Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The End of Camelot

This past week I received some heartbreaking news.  A friend of mine, Rev. Jamie Evans, a fellow pastor in ministry, and colleague in faith, took his own life.  As with all suicides, there have come the usual flurry of questions, unresolved answers, personal remembrances and the looming three letter word which presents itself like an angry sentry at a castle gate - Why? When a death like this happens we are faced with an unresolved question mark, never to be followed by a period.   

There is a larger story here, though, which we shouldn't overlook.  Jamie's death also marks the end of Camelot.  In the 1930's and 40's, Jamie's grandfather, Louis Evans Sr. was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood.  Louis Sr. was pastor during a time of great growth in the Presbyterian Church - "the golden age".  Louis' son, Louis Jr. was also a great pastor, as was Louis' wife, Colleen - Coky.  Coky graced the cover of Time magazine with a beautiful profile of grace and faith.  Both of them strode upon the national Presbyterian pastoral scene with panache and regal gallantry.  

When Jamie went into the ministry, most people felt that it was yet another piece of the dynastic legacy of pastors.  And it was.  Jamie was an incredible preacher, teacher, leader.  He seemed to have it "all together".  He looked like Tony Robbins!  

When John F. Kennedy Jr. (President Kennedy's son) was killed in a plane crash a few years ago, it was popular to muse about "The End of Camelot".  When Jamie died this past Thursday, a similar Camelot came to an end.  A seasons end, a curtain fell on four generations of great Presbyterian ministers, and legends of the faith. 

Ecclesiastes reminds us that, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."  This will be a season of closure for the Presbyterian church. 

But a new season will begin...

All for now,
GB


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  1. Bill PMarch 3, 2010 at 12:03 AM

    Graham, this is one of those things that happen, that even the most intellectual among us cannot answer. As I get older the only question that I seem to ask, from this kind of tragedy, is why? God's word always gives me answers to some of the deepest problems of this life, but when it comes to something like suicide, my mind always goes to what I was taught as a child.It always seemed so scary to hear the the stories of those who chose this option. Some have called it cowardice. some feel only shame,grief, or anger when it comes to something as final as suicide. I believe that God gives us every opportunity to come to him in times of despair, but we also, can never no the forgiveness of God. He looks at our heart where nothing can hide.Not even our deepest, darkest troubles are hidden from him.

    I pray that his loved ones, and his dear friends, such as you, will be comforted by the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. I pray that people will unite with his family, in great understanding and love, rather than trying to figure out...Why?

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