Church of Christ minister retiring after 57 years with the same congregation

Lewis Hale, 87, stands in the auditorium of the Southwest Church of Christ, the Oklahoma City church where he recently retired as longtime pulpit minister. (Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman, www.newsok.com)

The Oklahoman reports:

Lewis Hale of Oklahoma City has a friend in Texas who wanted to beat his record for years as a pulpit minister.
Hale said the pals have joked often as part of a friendly Red River rivalry — preacher style.
The octogenarian said he recently told Robert Oglesby, of Waterview Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas, he would have to serve his congregation seven more years.
That’s how long it would take the Texan to surpass Hale’s 57-year tenure as pulpit minister of Southwest Church of Christ, 3031 SW 104.
Hale recently retired, with July 7 as his last Sunday in the pulpit. The congregation is hosting a retirement reception Saturday to celebrate his faithful and lengthy service.
“I’ve been very fortunate because the Lord’s been very good to me. I recognize that and I’m grateful,” said Hale, 87.

• Feedback
  Congratulations to Lewis Hale! Amazing, praise God for your 57 years of preaching the gospel.

  Mike Ballard

  July, 13 2013

  Brother Hale has been a great encouragement to and example for a host of preachers. His solid convictions and gentle demeanor is worthy emulation by all. May his tribe increase.

  Johnny D. Hinton

  July, 13 2013

  I’m very certain then, that you are familiar with V. E. Howard of Texarkana, Teaxas and his legacy. I learned a great deal from the I. G. H. And his lessons even to this day. God Bless you immensely.

  Barry Lyons

  July, 13 2013

  Although I have spent most of my life working with Ibaraki Christian University in Hitachi, Japan, I was in OkC for a short while. When I was at Nicoma Park Church of Christ in 1979-81 I was privileged to have fellowship with Brother Hale in the OkC area preachers’ meetings. He was very positive and encouraging. After that I met him at various times when on leave and back in OkC. Lewis, thanks for always being so warm and encouraging!

  Jim D. Batten

  July, 14 2013

  Congratulations on a stellar career, and God bless the Southwest Church as they seek a successor. Also God bless the successor–he will need it!

  Cecil May Jr

  July, 15 2013

  Thank you brother and sister Hale for your service to the Lord and His children. I know in my heart that although you are not in the pulpit, you will still be serving. Congratulations on your retirement!

  Melody

  July, 29 2013

  The Memorial Drive Church of Christ in Tulsa offers a hearty congratulations for an amazing accomplishment!

  Terry Rush

  July, 29 2013

  Glory to God for your faithful service in His vineyard. May He continue to keep you till that day.
  Congratulations.

  Mojima Etokudo

  July, 30 2013

  We should all be grateful to the many sound preachers such as Bro Hale. We are needing more of these sound men to spread the word.
  I also ask that we all remeber our christian youth camps.
  David Bruce, Tupelo, Ms 38802

  David Bruce C ofC P O Box 1293 Tupelo,Ms 38802

  August, 2 2013

  Lewis,I enter FHU your senior year. Always looked up to you. I had heard you in Shrevport, the summer you served there for bro. Lambert. Can still see you stnding beside the pulpit, Bible in hand, preaching the Word. What a great example you are! I served the Raleigh Church(Memphis) for forty-two years. God bless! To you and your family. jimmy

  Jimmy Moffett

  August, 3 2013