The day Dr. Hyles died

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Many times a person remembers where they were, what they were doing, and what their thoughts were when they heard the news of the death of a well known person.  Maybe it was Kennedy, Elvis, etc.

Outside the IFB world Dr. Hyles was not extremely well-known.  Inside the IFB world Dr. Hyles was definitely a high-profile, well-known person.  What do you remember about the day Dr. Hyles passed away?  What were your thoughts and emotions?

Perhaps your opinions have changed since Dr. Hyles' passing.  I'm not asking for those thoughts.  I'm asking for the thoughts you had on February 6, 2001. 
 
I thought I would really be broken but I never cried....I always thought he would live into the golden years
 
I didn't hear about it till a week or so after he died.  I didn't get emotional as people die every day.  I do remember thinking sarcastically "who will carry fundamentalism now?"  Oh, I DID get emotional when I heard that Curtis Hutson passed.  Can't explain it, but hey, I'm just an alien.
 
Lived in KY at that time. Fellow HAC Grads pastored 45 minutes away from us. She called and was heart broken, asked if we were going to drive to the funeral since this was history in the making.  And she wanted her kids to be able to experience it.  I felt no sadness, no happiness just wondered who would be able to take over the church and school!
 
I remember getting reports of how serious his condition was his last few days.  I can remember thinking that he would pull through.  When I heard the news that he had passed, I felt a loss.  I began to reminisce about past events and the great influence he had on my life.

Although I only shook his hand and spoke to him a few times, I felt close to him.  I believe Dr. Hyles had a gift of doing that with thousands of people.

I also began to wonder about FBCH and HAC.  What would their future hold?
 
We knew it was a matter of time, but I don't think anyone thought he would really die.  I remember as the hearse was leaving the church watching Bro. Colsten walking away sobbing.  My heart just broke for him.  For the long time church people, it was the saddest day in our church history. 
 
I was a college student when Dr. Hyles passed away.  Classes were interrupted for a time of fervent prayer, as we were told that Dr. Hyles was a "Code Blue."  Shortly thereafter, we were instructed to report to chapel where Dr. Evans told us that Dr. Hyles has died. 

I was sitting with my girlfriend (now wife) and told her, "Nothing has changed.  I am here to stay."

Then, as if nothing had happened, Dr. Evans told us to open our hymnbooks and led us in a song....very surreal?  Bro. Kaalap preached and we were expected to just carry on.  We did cancel Church Ed that day.

I cried several times after the announcement that Bro. Hyles was dead.  Not because I worshipped him or exalted him to highly.... but because I loved him and, in some strange way, I was sure that he loved me as well.  He was, and remains today, the greatest Godly influence on my and my ministry.

Have things changed in recent years.  Yes, to some extent.  There is too much information and too many unanswered questions for me to pretend otherwise.  However, without any kind of proof, I will not turn my back on someone who did so much for me.  If any real wrongdoing on his part is proved (aside from his denial of DH's sins), I will continue to appreciate him, but I would no longer promote him.  Until that day comes, I'm still proud to call him my hero.
 
cpizzle said:
I was a college student when Dr. Hyles passed away.  Classes were interrupted for a time of fervent prayer, as we were told that Dr. Hyles was a "Code Blue."  Shortly thereafter, we were instructed to report to chapel where Dr. Evans told us that Dr. Hyles has died. 

I was sitting with my girlfriend (now wife) and told her, "Nothing has changed.  I am here to stay."

Then, as if nothing had happened, Dr. Evans told us to open our hymnbooks and led us in a song....very surreal?  Bro. Kaalap preached and we were expected to just carry on.  We did cancel Church Ed that day.

I cried several times after the announcement that Bro. Hyles was dead.  Not because I worshipped him or exalted him to highly.... but because I loved him and, in some strange way, I was sure that he loved me as well.  He was, and remains today, the greatest Godly influence on my and my ministry.

Have things changed in recent years.  Yes, to some extent.  There is too much information and too many unanswered questions for me to pretend otherwise.  However, without any kind of proof, I will not turn my back on someone who did so much for me.  If any real wrongdoing on his part is proved (aside from his denial of DH's sins), I will continue to appreciate him, but I would no longer promote him.  Until that day comes, I'm still proud to call him my hero.
Click to expand...

Great post!
 
kaba said:
Lived in KY at that time. Fellow HAC Grads pastored 45 minutes away from us. She called and was heart broken, asked if we were going to drive to the funeral since this was history in the making.  And she wanted her kids to be able to experience it.  I felt no sadness, no happiness just wondered who would be able to take over the church and school!
Click to expand...

Those friends in southern KY??? 

I was in our academy building when I saw our pastor walking towards the office.  I could tell something had happened, and instinctively knew Dr. Hyles was in heaven. 

