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Revision as of 23:47, 19 May 2006 editArbustoo (talk | contribs)12,546 edits revert; bolding things YOU wish to empasize is not accept; expand= Hyles' grandson was named after him and was accidently killed by Hyles' daughter in law← Previous edit Revision as of 09:46, 20 May 2006 edit undoVivaldi (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers5,085 edits rv to last by Pooua. Version by Arbustoo is not as good. Why would you take out the fact that the Chief of Police Detectives said there was no investigation Arbustoo? Isn't that important?Next edit →
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In 1959, Hyles became the pastor of First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana, where he shepherded the church from a congregation of several hundred to more than 20,000. In the early 1990s a national survey ranked First Baptist as the largest church in the nation, by average weekly attendence figures.<ref name="BJH" /> In 1959, Hyles became the pastor of First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana, where he shepherded the church from a congregation of several hundred to more than 20,000. In the early 1990s a national survey ranked First Baptist as the largest church in the nation, by average weekly attendence figures.<ref name="BJH" />


Beginning in 1969, and continuing for several years, ] received recognition for the size of its Sunday School. The current Vice-President of ], ], who holds a doctorate degree in the ministries, wrote a book in which he analyzed FBCH's Sunday School in 1969.<ref>{{cite web | last=Towns | first=Elmer | url = http://www.elmertowns.com/books/online/10_largest_ss/10_Largest_SS%5BETowns%5D.PDF | title = The Ten Largest Sunday Schools and What Makes Them Grow | publisher = Baker Book House (available for free from the author's personal webpage) | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> He presented a plaque to Jack Hyles in 1971, naming First Baptist Church of Hammond the nation’s largest Sunday school.<ref name="FBC1">{{cite web | url = http://www.fbchammond.com/the_voice/01%20decembervoice2003.pdf | title = First Baptist Church. . . Helping People for 116 Years, and Counting! | work = The Voice of First Baptist Church | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> In 1972, and for several years following, ''Christian Life Magazine'' proclaimed First Baptist Church of Hammond to have "The World's Largest Sunday School."<ref name="FBC1" /> Beginning in 1969, and continuing for several years, ] received recognition for the size of its Sunday School. The current Vice-President of ], ], who holds a doctorate degree in the ministries, wrote a book in which he analyzed FBCH's Sunday School in 1969.<ref>{{cite web | last=Towns | first=Elmer | url = http://www.elmertowns.com/books/online/10_largest_ss/10_Largest_SS%5BETowns%5D.PDF | title = The Ten Largest Sunday Schools and What Makes Them Grow | publisher = Baker Book House | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> He presented a plaque to Jack Hyles in 1971, naming First Baptist Church of Hammond the nation’s largest Sunday school.<ref name="FBC1">{{cite web | url = http://www.fbchammond.com/the_voice/01%20decembervoice2003.pdf | title = First Baptist Church. . . Helping People for 116 Years, and Counting! | work = The Voice of First Baptist Church | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> In 1972, and for several years following, ''Christian Life Magazine'' proclaimed First Baptist Church of Hammond to have "The World's Largest Sunday School."<ref name="FBC1" />


Jack Hyles co-founded ] (an ] institution) with Russell Anderson to specialize in training Baptist ministers and school teachers in 1972.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/005/11.25.html | title = Megachurch Pastor Jack Hyles Dead at 74 | work = ] | accessdate = April 2 | accessyear = 2001}}</ref> Hyles-Anderson College never sought accredition because Hyles insisted that he did not want other people telling him how to run his religious school. Jack Hyles co-founded ] (an ] institution) with Russell Anderson to specialize in training Baptist ministers and school teachers in 1972.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/005/11.25.html | title = Megachurch Pastor Jack Hyles Dead at 74 | work = ] | accessdate = April 2 | accessyear = 2001}}</ref> Hyles-Anderson College never sought accredition because Hyles insisted that he did not want other people telling him how to run his religious school.
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Hyles was also a leader in the ] movement through his speaking at ']' conferences with ] and his own annual "Pastors School". The school continues to attract as many as 7000 visitors to the Hammond area. <ref>{{cite web | last = Zabroski | first = Steve | year = 2006 | url = http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/03/24/news/lake_county/2970eb71e3fc94308625713b0014b869.txt | title = Faithful flock to Hammond | work = ] | accessdate = March 24 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Hyles was also a leader in the ] movement through his speaking at ']' conferences with ] and his own annual "Pastors School". The school continues to attract as many as 7000 visitors to the Hammond area. <ref>{{cite web | last = Zabroski | first = Steve | year = 2006 | url = http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/03/24/news/lake_county/2970eb71e3fc94308625713b0014b869.txt | title = Faithful flock to Hammond | work = ] | accessdate = March 24 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>

