not only his love of animals, but also his expertise in this field.  Clair taught biological science at Annapolis Middle School for 30 years before retiring in 1992.   
(Photo right: Clair teaches HBC kids and Heritage Learning Center students about a variety of animals...including snakes!) 

There have been low points for Clair as well as the rest of the church. Vandals once spray-painted the roof of the sanctuary, the brick on the outside of the church, and the church bus. Theft rings have also stolen a John Deere tractor as well as sound equipment from inside the sanctuary.

Through it all, Clair kept a positive attitude, knowing his work makes a difference. Even when the workload becomes heavier than usual, Clair just puts his head down and bears it.

"Sally says I need to learn to accept help,'' Clair said, referring to his wife. ``You like to help people, but you need to learn to accept help too.''
(Photo left: Clair and wife Sally, who serves as HBC Church Secretary)

"I don't know what we would do without Clair Morehead," said Rev. Henry Green.  "Countless folks have been blessed by his work, yet he does it all with a quiet sense of grace.  He is an inspiration."

Clair's work around the church is itself a beacon, emanating a sound work ethic and the spirit of Christianity. It may amaze some that he values his job because it opens doors to help others in need. It's not infrequent, he said, for someone to have a bad battery in their vehicle and in need of a jump. ``I'm glad to be available to do that,'' he said.

Such a drive to serve the Lord and the Heritage family is deeply seated in Clair's soul.
"I have no intention of retiring,'' Clair said. ``If they want me to retire, they're going to have kick me out.''
Obviously, Clair has a sense of humor too.

(Church members -- The next time you see Clair, thank him from the bottom of your heart, pat him on the back or give him a hug.)

This Heritage Spotlight was written by Vince Golle for publication on the web site of Heritage Baptist Church.  For reproduction or usage of this article or any accompanying photos, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it