Hyles will be missed by thousands, former judge says.
By Bill Dolan/ The Hammond Times, February 7, 2001
HAMMOND -- Why does God make a man as essential as the Rev. Jack Hyles and then remove him from the flock? That was the question former Lake Criminal Court Judge James Clement, a 35-year member of the First Baptist Church of Hammond, was left to ponder Tuesday after learning of Hyles' death
"I was saved under his ministry," Clement said. Three of his five children graduated from Hammond Baptist High and Hyles married all five. "He has been the only pastor we've known."
"Its devastating. We always say nobody is indispensable and that may be true, but Pastor Hyles comes nearer to being indispensable as any man I've known, heard or read about."
Clement said he was a happily married and had a thriving law practice in 1965, but he was wandering spiritually when he first heard of an energetic minister making a stir in Hammond.
He said the congregation was about 1,500 members when he first attended and Hyles was building the church with dramatic gestures, such as an event called "Feed the 5,000," from the Biblical story of Christ feeding a multitude from a few fish and bread loaves.
"They served fish sandwiches and as a new member I was skeptical and said this is never going to happen. We are only 1,500 people and they expect to have 5,000 on a given day? Well he did it and I've never doubted him since. When he said he would do something, he did it, between the schools and church and college. It's amazing what he has been able to do in downtown Hammond."
Clement said between 15,000 to 20,000 people now attend services every Sunday.
"He has done great work on that corner, there is no question about it. I had never met a man as charismatic. humorous and as disciplined as him. He was a strong, strong leader."
He saw Hyles just two weeks ago at church and said he appeared as vibrant as ever.
"At first we were told he had a back problem, then came the heart attack. We were just totally shocked. We just knew he would pull through. He will be so badly missed by thousands of people, not only here but across the country.
"... I am only speaking for myself, but you wonder why God would take a man like that. It may be a test for the membership. I think the membership is strong enough to take the challenge. The church and college will continue to flourish and grow. He has taught us and prepared us for this."