We, at Calvary Baptist Church, are thankful beyond words, for the opportunity
of introducing our beloved and trusted friend and Father in the Faith: Pastor, David Minor Sr.
When I was age nineteen, Mother Sophia Springer Minor, by a divine prophetic
mandate, conveyed me to Coudersport, Pennsylvania, to assist in the ministry there, under the Pastorship of her son, David,
who accepted me and took me “under his wing,” as a son in the faith. Under
his mentorship and tutelage, my spiritual growth was phenomenal! It was during
that period, my calling and ministry began to mature, and acquire substance.
Our dear Brother Minor has been (and yet is) a Father in the Faith to
a multitude of Ministers and Believers around the world. Never have I known
a more loving, patient, and kind individual; yet one who carries a godly authority and spirit of governance; to bring his
“spiritual charges” into proper covenant relationship, and right standing in the Body of Christ. Even when he has found it necessary to correct me, it was done with so high a degree of love and spiritual
fatherhood, that it evoked in me, not bitterness nor rebellion, but a spirit of brokenness, repentance, and submission: This
is the mark of a true father!
It was he who labored in prayer over me and over my calling for many
years, refusing to let me go into my own way, and refusing ever to give up upon me: It was he who many times prayed with me,
encouraged me, and prophesied hope to me, in person, and at times via long distance telephone calls, at all hours. It was he who wept with me, sharing my sorrow and pain; constantly pointing me back to the Scriptures; speaking to me “words of Spirit and Life:” It was he who taught me the
old "hymns of Zion," and oft’ sang to me, at times when I could scarcely lift my head: It was he who fasted and prayed
with me, day after day, until God spoke in an open vision wherein I was shown the path of His choice; seeing even the pillared
sign, bearing the name of the school of ministry to which I would go: Shortly thereafter, he conveyed me to that hallowed
place. Yes, it was Pastor Minor, who ordained me to the Ministry in 1967, and
who welcomed me into his pulpit many, many times over the years.
Had it not been for this noble and venerated Bishop, along with his dear
wife, blessed mother, and other family members, I seriously doubt that I today, would be preparing to engage in the ministry
which our Lord at this moment is raising up.
All who know and love this dear Father in the Faith will readily attest
to his unfeigned humility, and that he shrinks from accolades and platitudes, yet as our Lord God is my witness, try as I
may, I cannot help but “give honor unto whom it is due.” This is
not to exalt our dear Brother, but the Christ who so richly dwells within him and shines out through his life; in word, deed,
and action. He has been my Pastor and “Spiritual Dad,” since 1963.
Not to be left unmentioned is his beloved wife, Sister Lorraine, who
shares his love and commitment to our Lord’s Body, and who has been a “Spiritual Mom,” to myself, and many;
always placing others first, and herself last. Volumes could be written concerning
the lives of unselfish service these worthy souls have rendered, and still the half could never be told.
by
Michael O'Connor
