A Pentecostal Preacher: Honoring Ray H. Hughes Sr.

Expectation filled the night air of September 27, 1948, as the young evangelist Ray H. Hughes gave his dynamic message on "The Answer to the Youth Problem" in the 20,000 seat Hollywood Bowl that was filled to capacity.  Newspapers considered him "a vibrant, new voice for America’s youth."  At the altar call, "a mighty melting came as the Holy Spirit convicted men and women, boys and girls of almost every color and race...and there came a great surging forward to the altars."

The event was sponsored by six Pentecostal denominations as well as independent ministries.  It brought national attention to the young evangelist and signaled a new day of cooperation among Pentecostals.  From this meeting, Ray H. Hughes rode the wave of growth and expansion of the Pentecostal movement through the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America and the Pentecostal World Conference.  His participation culminated at Seoul, Korea, when he preached to over 100,000 souls in 1998. His influence as a states person; however, will continue to touch many generations to come.

His administration and leadership abilities were noticed early on when he became Youth Director for the Church of God from 1952 to 1956.  One notable experience during his tenure as Youth Director was preaching at Trafalgar Square in London, England, on the subject of “Death and Judgment” in 1954.  Not long after serving as youth director and state overseer of Delmarva, he was appointed National Radio Speaker for Forward in Faith in 1960 because of his powerful and effective preaching style.  He also served as President of Lee College from 1960 to 1966 again showing his burden for youth.

Brother Hughes continued to prove his leadership abilities with his election to the Executive Committee in 1966.  While preaching at a convention in Puerto Rico January 26, 1972, Brother Hughes received word about general overseer R. Leonard Carroll’s death .  It was only a few days later on January 31, 1972, when the executive council installed Brother Hughes as general overseer.

Upon his acceptance of the office of general overseer Brother Hughes stated, "Although the task is gigantic in nature, I face it with courage and not with fear."  That same year, Brother Hughes moderated the Church of God General Council and General Assembly for the first time in Dallas, Texas.  During that assembly, he called the church to a program of "total evangelism."  He proclaimed, "There must be public witnessing to complement pulpit preaching."  Brother Hughes served as general overseer of the church 1972-1974, 1978-1982, and 1996.

by Eric Waggoner

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