Profile: Frank Black

From Brotherhood archives...
Many called him the “elder statesman” of Royal Ambassador work. Others called him “Mr. RA.”

One thing is for certain, not one of the thousands of Royal Ambassadors who have been a part of the program since the 1950s have escaped the influence of Frank Black.

Even today many of the Royal Ambassador materials have felt the touch of his hand at one time or another. Black authored the pledge all boys are required to learn as a part of their RA membership.

During his 29-year tenure at the Brotherhood Commission, Black developed a number of sayings in addition to his undying support of missions education. One of more noted dealt with denominational philosophy: “When all is said and done, there is more said than done.”

With Black, however, there was always more done than said. Though opinionated, he quietly went about the business of expanding the Royal Ambassador program after it found a new home at the Brotherhood Commission from the Woman’s Missionary Union.

Black proved that a good RA program can do as much--and many times more--than a civic organization because RAs was church-centered and God honoring.

In 1975 Black summarized his work this way: “I am continually thankful that the Brotherhood Commission afforded me the opportunity to help develop the Royal Ambassador program. This opportunity has proved to me the greatness of God. This alone is pay enough for me.”