Hugh's News & Commentary

This section of Hugh's News is being combined so we can meet the requirements of the number of blogs for any one newsletter. I am grateful for those who have written.

First, a listing of those who wrote in 2006:

The Rev. Dr. Thurnace York of Corpus Christi, TX

Fran Smith, a former Administrative Assistant to Rick Fountain, Evangelism USA

The Rev. Mr. Sid Chapman, a United Methodist pastor and school teacher

Norma Jean Setzer Burnette, a talented organist from Wilkesboro, NC

The Rev. Mr. Wesley Peyton, Springfield, VA

A tribute to Dr. Jerry B. Walker from Evangelist Thurnace York, the Duke of York

I want to say how sorry I was to read of the death of my long time friend, Dr. Jerry B. Walker. In the early years people use to get us mixed up ... thinking we were the same preacher .... WELL THAT WAS BEFORE HE BECAME FAMOUS. Well, I know heaven is shouting, but God will have to
raise up another spiritual giant to replace him.

A tribute to Jerry B. Walker by Fran Smith, Administrative Assistant to Rick Fountain, Evangelism USA

Jerry B. Walker was a delightful person and a masterful story-teller, but most of all he was dedicated to God.I remember that he wanted to write another book that would be entitled, Glory Be by Jerry B.  It was his desire to include several stories from his childhood and growing up years, his early ministry years, and his thoughts on heaven.

I witnessed many true miracles of healing take place during his meetings. We shall miss him here, but we know he’s rejoicing with the Father. And just think of stories he’s thinking up now!

Fran Smith, Administrative Assistant, Evangelism USA

A tribute to Jerry B. Walker by the Rev. Mr. Sid Chapman, a United Methodist pastor

I first became acquainted with Jerry B in the late 70s when my aunt, who had been out of fellowship with God for some time, rededicated her life in one of his services at the Assemblies of God Tabernacle in Atlanta. He later came to Athens and Franklin Springs where I came to know him and Ron Christopher better.

He nick named me "chubby" and "the little preacher," go figure! He was funny. One of my fondest memories was that he invited me on "Evangeline" for a guided tour--I felt so privileged.

Sid Chapman Pastor, Silvertown United Methodist Church Thomaston, GA President, Clayton County Education Association Jonesboro, GA

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

A Tribute to Jerry B. Walker by Wesley Peyton

I first met Jerry in Ocala, FL. He was preaching the Florida Camp Meeting. Byon Jones was Conference Superintendent. Jerry was driving a beautiful burgundy Thunderbird. I was eighteen years old and traveling as pianist with the Emmanuel College Quartet. John Noseworthy was our chaperone. During the camp meeting, I learned my father had been in a serious automobile accident in Virginia. The driver of the other car was killed. I could not go home and Jerry took time to pray with me and comfort me. That was the beginning of our friendship.

In later years, he preached a six weeks crusade for me when I was pastor of Reality Gospel Church in Alexandria, VA. I received over one hundred members into the church the last Sunday. People came at 5p. m.to find a seat. One night he turned the service back to me to close. I prayed and dismissed the people. Much to my amazement, when I looked up, no one had moved. They stood for more than an hour in the presence of God. When we were ready to go home, I could not find my youngest son who was a teenager at the time. He was slain in the power of God under a church pew. We paid Jerry $26,000 (twenty six thousand dollars) for the six week revival. This amount had been received in the offerings. He said “Wesley, you will never miss this” he was correct.

He called me in 2002 to pray with me before my open heart surgery. He shared words of encouragement.

We have lost a great man of God and an outstanding evangelist.

Wesley Peyton