In 1995 Hyles' son David named his son Jack David Hyles after the elder.<ref> '']'' Mar 28, 1999</ref> On March 26, 1999 Hyles' daughter-in-law accidently ran over and killed Jack David Hyles.<ref>Mike Brassfield. '']'' Mar 26, 1999</ref>


Hyles wrote over fifty works in his lifetime, including ''Is There A Hell?'', based on a sermon he preached at a National Sword of the Lord Conference. Another work, ''Enemies of Soul Winning'' tackled many issues considered controversial in fundamental and evangelical circles, which include the doctrine of repentance, ], and the role of the church in soul winning. The ''Calvary Contender'' wrote, "Hyles will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind, ever controversial leader whose ministry touched the lives of multitudes."<ref>{{cite web | year=2001 | url = http://home.hiwaay.net/~contendr/2001/3-1-2001.html | title = Jack Hyles Succumbs To Heart Attack | work = ] | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Hyles wrote over fifty works in his lifetime, including ''Is There A Hell?'', based on a sermon he preached at a National Sword of the Lord Conference. Another work, ''Enemies of Soul Winning'' tackled many issues considered controversial in fundamental and evangelical circles, which include the doctrine of repentance, ], and the role of the church in soul winning. The ''Calvary Contender'' wrote, "Hyles will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind, ever controversial leader whose ministry touched the lives of multitudes."<ref>{{cite web | year=2001 | url = http://home.hiwaay.net/~contendr/2001/3-1-2001.html | title = Jack Hyles Succumbs To Heart Attack | work = ] | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>


== Honors, awards, accolades, and praise == == Honors, awards, accolades, and praise ==
Hyles has been the recipient of much praise, honors, and other accolades throughout the course of his life, and even continueing on past his death. Hyles received an honorary doctorate from ], an unaccredited bible college for budding pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and Christian school teachers. Hyles has been the recipient of much praise, honors, and other accolades throughout the course of his life, and even continueing on past his death.
Hyles received an honorary doctorate from ], an unaccredited bible college for budding pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and Christian school teachers.


In 2001, the Hyle's boyhood home, a 384 square foot shack in ] (30 miles south of Dallas, Texas) was purchased for a planned museum to honor Hyles. The home was shipped from Texas to Hyles-Anderson College. The home was planned to house Hyle's writings, photographs, and other relics on the 2,700-student campus. Ray Young, a close friend of Hyles, said, "We have 5,000 to 7,000 independent Baptists who come here each year for conventions. Reverend Hyles was very much adored by independent Baptists across the country. It should be a major attraction for them.<ref>Associated Press ''Texas childhood home of prominent minister planned as Indiana museum'' Schererville, Ind. ], ]</ref> In 2001, the Hyle's boyhood home, a 384 square foot shack in ] (30 miles south of Dallas, Texas) was purchased for a planned museum to honor Hyles. The home was shipped from Texas to Hyles-Anderson College. The home was planned to house Hyle's writings, photographs, and other relics on the 2,700-student campus. Ray Young, a close friend of Hyles, said, "We have 5,000 to 7,000 independent Baptists who come here each year for conventions. Reverend Hyles was very much adored by independent Baptists across the country. It should be a major attraction for them.<ref>Associated Press ''Texas childhood home of prominent minister planned as Indiana museum'' Schererville, Ind. ], ]</ref>
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The '']'' quoted ex-Hyles follower and later critic, ], who said "Jack Hyles, runs his church in an authoritarian, almost 'cultist,' manner." <ref name="Cracks"> Ed Briggs. "Fundamentalists' House Displaying Widening Cracks" '']''. Richmond, Va.: ], ]. pg. A-9</ref> Sumner's paper "''The Biblical Evangelist'', published in ], devoted the lion's share of a 24-page issue this month to what it headlined as "''The Saddest Story We Ever Published''" detailing Nischik's charges and editor Robert Sumner's contention that Rev. Hyles has strayed from biblical teaching and into cultlike mind control.<ref>Michael Hirsley, "Pastor denies adultery, 2 other charges." '']''. Chicago, Ill.: ], ]. pg. 1</ref> According to the ''Richmond Times'' Sumner's article had over 100 allegations.<ref name="Cracks" /> Among the various allegations was that Hyles had "sex satellites" in Petersburg, Beaumont, Texas; and Anniston, Alabama".<ref name="Lucifer">"Pastor Denounces Sex Allegations as 'A Lie Spawned by Lucifer'" ''Richmond Times-Dispatch.'' Richmond, Va.: ], ]. pg. B-4</ref> The '']'' quoted ex-Hyles follower and later critic, ], who said "Jack Hyles, runs his church in an authoritarian, almost 'cultist,' manner." <ref name="Cracks"> Ed Briggs. "Fundamentalists' House Displaying Widening Cracks" '']''. Richmond, Va.: ], ]. pg. A-9</ref> Sumner's paper "''The Biblical Evangelist'', published in ], devoted the lion's share of a 24-page issue this month to what it headlined as "''The Saddest Story We Ever Published''" detailing Nischik's charges and editor Robert Sumner's contention that Rev. Hyles has strayed from biblical teaching and into cultlike mind control.<ref>Michael Hirsley, "Pastor denies adultery, 2 other charges." '']''. Chicago, Ill.: ], ]. pg. 1</ref> According to the ''Richmond Times'' Sumner's article had over 100 allegations.<ref name="Cracks" /> Among the various allegations was that Hyles had "sex satellites" in Petersburg, Beaumont, Texas; and Anniston, Alabama".<ref name="Lucifer">"Pastor Denounces Sex Allegations as 'A Lie Spawned by Lucifer'" ''Richmond Times-Dispatch.'' Richmond, Va.: ], ]. pg. B-4</ref>