I did not cry.  I did not wonder who would "lead fundamentalism".  I knew God had that under control.  He's always done a fine job at it. 

I did wonder how Mrs. Hyles was doing.  I did feel for the church folk. 

Then I called my parents and told them. 

My husband and I attended the memorial service.  A big remembrance of that was of Bro. Ray Boardway - who was suffering with dementia at the time - kept walking away from his wife and daughter.  He did not seem to know why they were there, or maybe he thought he should be back in the choir ready room, ready to walk out and lead, "It's Sunday!"  I don't know, but it was sad to see, and I thought how much better to be in heaven than to suffer through something like that.  I felt sorry for Mrs. Boardway. 
 
cpizzle said:
I was a college student when Dr. Hyles passed away.  Classes were interrupted for a time of fervent prayer, as we were told that Dr. Hyles was a "Code Blue."  Shortly thereafter, we were instructed to report to chapel where Dr. Evans told us that Dr. Hyles has died. 

I was sitting with my girlfriend (now wife) and told her, "Nothing has changed.  I am here to stay."

Then, as if nothing had happened, Dr. Evans told us to open our hymnbooks and led us in a song....very surreal?  Bro. Kaalap preached and we were expected to just carry on.  We did cancel Church Ed that day.

I cried several times after the announcement that Bro. Hyles was dead.  Not because I worshipped him or exalted him to highly.... but because I loved him and, in some strange way, I was sure that he loved me as well.  He was, and remains today, the greatest Godly influence on my and my ministry.

Have things changed in recent years.  Yes, to some extent.  There is too much information and too many unanswered questions for me to pretend otherwise.  However, without any kind of proof, I will not turn my back on someone who did so much for me.  If any real wrongdoing on his part is proved (aside from his denial of DH's sins), I will continue to appreciate him, but I would no longer promote him.  Until that day comes, I'm still proud to call him my hero.
Click to expand...

Great post.  I ditto the last two paragraphs.
 
patriotic said:
kaba said:
Lived in KY at that time. Fellow HAC Grads pastored 45 minutes away from us. She called and was heart broken, asked if we were going to drive to the funeral since this was history in the making.  And she wanted her kids to be able to experience it.  I felt no sadness, no happiness just wondered who would be able to take over the church and school!
Click to expand...

Those friends in southern KY??? 

I was in our academy building when I saw our pastor walking towards the office.  I could tell something had happened, and instinctively knew Dr. Hyles was in heaven. 

I did not cry.  I did not wonder who would "lead fundamentalism".  I knew God had that under control.  He's always done a fine job at it. 

I did wonder how Mrs. Hyles was doing.  I did feel for the church folk. 

Then I called my parents and told them. 

My husband and I attended the memorial service.  A big remembrance of that was of Bro. Ray Boardway - who was suffering with dementia at the time - kept walking away from his wife and daughter.  He did not seem to know why they were there, or maybe he thought he should be back in the choir ready room, ready to walk out and lead, "It's Sunday!"  I don't know, but it was sad to see, and I thought how much better to be in heaven than to suffer through something like that.  I felt sorry for Mrs. Boardway.
Click to expand...

Sorry, wasn't Patriotic!
 
Bro. Hyles was a friend to me.  I sat in my cubicle at work with one window always open to baptist-city.com and the old fff, waiting for information.  When the news came, though it was expected, it still jolted me.  I called my wife at home and told her.  We sat on the phone in silence for several minutes.  I called my family who had already heard. 

Though we really didn't have the money, we planned our trip through four states to go to the funeral.  I took off work telling the boss that a close personal friend who was a great influence on my life had passed away and he deserved my respects at his funeral.  I stood at the front of the auditorium with my newborn son for a long, long time.  I thought back over the years.  His friendship to me.  His reaching out to me.  The personal time we had spent together.  The lessons I had learned from him.  I whispered in my son's ear and told my wife so many stories.  My wife stayed with me to give support to me as I was deeply sorrowful.

I began to hear whispers from the various MOGs that were present about who would take over, who would be the Elisha and catch the mantle and so on.  I was disgusted that these power hungry fakes were simply making their presence known in efforts to become the next king of fundamentalism - a political display.  There seemed to be a competition among these MOGs over who could showcase their sorrow the most.  I was disgusted.  This was my friend and he deserved respect, not a show to impress people in hopes of acquiring power.

I cried during the funeral some.  I did not recall ever seeing any of his children other than Cindy before that day.  I asked my dad about that.  He told me that the other children had sought their own way in life and broken their father's heart.  I felt sad about that on a couple of different levels.  I broke down and wept when the casket passed by my aisle seat.

I never will forget Bro. Colsten's words of encouragement to the church that Sunday:  "Jammy time's coming."  Classic Bro. Colsten.

