The issue: A charismatic religious leader
Our opinion: The Baptist minister left a legacy of loyal followers.
The Hammond Times, February 7, 2001
The death of the Rev. Jack Hyles sent thousands of the people he touched -- from the students at the college he founded to local leaders -- into mourning.
Hyles, the charismatic, long-time pastor of First Baptist Church in Hammond, died Tuesday at age 74.
The eulogies came fast and from the heart:
* "I had never met a man as charismatic, humorous and as disciplined as him. He was a strong, strong leader," recalled former Lake Criminal Court Judge James Clement, who said he was "saved under his ministry." Clement has been a member of the church for 35 years.
* "His contributions over the years to the city of Hammond have been great, both spiritually and through his commitment to stay in the downtown area when others were leaving. He has forever left his imprint on the city," said Hammond Mayor Duane Dedelow Jr.
Regardless of one's religious beliefs, it cannot be denied that Hyles played a major role in people's lives and their communities.
Born into poverty in Texas, he arrived in Hammond in 1959 as pastor of the First Baptist Church. Over the years, his flock grew and his ministry expanded to include what some called the largest Sunday school in the nation and the Hyles-Anderson College in Schererville. Church buses continue to travel throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicago to bring youngsters to First Baptist-run schools.
At the time of his death, his ministry totaled about 10,000 people.
A man of such influence and visibility is bound to attract controversy as well as loyalty. Hyles was no different. He had his share of personal- and ministry related-controversies. He always overcame them.
In the shock of his death, many of his followers worried that no one could take his place. True, in a sense. But his legacy is that he left a strong ministry, both in terms of people and buildings. His annual pastors' schools drew thousands of ministers from throughout the nation who saw Hyles as their mentor.
Surely, there are many people, trained by Hyles, who can pick up the Bible and continue his work.