Charles Hefner Bond 1915-1996
Categories: Minister / Pastor, The Sabbath Recorder Obituary
"The Sabbath Recorder", Vol 218, No 4, p 22, Apr., 1996.
Pastor, husband, father, friend! The Rev. Charles H. Bond, 80, beloved husband of Margaret (Skaggs) Bond and Pastor Emeritus of the Shiloh, N. J., Seventh Day Baptist Church, passed into Glory on February 19, 1996.
He has left a legacy of active, involved family members in the Shiloh church. His wife of 56 years, Margaret S.; three sons, Ronald R., Philip S., and Timothy L. Bond; daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren attest to his guiding influence and abundant love. A sister, Mary (Bond) Skaggs of Milton, Wis., also survives Charles and, along with his immediate family, shares in the joys of his life and the sorrow of his passing.
Charles was born on July 22, 1915, on Canoe Run, Lewis County, near Roanoke, W. Va. A pleasant interlude for pastor Bond during 1995 was the opportunity to revisit his beloved West Virginia. He was able to attend part of the 1995 General Conference proceedings and to visit the area of his birth.
His sense of humor was well known and in many ways was used as supportive encouragement to others in difficult times. For example, he was one of eight children born to Charles A. and Maud H. Bond. The siblings consisted of six boys and two girls; however, his introductory comments about his family would often include the statement that, “There were six boys and each boy had two sisters.”
Charles’ active pursuit of knowledge and support of education continued all his life. He graduated from Salem College in Salem, W. Va., and from the Alfred University School of Theology in Alfred, N. Y. Although these studies were important in his preparation for the ministry, they were but building blocks to his solid foundation and lifetime of study and growth for his Lord.
His many years of pastoring included pastorates in Hebron, Pa.; Little Genesee, N. Y.; Westerly, R. I., and Shiloh. In addition to these “primary” roles, he assisted in many areas of service throughout the denomination with a vigorous and productive ministry. He was an early participant in the radio ministry with programs in New York State, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Pastor Bond was sought out for many preaching missions across the United States. He was also part of a mission team that spent three weeks in Jamaica for a series of special meetings and support.
An outstanding speaker and a responsive servant of the Lord, he was continually in demand by many of our Sunday-keeping brothers. Churches of various denominations invited him to supply pulpit and to provide other related duties for their parishes. In this regard, he served several as “interim” pastor and was a repeat-performer for many who loved him for his Christian service. He was president of the Bridgeton, N. J., Ministerial Association and served the local hospital as chaplain.
Charles initiated the “lighting of candles” during the Advent season and thereby gained additional renown as “Candle Charlie.” His sincerity and insight into the beauty and deep meaning associated with this practice have added to a richer understanding for many. His legacy continues to provide positive dividends for those churches and communities where he served.
The local West District churches, largely through his influence, held combined Hymn-Sings and jointly sponsor a Basketball League for our youth. This includes Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Nazarenes, and other independent church groups who share their love of the Lord while providing a needed release for the competitive spirit of our youth through basketball. Pastor Bond’s grandchildren are actively involved with the league, both as players and as coaches.
Charles’ own athletic ability was an asset throughout his ministry. He played tennis – most specifically with the late Roger Burdick, with whom he played many times during the weeks of General Conference. He bowled with the youth and in a local church bowling league, and his healthy approach to life inspired many young people to participate in similar wholesome sports.
His ministry was enhanced by his drive and enthusiasm for youth and the need for camping programs. Through his 40-some years of camping experience, he was instrumental in enhancing – and in some cases inaugurating – camping programs in Camp Potato, Lewis Camp, and Jersey Oaks. Because of his special influence and direct involvement, the main lodge at Jersey Oaks Camp has been dedicated to his memory in honor of his love and devotion to camping.
His wisdom and understanding led him to champion building projects in each of his areas of pastoring. A community center in Little Genesee, as well as Jersey Oaks Camp and a beautiful Fellowship Hall for the Shiloh church, attest to his ability to dream and to implement those dreams to reality.