Like cpizzle stated, I know that Bro. Hyles was not a perfect man.  I know many of the mistakes he made.  I don't seek to continue in the path of those errors.  I don't buy all of the stories that are circulating.  Still, he was my friend and I remain his.
 
Binaca Chugger said:
I never will forget Bro. Colsten's words of encouragement to the church that Sunday:  "Jammy time's coming."  Classic Bro. Colsten.
Click to expand...

I remember the night Bro. Colsten preached.  He didn't introduce a speaker and I instantly knew he was going to preach.  What a reception he received when he stood behind the pulpit to preach.  He preached about "Sin in the Camp."  Love Bro. Colsten! 

I still refer to bedtime at home as "Jammy Time."
 
Binaca Chugger said:
Bro. Hyles was a friend to me.  I sat in my cubicle at work with one window always open to baptist-city.com and the old fff, waiting for information.  When the news came, though it was expected, it still jolted me.  I called my wife at home and told her.  We sat on the phone in silence for several minutes.  I called my family who had already heard. 

Though we really didn't have the money, we planned our trip through four states to go to the funeral.  I took off work telling the boss that a close personal friend who was a great influence on my life had passed away and he deserved my respects at his funeral.  I stood at the front of the auditorium with my newborn son for a long, long time.  I thought back over the years.  His friendship to me.  His reaching out to me.  The personal time we had spent together.  The lessons I had learned from him.  I whispered in my son's ear and told my wife so many stories.  My wife stayed with me to give support to me as I was deeply sorrowful.

I began to hear whispers from the various MOGs that were present about who would take over, who would be the Elisha and catch the mantle and so on.  I was disgusted that these power hungry fakes were simply making their presence known in efforts to become the next king of fundamentalism - a political display.  There seemed to be a competition among these MOGs over who could showcase their sorrow the most.  I was disgusted.  This was my friend and he deserved respect, not a show to impress people in hopes of acquiring power.

I cried during the funeral some.  I did not recall ever seeing any of his children other than Cindy before that day.  I asked my dad about that.  He told me that the other children had sought their own way in life and broken their father's heart.  I felt sad about that on a couple of different levels.  I broke down and wept when the casket passed by my aisle seat.

I never will forget Bro. Colsten's words of encouragement to the church that Sunday:  "Jammy time's coming."  Classic Bro. Colsten.

Like cpizzle stated, I know that Bro. Hyles was not a perfect man.  I know many of the mistakes he made.  I don't seek to continue in the path of those errors.  I don't buy all of the stories that are circulating.  Still, he was my friend and I remain his.
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
We were missionaries in Mexico in 2001 when I got the news of Bro. Hyles' passing.  Though I had distanced myself from HAC a little by then, I still felt sadness.  I remembered myself as a child waiting with such eager anticipation for Dr. Hyles' to preach the closing sermons at SOTL conferences.  I didn't really wonder about the fate of fundamentalism.  To be honest, I had wondered that more in 1980 when Dr. Rice passed away.  Since I grew up at the SOTL, we thought Dr. Rice was at the helm of fundamentalism and it might not survive without him!  :) 

To this day I feel some sadness.  Though I was never really a Hacker and never ever a 100%er, still I loved who I thought Bro. Hyles was for many years.  I still have a passion for souls that had its beginning in Bro. Hyles' teaching and emphasis on the importance of soul winning.
 
"I remember the night Bro. Colsten preached.  He didn't introduce a speaker and I instantly knew he was going to preach.  What a reception he received when he stood behind the pulpit to preach.  He preached about "Sin in the Camp."  Love Bro. Colsten!  "



Cpizzle---Wonderful post and I wholeheartedly agree.
 
I realize that this is getting off topic, but we won't know how many thousands of people that Johnny Colsten has comforted, encouraged and brought to Christ until we get to heaven.  He is the unsung hero at FBC and has been doing his job faithfully for over 50 years, I believe.  I don't know if there's a human being in all of history who has baptized more converts than he.  It's amazing that old age and illness have slowed him down, but he remains faithful to his church and his Savior.

Those who came to FBC or HAC in the 90's or later don't realize, but the "normal" pastoral duties such as visiting the sick, funerals, etc where a family would be personally ministered by a Pastor, was the duties performed by Johnny Colsten; whereas, JH was out of town the majority of the time.  To the old-timers, Colsten was more like the Pastor than JH was; JH preached the sermons.

There's not a finer man than Johnny Colsten!
 
Bro colsen is leaving a big spot to fill his faithful service the Lord...
 
ha ha ha, I sit next to Bro. Colsten on Weds nights and last night he made the usher bring the collection plate back to me because I hadn't dropped anything in it...he's still in rare form.
 
I apologize for my grammar I'm on my phone.....bro colsen does have a great sense of humor...
 
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