Hugh's News & Commentary

Stephanie Ellen Morgan:

Brother Swails was truly the best Bible scholar of the century.

I enjoyed sitting under his teachings many times in my life. I was always fascinated by his knowledge of heaven because he so brilliantly described the dimensions like no one else. In fact, when I heard of his passing I could picture him there smiling. Boy, would I love to pick his brain now that he has experienced it first hand.

Stephen Ellen Morgan is the daughter of Hugh and Melvine Morgan. She is a kindergarten teacher at Statham Elementary School in Statham, GA.

Ruth Cato Turton:

Brother Swails was not only my professor at Emmanuel, but our Girl's Trio traveled with him to churches in many, many states on week-ends and in the summer. On occasions, his wife, and three little sons would travel with us...all of us packed in his little Henry J car. He was a most influential man in my life with his wisdom, guidance and his intellect. I knew all of his sermons that he preached on those EC travels, especially "Sodom's Last Night." I knew them so well, that I would remind him afterwards, when he left something out! He would always laugh and say, "keep me straight, Ruth!" Our loss but Heaven's gain! 

Gailya Williams List:

Papa Swails was my Bible teacher long ago and a long time friend of my family from the time his first born son Johnny married my youngest sister Joy. Just a few years ago Sylvia, who follows me, became his second wife. He said of her that she was an angel and he said he knew that if it was not for her that he would have been in a nursing home. I am so thankful that the Lord provided Sylvia to give me loving care for the last few years of his life. What a wonderful, godly, honorable and highly respected man of God! I am glad that he has entered into that eternal place of peace and rest.

I am so thankful that I was able to visit him in the Athens hospital a few times before I departed to return to Kenya. The last day he was talking with us and wanted to be shaved and have his hair combed. We were delighted. We look forward to meeting you "in the morning." Although far away, my family will be very much on my heart and in my mind and I will pray. 

Janice Robinson Russ, wife of Bishop Wesley Russ, superintendent Mid-Atlantic Conference:

I have known Brother Swails for 58+ years. I was 15 when he arrived in Franklin Springs from Oklahoma. I took a Spanish class he taught that summer so that I could graduate early from Emmanuel Academy.

Over the 44+ years that Wesley and I have been married, we have enjoyed seeing him at Emmanuel when we returned for special events. No matter how long the time between our visits, he always remembered us and asked about our ministry at the time. His special brand of humor made him a joy to be around. I remember one Bible class when we were discussing the gifts Jacob prepared to give to Esau, including camels. Brother Swails said, "Calvin Ballington, what is the price of a camel in Columbia, SC (Calvin's home)?" Without hesitation Calvin replied, "I guess it depends on whether it is a one-hump or two-hump camel." As he always did, Brother Swails enjoyed a long laugh with Calvin and the class.

His influence on Wesley's preaching and ministry has been evident over the years. Many times he has used some of the same expressions as those of Brother Swails (My brother, my sister, etc.). At times he even sounded like Brother Swails.

One of Wesley's greatest joys was the time Brother Swails came to Washington for an Eastern Virginia/Mid-Atlantic Conference Bible conference. When they had a free afternoon, Wesley asked if he would like to go downtown to see the Capitol and some of the other sights. He was amazed when Brother Swails told him he had never been to the Capitol after all the years he taught Government. He was amazed as he looked at all the history revealed in the tour of the Capitol.

Our condolences to Sylvia and all the family. They certainly know better than we what a treasure we all have lost. Thank you for sharing him with us all those years as pastor, teacher, and friend. Thank God for the resurrection and the certainty of knowing that we will meet him again in heaven.

John and Norma Jean Burnette

We were so very blessed to be students of Brother Swails Bible teaching classes at Emmanuel College back in the mid 50s. We still are reminded of his way of making God's Word come alive. It was always a joy to attend his classes. We will never forget his laughter, and the prayers that were always a part of our class.

Brother Swails was a part of the EC Hawaii tour recently. We were favored by his sermon at Barbara Tengen's church there. We fellows took turns being blessed to push his wheel-chair. His daily presence gave extra meaning to our trip. When he reaches "home," heaven will be even sweeter.John Burnette

Fred Goss

Brother Swails is the greatest! Our love and prayers to this Man of God.

