A unique man of God
JANUARY 17, 2008 (THURSDAY)
I became pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rockport November 1, 1964. Two months later, Walter Knight celebrated his 10th birthday. He was 4 ½ months younger than my oldest son, David.
Thirty-three years later, I met Brother Walter when he became pastor of the church at the age of 42. He came to the church well-qualified with a great education, a wealth of experience and a history of success. A lot of water had run under the bridge; I was retired and Walter was now the pastor.
I was grateful and proud to be a member of the church with him as my pastor. And he was a wonderful pastor to me and my family. In 2002, Wanda died after a month in the hospital.
During that month, our pastor was there with us, praying for Wanda. When his giant frame filled the door, and his quiet, comforting voice floated across the room, we felt a wave of consolation flooding our hearts. By that time, a bond of friendship and brotherly love tied us together in a way that cannot possibly be described. The only tie between men that I know of that compares is that between Jonathan and David in the Bible. There was nothing phony about it; it was real.
To hear him preach was an experience one could not forget, because not only did he present the message with a great delivery and urgent application to our lives, but he did it every time with a new approach and ideas no one had thought of before. Attending church and listening to him was exciting and a source of spiritual growth for me and countless others.
During his ministry, a host of people came to Christ, joined the church, and became active in the Lord’s work. All this is testimony to his marvelous ministry. The beautiful building in which the church now meets is testimony to his love for the Lord and his desire to please Him by leading in the construction of a wonderful place in which to worship.
This week we mourn our loss of him, and Friday morning, standing behind the pulpit that he and Leslie graciously and generously gave to the church in honor of Wanda and me, I shall attempt to speak. It is a high and holy privilege for me, and a situation I wish were reversed. No one could do justice to the life of such a great man of God, but our memories of him speak for themselves, and will continue to live in our minds and hearts.
A service was held January 16 in Denison, Texas, with Johnny Melton as speaker. Another memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Rockport, Friday, January 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Our pastor, Scott Jones, and I will conduct the service.