Bill Ellis: Thomas Everett Hogue was a preacher for 77 years
Putnam Herald
"Quit" was never in the vocabulary of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Everett Hogue, who was ordained by the Church of God, (Anderson, Ind.) in 1938. He served 11 different pastorates including two stints at Portageville, Mo., 1941-1943 and 1946-1953.
His other Church of God pastorates began with Bonnie, Ill., 1938-39; then to Anderson College, Anderson, Ind., 1939 and 1940, for two full years of theological education. He then pastored in Portageville; Flora, Ill.; Portageville; West Frankfort, Ill.; Crossett, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn.; Willshire, Ohio; Hartselle, Ala.; Blacksburg, Va.; with his closing years of pastoral ministry at Scott Depot from 1975-1995.
I had the privilege of preaching in his church in Crossett, Ark., for one week. He was a cherished and beloved friend. Thousands of people knew and loved him because of his kind and gentle ways.
Both Everett and his brother, Grady, were talented musicians. He touched the hearts and minds of others by his tenderness and compassion. He was a leader in the states where he pastored and was widely known across the nation for his leadership and preaching abilities.
When he was 19 years old, he attended a meeting at the Church of God at Sikeston, Mo., in 1930. The convicting power of God came to his heart and mind in convincing ways under the preaching of the evangelist, James T. Hooten, of Baxter, Tenn. After the sermon, the congregation sang B. E. Warren's song, "Will You Come?" When he began to sing verse two, he could no longer resist the power of God tugging at his heart. He knelt at the altar and asked God to forgive him and asked Jesus Christ to become his Savior and Lord.
Rev. Terry Hogue, speaking at his father's funeral, said, "When a man gives his life to God, it changes the destiny of many people." This was true for the thousands touched by the ministry of Pastor Hogue. Both Terry and Oliver spoke of their father's wisdom, love and solid example.
When he was 20 years old, he came riding up on his horse and saw a beautiful and talented young girl who was only 12 years old. He boldly announced, "I am going to marry you," and he did, six years later. Opal Oliver became the wife of 26- year-old Everett Hogue and they lived together for the next 70 years. They were the parents of three Church of God preacher sons, Oliver, Terry and Ronald. Their youngest son, Gavin, is a medical doctor and an accomplished musician. Their son, Ronnie, preceded his dad into the eternal presence of God.
Everett Hogue came from a family of 14 children and was the first of his family to complete high school and attend college. He set the example for his sons, whose careers far exceeded the normal college degree. His young wife, Opal, helped him earn his high school diploma and then faithfully stood by him as he attended college. She was a talented pianist, so there was always good music in the home and church.
I am deeply grateful for the privilege of knowing Everett and Opal for more than 55 years. Their influence for the cause of Christ has been strongly felt in the Church of God and other Christian fellowships for over 70 years. A Christian gentleman of his stature is a gift from God.
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