Hurst, Luke A. (1910-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Dec 15 p. 3

Birth date: 1910

text of obituary:

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA. MINISTER KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT

Lancaster, Penn. — Rev. Luke A. Hurst, 45, of Ephrata was fatally injured when his car failed to make a curve on Route 113 in Bucks County and overturned, snapping off a telephone pole. His son Paul, 11, riding with him, was pinned in the wreckage but was not seriously hurt.

Bro. Hurst was minister of the Seventh Street Mennonite Mission in Reading and vice-president of the Lancaster Mennonite High School board. He leaves his wife, the former Sally Rhodes, seven children and a number of brothers and sisters.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Feb 9 p. 8

text of obituary:

LUKE A. HURST

Thousands paid their last respects as funeral services were held for Rev. Luke A. Hurst of Ephrata, Penn., well known Mennonite leader, who it is though died of a heart attack when his car left the road and crashed into a telephone pole on Dec. 6 in Bucks County, Penn.

The first of two funerals was held at Reading, where he was pastor, on Dec. 10. In the evening friends and relatives formed a line two a breast for hours, as they met at his late residence for viewing. On Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2:00 o'clock a service was held at his home, immediately followed by services at Weaverland Mennonite church, Lancaster County. Love for the trusted leader was evidenced by attendance of friends from a vast territory, irrespective of rank, creed, or color. Darkness fell and interment took place beneath a canopy of stars on nearby Route 322.

Bro. Hurst's love for the Kingdom was marked by a life dedicated to active service from his youth. On Jan. 1, 1932, he was married to the former Sallye Rhodes of Harrisonburg, Va. They received a call and accepted appointment that same year to serve in the city of Reading, Penn., where he was ordained to the ministry.

His vision and consecration inspired many as he gave unstintingly of his time and resources to the opening of a second Sunday school at 1611 Fairview St., and later a Sunday school for the Colored. Here he won the title of "Tender Shepherd," none being too depraved to receive his tenderest concern and care.

Bro. Hurst's deep concern for the welfare of the church of Christ was evidenced in whatever avenue he served. Both his evangelistic messages and pastoral care were well balanced. He believed that character, to be sound and enduring, must be built on "The Word," a day by day process. He therefore gave untiring efforts to the Christian Day School movement in Lancaster Country.

Although duty frequently called him away from home, he sought to give the choicest fidelity there. He believed the doctrines of Christ are best instilled there, with much singing and prayer, and his family often appeared with him to render services, his three oldest daughters forming the "Hurst Sisters Trio."

Those taking part in each of the two services represented the various areas of the church which he served, with Bishop Paul Graybin officiating. Those from a distance were Rev. Lloyd Horst of Dayton, Va. and Bishop Daniel Lehman of Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Va.

The accident, though having occurred in Bucks County, was in a section where Bro. Hurst was well acquainted. He and his son Paul, 11, were delivering eggs the evening the crash occurred. Although he had suffered a fractured skull and crushed right shoulder, he very peacefully took his flight. Friends and relatives united in thanksgiving for the miraculous escape of his son, even from slight injury, although he car was a total wreck.

Although apparently Bro. Hurst's sun set while it was full noon, those who knew him best can point back to many things that indicate he was step by step finishing his life's work. He testified often that his soul was ravished with the faithfulness of god in the last year, during the injury and distresses of his oldest son, making his last year the richest with the joy of the Lord.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Luke Jr., 22, Eastern Mennonite College and Paul, 11; five daughters, Eunice, 21, Christian Day School teacher, Lois, 19, telephone operator, Grace 16, Junior in Lancaster Mennonite High School, Mary Louise 8, and Sharon 6, at home; also his 84-year-old father who resided with him. Preceding him in death was his 81-year-old mother, in June 1955.