Hugh's News & Commentary

A marvelous tribute to Jerry B. Walker by Norma Jean Setzer Burnette

Dear Hugh,

It was in the early '60s when Jerry Walker was holding a two week revival at the Maiden P. H. Church. I was the church organist at the time. Jerry told me to come to the organ each time he gave his "signal," and not to stop playing under any conditions. I remember one special night during the HEALING LINE that I had such a tremendous pain in my hands that I could hardly keep playing, but I was afraid to stop playing. In fact, at the time, I was afraid of him.

I could see that the healing line was long that night, and it would be a long time before I could stop playing that organ. I decided to pray. I said, "Lord, if there is anything to what Jerry Walker is doing, have him to COME UP HERE TO THIS ORGAN AND PRAY FOR ME TO BE HEALED OF THIS GREAT PAIN
IN MY HANDS!!!" Almost as quickly, I saw Jerry Walker whirl around and take long steps toward the front. He stepped over the altar railing, came over and LAID HIS HANDS ON MY HEAD AND PRAYED FOR ME!. I was healed, and played under the anointing of the Holy Spirit for the rest of the service. Of course, I didn't need a songbook anymore. Later, my uncle Lindy Huffman came to me and said, "Norma Jean, I have never heard you play the organ so beautifully."

Norma Jean Setzer Burnette, 1708 Park Place, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336.667.7008