Dr. Kenneth D. Benson, former president of Holmes Bible College, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday afternoon, March 2, 2011.
The life of Dr. Kenneth Benson has been interwoven with Holmes Bible College since the day he arrived from South Africa in 1952 to become a student. After graduating from Holmes in 1955 he served as an instructor. After serving for a number of years as pastor of First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, he returned to Holmes in 1971 to serve as Dr. Paul F. Beacham's assistant and as a Bible instructor. He became president of the college in 1978 and served in that position until his retirement in August 1996, the longest term of any president except for Dr. Beacham.
Dr. Kenneth D. Benson served as president of Holmes Bible College from 1978-1996.
Dr. Benson was an outstanding teacher of the Word of God and had a deep passion to know and communicate that Word. His students speak of him as "the greatest of Bible teachers." The influence of his teaching has left an impact on the lives of missionaries, teachers, pastors and Christian leaders. As long as his students live the impact of his ministry will continue to touch and transform lives.
Dr. Benson deeply loved Holmes Bible College and served it with dedication. He returned to Greenville for the Holmes Memorial Church Centennial Celebration in 2009 and for the inauguration of President James D. Leggett in October 2009.
The Lord bless Dr. Benson's wife, Dorothy Arnn Benson, who labored so faithfully by his side; son, Jonathan Benson and wife, Lisa; daughter, Martha Kramer and husband, David; and their six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 6 from 7-8:30 p. m. at the Norris Funeral Home in Danville, VA. The funeral will be on Monday, March 7 at 2 p. m. at the Danville First Pentecostal Holiness Church.
[Editor's Commentary: It was a distinct honor and privilege for me to have known Dr. Kenneth Benson. He was very gracious and kind to me as a college student while attending Holmes Bible College during the administration of Dr. Paul F. Beacham. In fact, he invited me to preach a revival in his church in Charlotte, NC, in the summer of 1958.
It was my observation that Kenneth Benson was at home no matter where he went–and he would go out of his way to make others feel the same. His impeccable manners with relations to others were a hallmark of his Christian character. He was friendly, approachable, gracious, and generous. There was nothing phony or calculating about him. When he engaged you in conversation, you could count on his undivided attention. He understood that people truly mattered. I always felt loved by this man who was a spiritual giant and a mentor to me.
Melvine was a student at Holmes when Kenneth was a student, and Dorothy Arnn was the dean of women. In fact, Melvine has known Dorothy for many years since they grew up in the Western North Carolina Conference which today is called Cornerstone Conference.
Over the intervening years since I preached for Brother Benson in Charlotte, he and Dorothy have been close friends. The last time I saw him was at the inauguration of Dr. James D. Leggett as the president of Holmes Bible College.
Kenneth and Dorothy looked forward to reading Hugh's News. and were subscribers. They would often write with words of encouragement.
The influence of this good man who loved Jesus with all of his heart, mind, soul, and strength is a legacy to all of us to live our lives for the Lord Jesus Christ and serve others. He knew the importance of giving and practiced what Jesus once said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35, KJV).
May God bless the memory of this man who was full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Posted on
Fri, March 4, 2011
by Hugh Morgan