Rodney Otis Callahan:

All of us know that words are inadequate to express the impact Rev. John Swails had on our lives and the Kingdom of God.

However, we can at least make an attempt. There are many stories that all of us can and hopefully will tell. We remember him as a scholar of the Bible, a great teacher with a fantastic memory, and a good sense of humor.

Claude Erps, EC Class of '67, told Rev. Swails in Bible class one day that he heard we might be having a mid-term exam.

Claude continued, "I just wanted an answer from the horse's mouth, so are we having a test?" Rev. Swails, turned red in the face, then began laughing with his trademark laugh.

The dates escape me, but Dad was holding a revival at the Royston P. H. Church. (It was probably late '50s or early '60s.) Rev. Swails told that him that he had studied the Greek texts in the Bible on the baptism with the Holy Spirit, but had not ever been baptized. Otis prayed with him and Jesus baptized him with the Holy Spirit.

My condolences and prayers go out to Sylvia, Johnny, Joe, Jim and all of their extended family. Love, Rodney and Caroline

Lloyd Solis:

If I were to share the few times our paths crossed you would say,"You did not really know him." I'd say,"I represent hundreds maybe thousands of men who have great love, admiration, and respect for him, even from a distance."

There was a time many years ago when he actually knew my name but that was mainly because I am married to Paul Norman Brafford's sister, Mary Lois.

In the mid 1980s the church I was attending in Cary, NC wanted to have a Men's Retreat and at my invitation Brother Swails agreed to be the guest speaker. His text was Judges 7:9-22. The account of Gideon and the decisive victory over Midian. His recurring theme was, "The light shines brightest when the vessel is broken." John Swails was a broken vessel.

As I was driving to church this morning unbidden tears of sorrow mingled with tears of joy filled my eyes.

Mr. John Swails is on my top 10 list of all time favorite modern day Heroes of the Faith.

Carolyn Johnson Stocks:

It was my privilege to have Mr. Swails as my teacher for years at Emmanuel and in later years as my friend.

When he married Sylvia Williams in Greenville, NC, I hosted a pre-nuptial old-fashioned picnic at my home. I contacted as many EC alumni as I could within the Greenville area and invited them to come. What a grand time we had! They came bringing their old yearbooks and sat down with Mr. Swails to go thru them and share memories. I believe he remembered all of us.

Later when he and Sylvia visited Greenville, they stayed at my home a time or two.

The influence of John W. Swails cannot be underestimated. It will be said of him that from the grave he "yet speaketh."

Byron Jones:

This great man of God will surely be missed. Thank God for those who have gone before us and laid such a solid foundation. We (me in particular) owe so much to this great man of the Word. God bless his memory and may we not forget nor forsake his teachings.

Jerry Morris:

Rev. John Swails has blessed so many through his teaching and preaching over the course of a long and fruitful career! He was my Bible teacher at Emmanuel in 1967, and I always remember his knowledge of the Scriptures, his wisdom, and his kindness to the students. He leaves a great legacy! May the Lord comfort the Swails family.

Ray Cason:

Since my tenure at EC Brother Swails has been a hero to me. From our first meeting his smile, words, method of teaching and his humor acted as a magnet for me to be in his presence as often as possible. He always, when visiting our church, would tell my father: I have been consistently throwing a lot of "good influence" around Ray -- I trust it will take! Brother Swails was top shelf in every facet of life. I feel honored he always called me by my first name.

Harrison Lampley, senior pastor, Franklin Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church

Rev. John W. Swails was a blessing to many around the globe. His place and impact in the history of the Pentecostal movement has been one of impeccable knowledge of the Word, purity of life, example, and inspiration. He was one who has mentored thousands with his lectures, classes, and talks. No number can be placed on the effect he has had in the lives of those who heard him preach, lecture or had one conversation with this great man of God. His place has been one of a single focus in that of preaching the Word of God with right handling, purpose and dignity. He was one who never used the pulpit to hurt, retaliate or for politics.

