Church historian Earl Irvin West dies at age 90

Earl Irvin West

A memorial service was conducted Saturday, Feb. 5, at the White Station Church of Christ in Memphis, Tenn., for Earl Irvin West, a prominent author, minister and Christian university professor.
West, a professor of church history emeritus at Harding University Graduate School of Religion in Memphis, died Friday, Feb. 4. He was 90.
Evertt W. Huffard, vice president and dean of the graduate school, described West’s funeral service as “a good tribute to one of the best historians in Churches of Christ.”
“Dr. Jack Lewis, Don Meredith, Dr. Bill Flatt and Dr. Jim Howard all noted the humble, gentle spirit of a great servant,” Huffard wrote on his Facebook page.
Read West’s full obituary.

• Feedback
  My sincere sympathy to his family & Church. We can rest assured he is in a better place.

  Joyce Patrick

  February, 6 2011

  Dr. West’s research, scholarship and teaching has blessed the lives of many, even those who did not know him personally. His books on restoration history were of great value to me during my graduate studies, particularly in working on my thesis in missions. Our condolences go out to his family and friends, as well as our joy in the celebration he will be experiencing with and before our LORD.

  Alan Henderson

  February, 7 2011

  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. peace to church and his family you are great in the Lord .

  Eric Obeng Asante

  February, 7 2011

  Regrets to learn of Bro. Earl’s passing. I was honored to do the montage picture of Alexander Campbell on Earl’s reprinted biography. Met him at Bethany, W. Va., where we collaborated, a bit.
  Sad to see him leave, but happy for him, too.
  Thos. Fowler

  Thomas Fowler

  February, 11 2011

  I first met brother West in the early 80’s in Indianapolis. His volumes on the Searth for the Ancient Order are classics, even as he was a classic man. Sympathy to the family.

  Ron Milliner

  February, 11 2011

  I used the second volume of his Search for the Ancient Order, the chapter on Garfield, just two weeks ago for a discussion here at ACU. West was a great historian and friend to the Church. Neal Coates

  Neal Coates

  February, 12 2011