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Sunday, July 05, 2009 10:03 PM Pastor led his flock for 40 years By Antonio Velarde | Times Staff Writer LUCAMA -- John Hill has had plenty of preachers in his life, all sorts of people yelling at him from the church pulpit. But he says he feels differently about the Rev. Dr. De Wayne Eakes, who gave him a job years ago as an assistant pastor. "He is the first and only pastor I've ever had," Hill said to a crowd that gathered at Little Rock Original Free Will Baptist Church Sunday to honor Eakes, its pastor. Hill, now pastor at First Free Will Baptist Church of Goldsboro, joined others during the surprise celebration the church held to honor Eakes for his 40 years of service. Eakes, 62, is the third longest serving pastor in the denomination. Church members surprised Eakes during the Sunday morning service by asking him to sit and watch with his wife, Carolyn, while the service was presented in his honor. A member of his own flock delivered the sermon. Buddy Sasser, who grew up with the church and now works out of the denomination's headquarters in Ayden, said Eakes has several of the qualities that make a great pastor. But he added that it was not just Eakes who looked over the congregation, since Carolyn Eakes played a large part. "It's not just De's ministry for 40 years," Sasser said to Carolyn Eakes, who sat with Eakes in the front pew. "It's yours, too." Following the service, the congregation gathered in an adjacent building for a covered dish buffet while others who knew Eakes over the years roasted him and congratulated him on his tenure. A slide show was also given during the presentation. Eakes said during an interview that he had a feeling something was up at the beginning of the Sunday service, since he saw so many of his family members sitting in the pews. "Overwhelmed" is how he said he felt. "I'm not usually at a loss for words," Eakes said. Eakes first came to Little Rock Original Free Will Baptist Church in 1969, when he was just 22 years old. He said he initially didn't think he would stay 40 years, but things turned out that way. Eakes said what especially influenced him to stay was a mentor from Richmond, Va., who told him he had spent most of his career at one church and had found dignity in that. After a while, Eakes felt like Lucama was where his church belonged. Eakes, originally from outside Goldsboro, was educated at Mount Olive College and Atlantic Christian College, now Barton. He later received advanced degrees at Southeast Baptist Theological Seminary, including a doctor of ministry degree. He and Carolyn have one child, a son, Kevin, who teaches in South Carolina. Eakes told the crowd during the roast that he is truly blessed to consider the church his home. "It's been my privilege to be your pastor, and I know that," Eakes said. "I love every one of you." avelarde@wilsontimes.com | 265-7868 |
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A nurse friend said...
I give a hearty "Amen" to Mr. Sasser's remarks. I had the pleasure of working with Carolyn for a short time. She is truly a help meet to Pastor Eakes and a beautiful testimony for the Lord to all she comes in contact with. May God richly bless this pastor, wife and their church till His return.
Monday, July 06, 2009 at 2:02 PM
dec said...I give a hearty "Amen" to Mr. Sasser's remarks. I had the pleasure of working with Carolyn for a short time. She is truly a help meet to Pastor Eakes and a beautiful testimony for the Lord to all she comes in contact with. May God richly bless this pastor, wife and their church till His return.
Monday, July 06, 2009 at 2:02 PM
What a wonderful article to honor a great man.I donot attend his church,But have known him for many years through my Uncle,who is a deacon there.He has always been here for my/our family.De preached my mother's funeral.he had been out of the country on a mission trip when she passed away.My Uncle picked him up at RDU Very late on Saturday night.I was told that he stayed up almost all night reading notes that I had sent to him and preparing for her service.he called me the next morning to talk with me about everything.He is just a great person,and I so Love to cut up and joke with him.He has a way of making you feel comfortable.Thank-You De,for being here for my family.You are truly a great person !
Monday, July 06, 2009 at 6:48 AM
