Elders I miss, or will soon be missing as they pass off the scene...
C.A. Nelson--One of the greats. He had a sense of humor that was unmatched, but could preach the paint off the walls. Once while preaching at ABI, frustrated with how dead they were, he preached a sermon entitled, "What In Hell Do You Want?" in which he told them that as far as he could see, they were all twice dead and plucked up by the roots, and were likely all going to hell. So thence the question.
I was with him just a couple of moments before he died, and preached at his church that night, and the morning service also. A mentor I sorely miss.
J.T. Pugh--The Prince of Preachers. His poise and stature in the pulpit and out have perhaps never been equalled. Who could forget classic sermons like "Your First Night In Hell," "I Saw the Dead," "Stars You've Never Seen Before," "Something Better Than Heaven, and Something Worse Than Hell," and countless others? A stately and dignified man, yet one of the most intense human beings I have ever met.
L.E. Westburg--An unforgettable personality and a superb preacher. Elder Westburg could preach the Apostles' Doctrine evangelistically as well as any man ever did. Controversial? Yes. Tough as nails? Absolutely. But he loved God, he loved souls, and he would have shed every drop of blood in his veins for this Great Truth.
R.E. Johnson--A faith preacher par excellence, who saw many, many miracles in his meetings. When the service would be over, and the rejoicing finally quiet, the Elder would hobble off the platform, leaning on his cane, with his body wracked with pain. But he never complained and he never stopped preaching that His Jesus was a Healer.
I'm sure I will think of more later.
Men in our generation with distinct preaching personalities?
Mark Morgan--All I can say is you just have to hear him. One of the great doctrinal preachers of our generation. Some of the most powerful spiritual experiences I have ever had have been around this man and his ministry. Like most "Originals," he is often misunderstood, but he is a great man nonetheless.
Greg Godwin--A pure evangelist. He can split the hide and rub salt in it, and yet that cherubic smile and boundless good humor seems to keep anybody from getting mad at him for long.
He is also a strong doctrinal preacher.
I can hear him now saying, "When it's tight, it's right!"
Douglas White--Absolutely one of the finest preachers in our movement, regardless of age. Many superlatives apply.
More to come--mam says supper is ready.
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