“He always found the best in people; I never heard a sour word come out of his mouth,” Rev. Robert Brest said of Rev. Glenn Hamilton.
Hamilton passed away on June 4 at the Arbor Manor Rehab Center in Spring Arbour, Michigan after a brief illness.
June 4 was also Pentecost Sunday, which is the birthday of the church, and rings true just how special Hamilton was to the churches he walked into, and the people he came across.
He pastored throughout the district for 38 years in various areas, and altogether he has been in the ministry for 77 years and pastored for 74 years.
Hamilton dedicated his life to preaching and, to Brest, of the First Free Methodist Church, he was just as hardworking as he was a gentleman.
Brest, who knew and became close to Hamilton and his family over many years, lit up when he told stories of his friend, and all the work he has done as a reverend.
“He loaned us $30,000 for the Highlander Christian Camp in Kane, and he never once brought up being paid back or that it was taking to long to receive the money,” Brest said.
It ended up taking 20 years for Hamilton to be paid back for the loan, and he never mentioned it once, Brest said.
He also mentioned that the Highlander Christian Camp used to be located in Port Allegany along the Allegheny River; however, it had to be moved and rebuilt after a flood.
Now in Kane, everything is rebuilt, and while individuals were discussing names for the new buildings, decided to name the new tabernacle, “the Hamilton Tabernacle.” They decided on this name as a dedication to Hamilton and his wife for hard work, service and for the kindness they have shown the camp over the years, Brest said.
Hamilton and his wife, Helen, who preceded him in death two years ago, were married for 73 years. They had had three children of their own, and also took in five other children.
Although they never legally adopted the five children, Brest said the Hamiltons treated those children like they were their own.
Hamilton, who had only a high school education, always wanted more for his kids, making sure that he and his wife would be able to give them a solid future and give them what they need to be able to succeed in whatever they chose to do, according to Brest, who said Hamilton’s children were remarkable.
His children went on to attend colleges and pursued paths in careers such as medicine and education.
Hamilton was also a chaplain at the retirement center in Spring Arbour during his last two years as a minister. He was also put on staff for pastor visitation.
“Even when he was in the nursing pavilion, I would go and pick him up and bring him to services, Brest said. “He would always call people who were in the hospital every day and speak with them.”
Hamilton would also walk around two miles every day, according to Brest.
Rev. Glenn Hamilton was the longest serving pastor of Free Methodist, and his hard work and dedication showed. The stories and the statements prove just how much of a kind soul he was, and how he would go out of his way to assist those who needed his help, while also being a friend.
Individuals may call Friday at the First Church of God in Eldred, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by funeral services held by Rev. Chris Hill officiating. Other ministers include Rev. Beth Rosler, Rev. Robert Brest and Rev. Jim Kazimer, of the First Church of God in Eldred.
Burial will follow funeral services, and will be held at Lamphier Cemetery in Eldred.
Those who would like to contribute memorials are asked to direct them to Highlander Christian Camp in Kane, or Hope Africa University in Burundi, Africa.
Any online condolences can be made at www.framefuneralhome.com.
