A pastor who held a Guinness World Report for his outstanding 72-year tenure at a Texas church has died on the age of 94.
The late Reverend Dr. Doris Nathaniel Benford Sr. was identified for his lengthy service at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Texas Metropolis and his passionate devotion to his congregation.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the approaching residence of our beloved pastor, father, grandfather and plenty of different great issues to us. The Rev. DN Benford, Sr. has handed on to be with the Lord,” the church introduced on Fb April 15. “He fought an extended a tough struggle for the Lord and referred to as him residence to be with Him!”
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The church held a service for Benford on Saturday morning.
Benford was awarded the Guinness Ebook of World Information in October 2022 for “longest tenure as pastor of the identical church”. When the report was verified, Benford had held the place for 72 years and 61 days.
Benford started preaching at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church on the age of 20 in 1950 and by no means left the pulpit for greater than 70 years.
Benford started his preaching journey on the age of 14 and preached his first sermon on December 25, 1944.
“In 1947, Rev. DN Benford was visiting a good friend in Texas Metropolis, Texas, by the identify of Rev. FM Johnson. Rev. Johnson was scheduled to evangelise at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church (as visiting pastor), however he was in poor health. Rev. Johnson requested Rev. Benford, whether or not he would preach in his place,” in response to the Guinness web site. “After Reverend Benford preached, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church was happy and informed Reverend Benford that in the event that they ever wanted a pastor they might contact him as a result of they have been impressed along with his instructing/preaching .”
“By 1950, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church was searching for a pastor for his or her church,” the web site says. “They’re searching for Reverend Benford Sr. and after they discovered him they requested if he would come once more to evangelise for Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church and he did on the third Sunday in June 1950. On August twenty seventh 1950 they approached Reverend Benford once more and this time the members elected him for the brand new pastor of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Texas Metropolis, Texas.”
On Easter Sunday 2024, Benford delivered his closing sermon within the church's sanctuary, in response to Fox26.
“It's simply unbelievable,” his daughter Mokysha Benford was quoted as saying. “He lived a fantastic life.
Throughout his in depth service, Benford made a big affect on the group. He’s identified for his outreach efforts and work with church youth.
“He was identified at instances to place megaphones on his van and inform the group to go vote,” daughter Yolanda Proctor informed Fox26.
He was additionally actively concerned in serving to the needy, offering meals and clothes and organizing occasions for households.
Benford typically drove the church bus to take households and youngsters on journeys and holidays. With the church on these journeys, his household traveled so far as Detroit and California.
Benford's kids bear in mind him as a task mannequin who instilled sturdy values. His son Thomas Benford, a graduate of Rice College and Harvard Enterprise College, credited his father and mom with offering a strong basis for a productive life.
In honor of his legacy, church management stated his pulpit chair would stay coated for 30 days.