"HE PREACHED THE WORD," simply and truthfully. He was instant in season and out of season. He could tell a story like no one else. His tales about life, church and fishing still come to mind as his face appears on the fabric of all our lives that he touched. His was a sweet, respectful, humble stature. In this world he never looked down at anyone. He held all as equal. And now as he walks with the giants of our faith I know of no one there he has to look up to. I have truly enjoyed the times sitting on his porch as his pastor still learning from this great resource and example. Many stories I will never forget. He was a man that did it "ALL" right. He loved his Lord, his family, his wife Glenda, his sons Johnny, Joe and Jim, and their wives and grandchildren & greats, and his wife Sylvia who was faithfully by his side to the end.

God bless the memory of "Brother Swails."
Now, "Into the Isles, down the Isles, around the altar for a season of prayer."

Karen F. Jones, wife of Bishop Bill Jones and the First Lady of the Georgia Conference:

It is truly hard to express what Brother Swails meant to me and my family. He taught us at Emmanuel in the early seventies and served as our pastor when we were newlyweds in Franklin Springs. We asked him, along with Dr. Doug Beacham, to dedicate our miracle son in 1996.

We thank God for allowing us to know such a wonderful man of God. His anointed teaching and preaching was used of God to help mold so many people who are still ministering across the world today. Only God knows the full reach of Brother Swails' influence. We loved him so much! Our love and prayers are extended to his family at this time.

John Parker, Dunn, NC:

Hugh: Thanks for all your news concerning our dear Brother Swails, the Cornerstone Conference, and other persons and areas of our great denomination. Edna and I leave early tomorrow, Monday, for Oklahoma City where we will spend about eight days with our son David and his family. This includes our newest member, our second great grandchild who was born this past Tuesday, the 9th. I reached my 83rd birthday on June 5 and hope to go for 100 if the Lord permits. Give our best greetings to Melvine and you son and daughter. We appreciate you more than mere words can express. We will be back and at home and at the computer on June 23rd, the Lord willing.

Barry Osborne (Class of '75):

Reverend Swails was my Bible teacher during my time at Emmanuel. It was fascinating to listen to him teach the Word of God. He had so much knowledge to impart and enlightened me on so many things. I consider it a great gift to have been a student in his classes. He was also the pastor of the Franklin Springs Church, and I will never forget the words of his invitation for the student congregation to come to the altar and pray: "Into the aisles and down the aisles...."

Janice Robinson Russ,wife of Bishop Wesley Russ, superintendent Mid-Atlantic Conference:

I have known Brother Swails for 58+ years. I was 15 when he arrived in Franklin Springs from Oklahoma. I took a Spanish class he taught that summer so that I could graduate early from Emmanuel Academy.

Over the 44+ years that Wesley and I have been married, we have enjoyed seeing him at Emmanuel when we returned for special events. No matter how long the time between our visits, he always remembered us and asked about our ministry at the time. His special brand of humor made him a joy to be around. I remember one Bible class when we were discussing the gifts Jacob prepared to give to Esau, including camels. Brother Swails said, "Calvin Ballington, what is the price of a camel in Columbia, SC (Calvin's home)?" Without hesitation Calvin replied, "I guess it depends on whether it is a one-hump or two-hump camel." As he always did, Brother Swails enjoyed a long laugh with Calvin and the class.

His influence on Wesley's preaching and ministry has been evident over the years. Many times he has used some of the same expressions as those of Brother Swails (My brother, my sister, etc.). At times he even sounded like Brother Swails.

One of Wesley's greatest joys was the time Brother Swails came to Washington for an Eastern Virginia/Mid-Atlantic Conference Bible conference. When they had a free afternoon, Wesley asked if he would like to go downtown to see the Capitol and some of the other sights. He was amazed when Brother Swails told him he had never been to the Capitol after all the years he taught Government. He was amazed as he looked at all the history revealed in the tour of the Capitol.

Our condolences to Sylvia and all the family. They certainly know better than we what a treasure we all have lost. Thank you for sharing him with us all those years as pastor, teacher, and friend. Thank God for the resurrection and the certainty of knowing that we will meet him again in heaven.

Greg Morgan, son of Hugh and Melvine Morgan, and the editorial consultant to the editor of Hugh's News:

I am so sorry to hear the sad news about the passing of Brother Swails. However, I definitely know that he is in heaven.

I'm not sure the P.H. Church will ever have a scholar and professor as great as he was. I certainly enjoyed his preaching and teaching whenever I got a chance to hear him. I will miss his pronunciation of Isaiah [I-zi-ah].