Pastor Bond always loved music. Although not known for his solo work, he did not hesitate to sing out with his vigorous baritone voice. His more recent melodies were shared with his wife, Margaret, and often took this course of refrain: “Oh, what a beautiful morning; oh, what a wonderful day – where are we going for breakfast?” Obviously music and eating were both areas of interest close to his heart!
Other areas of active ministry that help define the character of this Christian warrior relate to his open friendliness, again influenced by his enjoyable sense of humor. With such an outlook, he helped provide an igniting spark for several young persons who eventually responded to a call to the ministry.
An encourager, a mentor, a teacher, but always a friend. Yes, he served his denomination well! He served as pastor, evangelist, missionary, leader, Conference president, example, and friend; however, his most accomplished service was as God’s loving and obedient servant.
Pastor Bond, we salute you! We will long remember you! Your love and example will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
Now, as God welcomes you to your new responsibilities, rest assured that you have made a difference! You have lived the service-filled life of a Christian, and you have exemplified for us the love of Christ! Farewell, and God’s blessings upon you and your family.

"The Sabbath Recorder", Vol 230, No 5, p 26, May, 2008.
Margaret (Skaggs) Bond, 92, of Shiloh, N.J., died peacefully on March 12, 2008, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born on December 27, 1915, at the Seventh Day Baptist parsonage in Nortonville, Kan., the daughter of Rev. James L. and Hettie (Whitney) Skaggs.
The Skaggs’ pastorates during Margaret’s childhood included Nortonville; Plainfield, N.J.; and Milton, Wis. Having bypassed the 4th grade, she graduated from high school in Milton in 1932.
While attending Conference as a young woman, she and her roommate, Mary Bond, became close friends. Mary ended up meeting - and later marrying - Margaret’s brother, J. Leland Skaggs.
In turn, Margaret met Mary’s brother, Charles Bond. Her interest in Charles continued to develop as she pursued her bachelor’s degree (and her bachelor) at Salem (W.Va.) College.
After receiving her degree in 1937, she worked as a secretary in New York City. On December 23, 1939, she and Charles married.
While Charles studied for his Divinity degree at Alfred (N.Y.) University, Margaret worked as a secretary in Alfred from 1940 through 1942.
Although Margaret was by her husband’s side throughout his lifelong career as a pastor, she wasn’t present at his ordination on July 31, 1943. Instead, she was in the hospital at Olean, N.Y., giving birth to their first son. Two more sons joined the family before they moved from Little Genesee, N.Y., to Westerly, R.I., in 1949.
The couple served that pastorate for nine years, with Margaret working behind the scenes. She constantly encouraged their various church flocks to use their gifts, never seeking the limelight for herself.
In 1958, they accepted the pastorate at Shiloh. During their 22 years there, Jersey Oaks Camp and the church’s Fellowship Hall were built. Again, Margaret worked quietly, often serving as a confidante to the congregation’s women and other pastors’ wives. Someone once said, “You’ll get blood out of a stone before you get gossip out of Mrs. Bond.”
Margaret’s number one priority throughout life was her family. Nothing pleased her more than to gather her clan - 16 in number by the time she was called “home” - and prepare a roast beef or turkey dinner.
Affectionately called “Mar Mar” by her grandchildren, Margaret realized how blessed she was when all of her sons settled near Shiloh and raised their children there. Another generation of Bonds is now growing up in the Shiloh and Marlboro SDB churches.
Survivors include three sons, Ron of Hopewell Township, Phil of Shiloh, and Tim of Bridgeton; one brother, Rev. Victor W. Skaggs of Longmont, Colo.; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband, Charles, died in 1996. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Allison and J. Leland Skaggs, and one sister, Evalyn Camenga.
On March 14, 2008, “Mar Mar” was laid to rest beside her husband in the cemetery behind the Shiloh SDB Church. A memorial service was held the following day in the church where she had been an active member for nearly 50 years. Rev. Donald Chroniger officiated.