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February 3, 2012

Remembering Pastor Lusk

Members speak out about the minister of Athens Church of God who died of cancer Wednesday

Rich Flowers The Athens Review

Athens — Henry Lusk was a man who sold hardware during the week, and preached about the carpenter of Nazareth on Sundays.

Lusk died Wednesday after a bout with cancer. He had pastored the Athens Church of God for about 6-1/2 years, and was manager of Athens Lumber and Supply for 29 years. Church members remembered him Friday as a energetic Bible preacher and caring pastor.

“He was wonderful man who’ll be sorely missed,” church member Allen Cutcher said. “To say we’re devastated would be an understatement.”

Church member John Maney said his pastor was a loving man who had “a million friends.”

Lusk’s energy and enthusiasm excited others, and made them want to get involved, Maney  said. He could be creative in the pulpit, and would kick out his foot sometimes when he really got to “feeling the spirit,” Maney said.

“He called his best sermons stem-winders,” Maney said.

The Church of God on Robbins Road had closed before Lusk became pastor.  During his years as pastor, the white frame building sometimes had more than 90 people in attendance. Lusk’s services were filled with music and good preaching.  Maney said the congregation had a real family atmosphere.

“He had two stepchildren, but every kid in church was like one of his children,” Maney said.

Lusk and his wife, Pam, had been married for 11 years. Before his condition deteriorated, much of his time was spent helping her with her health problems.

The pastor’s last appearance at the Church of God was at the Christmas party in December. He didn’t say much, and just being there seemed to take all of his strength.

On Jan. 15, Lusk helped officiate the funeral of friend and fellow pastor Danny Wilson

It was tough, Cutcher said, but he made it through.

In addition to his 18 years in ministerial work, many in Athens knew Lusk from his 29 years at Athens Lumber.  He retired as manager a few months ago.

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