Pastor Jack Hester knew something was up.
Jim Wood called Hester to the front of the church just after the morning announcements at Nine Forks Baptist Church, Dacusville. Wood was holding a framed plaque. “I was just hoping nobody was going to hit me with that thing,” Hester said.
Jim Wood, left, representing the Nine Forks congregation, presented an honorary doctorate to Jack Hester from Bernard Bible Institute. Also pictured is Hester’s wife, Shirley.But the plaque was no weapon. It was an honorary doctorate from Bernard Bible Institute in Glendale, Calif., being presented to Hester for his 60 years of ministry.
“That was quick,” Hester said. “They called this morning before I left for church and asked if I would accept such an honor, and here it is now.” Wood said he had been notified by school officials earlier in the week.
Hester said that while such honors are not that uncommon, he accepted this one because he knows Jerry Wayne Bernard, founder of the institute. “I know who is behind this institute, so I know their purpose is to serve the will of God,” Hester said.
A letter that accompanied the plaque extolled Hester’s “formidable work” as a pastor, teacher and soul-winner.
In accepting the degree, Hester thanked his wife Shirley for being a partner in his ministry.
Hester formerly pastored at Grace Baptist Church in Simpsonville, where he also had a successful radio ministry. He served as pastor of Cannon Baptist Church in Central, then Powdersville First Baptist Church before retiring from the ministry.
His retirement was brief. He came to Nine Forks as an interim pastor and “fell in love” with the church. He accepted the full-time pastor’s position, and has served for more than six years.
“This church is the best-kept secret in the Upstate,” Hester said. “There is such a sweet spirit among the folks here. They are truly interested in loving the lost and leading them to Jesus.”