Posted on 11/18/2005 4:48:24 AM PST by Sybeck1
More than 10,000 mourners packed Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova Thursday night, paying last respects to Rev. Adrian Rogers, who died Tuesday at 74.
The memorial service drew a multiracial, mulitigenerational crowd, which filled the 7,000-seat sanctuary and spilled over into rooms converted into viewing areas where large screens broadcast the service.
It was a time to say goodbye to a man known to many simply as "Pastor."
"He was a person of such goodness and mercy and faithfulness," said Irene Slack Speck, 86, who traveled from Indiana to attend. "I loved him with all my heart. I had to come. I just couldn't stay away."
Neither could Megan Cummins. The 20-year-old college student was in the middle of final exams at
Savannah (Ga.) College of Art and Design, but flew back to attend the service.
"I was born into this church and he's the only pastor I've ever known," Cummins said through tears. "He was like my own grandfather. He was one of the greatest mentors I've ever had."
For those unable to attend, the service was carried by some local radio and television stations, as well as by the international Daystar Christian Television Network. It was also available on the Internet.
And around the world, people were watching.
Pete Sarfas, 34, is a volunteer in the church's media communications department. Shortly after the memorial concluded, his mobile phone rang and it was his mother, Dorothy, who lives in Falkirk, Scotland.
She'd seen the entire service on television.
"It was after 2 a.m. her time, but she stayed up to watch the whole thing. She really thought a lot of Adrian Rogers," Sarfas said. "She thought it was a beautiful service and a really nice way to remember him."
At just over two hours, the service included tributes by friends and colleagues, as well as emotional testimonies by two of Rogers' children, Janice Edmiston and David Rogers.
Both recalled their father's sense of humor and what it was like growing up with a dad known around the world, as well as their parents' enduring love.
"Daddy never dated another girl than Mama and it was an incredible love story that carried on to the day of his death and beyond," Edmiston said. "When he was on a ventilator, Mama sang 'You will always be my sweetheart' to him."
The service featured a medley of Rogers' favorite hymns, including "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "My Jesus, I Love Thee," and "When We See Christ," as well as a performance of "Blessed Is the Man" by Marty Goetz, who wrote the song in honor of Rogers several years ago.
Several well-known religious figures also offered personal recollections about the late minister.
"Adrian Rogers was our acknowledged leader," said Dr. Jerry Vines, pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. "He led by the godliness of his character and the Christlike-ness of his behavior."
Added Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, "Adrian has produced much, much fruit for the Lord and we're going to see him again.
"He had a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word and I hope I can do as well."
Dr. Steve Gaines, Bellevue's senior minister and Rogers' successor, concluded the service.
"Angels of glory came to Memphis, Tennessee, and hovered down," Gaines said.
"They said, 'The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. Adrian Rogers, come to Jesus.' And he did."
-- James Dowd: 529-2737
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What they're saying
Excerpt from letter sent by Dr. Billy Graham: "The death of Adrian Rogers came as a personal loss to Ruth and me. Ruth and I not only respected him, we loved him as well."
Rev. Bob Sorrell, retired Bellevue associate pastor: "Dr. Adrian Rogers was one of those individuals who could seemingly appropriate more of God than anyone else."
Dr. Joe Boatwright, longtime friend: "Adrian Rogers was a reservoir of Bible truth. I've never heard a man call the name of Jesus Christ with such power and authority."
Dr. Ken Whitten, pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa, Fla.: "Thousands of pastors are in the ministry today because of the influence of Adrian Rogers. We all wondered what it was like to be the senior pastor to the world."
Dr. Peter Lord, friend since seminary: "Adrian Rogers had one of the greatest minds I've ever known. He could take either side of a subject and argue with you and win."
Copyright 2005, commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN. All Rights Reserved.
ping
He will be missed my so many.
Could the mods please correct his first name to Adrian. Thank you.
As with John Osteen's passing his family picked up his cross, I pray Pastor Rogers has someone to continue his legacy.
Baptist Ping List
Freepmail me if you want on or off this ping list.
You need to abuse yourself
or send the post directly to the Admin Mod
they may not see the post to your self.
I watched over the internet. It was a very moving service and that is a huge understatement!!
The song Blessed Is The Man by Mary Goetz was indescribable~I loved it!
I shall now in true Baptist fashion, second the motion made by Dr. Vines, "May a double portion of the spirit of Adrian Rogers be upon us all." (might not be exact quote)
The essence of the life of a Christian is that we be 'fishers of men'! Jesus can do what no gov't program or social engineering can do. Jesus changes from the inside out!
No doubt it will!
Dr. Homer G Lindsay's (Dr. Vines former co-pastor at FBC Jax) sermons are still played on radio. He could preach!! He was also a good friend of Adrian's. No doubt they are rejoicing together in the presence of the Lord.
The internet has made it possible for the gospel to travel much further than it did in the past.
I watched the service broadcast live on the Daystar network. It was beautiful. I shall miss Pastor Rogers dearly. I'd no idea that he and his wife had such a terrific love story...together since the 6th grade! Peace, my brother.
Thanks for the ping...
I caught the last hour of it on DayStar on the web..
It was a beautiful service - and the joy that Pastor Rogers went home was so evident!
I lost it first when Dr. Dobson got choked up ... and then again when Pastor Rogers' daughter and son spoke.
His ministry will continue - both in the recordings of his sermons and in the ministries of those he encouraged and influenced! I'd truly not heard of him prior to his passing- and over the past few days have come to respect him and his ministry!
Just think... we even got the Baptsit Ping list out of this! ;-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.