Hyles has long denounced and denied the allegations by Sumner and he said Sumner's accusations were "all lies".<ref name="Charges">"Charges All Lies, Hammond Pastor Says," '']'', ], ].</ref>On May 28 the ''Tribune'' repeated this and added Nischik's allegations of questionable financial dealings. Hyles has long denounced and denied the allegations by Sumner and he said Sumner's accusations were "all lies".<ref name="Charges">"Charges All Lies, Hammond Pastor Says," '']'', ], ].</ref>

In 1993, the Northwest Indiana Times reported a news station "recapped a sermon in 1990 in which Hyles pretended to pour poison into a glass and asked an associate pastor, Johnny Colsten, to drink from it. Colsten said he would."<ref name="Dictator">Debra Gruszecki. '']'' ], ]</ref>


In 1993, the Northwest Indiana Times reported a news station "recapped a sermon in 1990 in which Hyles pretended to pour poison into a glass and asked an associate pastor, Johnny Colsten, to drink from it. Colsten said he would."<ref name="Dictator">Debra Gruszecki. '']'' ], ]</ref> Hyles, who has said in interviews that the so-called "poison sermon" was said in jest and was taken out of context, has said the reports have maligned his church. Hyles ridiculed the broadcast and said it was "pack of lies."<ref name="Dictator" /> Hyles, who has said in interviews that the so-called "poison sermon" was said in jest and was taken out of context, has said the reports have maligned his church. Hyles ridiculed the broadcast and said it was "pack of lies." .<ref name="Dictator" />


Furthermore, "The WJBK report said the sermon has the "ring of ] to it - the mass suicide in ] in 1978 by followers of cult leader ]."<ref name="Dictator" /> The mini-series also "showed footage during its report of" Hyles "brandishing a rifle form the pulpit, along with "people with guns and walkie-talkies patrolling the outside of the church at times."<ref name="Dictator" /> In an newspaper interview, Hyles claimed he had to increase the security at his church because he had received bomb threats and threats on his life. The police-trained security men were also provided by Hyles to protect the children at his school. <ref name="Dictator" /> As for the gun, a 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifle, Hyles said it was the only gun taken to church and it was only been taken out of the case "show people how pretty it is." Hyles pointed out that it wasn't taken out during a Sunday service with children as the show implied, but rather it was shown at a function reserved for adults.<ref name="Cracks" /> Furthermore, "The WJBK report said the sermon has the "ring of ] to it - the mass suicide in ] in 1978 by followers of cult leader ]."<ref name="Dictator" /> The mini-series also "showed footage during its report of" Hyles "brandishing a rifle form the pulpit, along with "people with guns and walkie-talkies patrolling the outside of the church at times."<ref name="Dictator" /> In an newspaper interview, Hyles claimed he had to increase the security at his church because he had received bomb threats and threats on his life. The police-trained security men were also provided by Hyles to protect the children at his school. <ref name="Dictator" /> As for the gun, a 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifle, Hyles said it was the only gun taken to church and it was only been taken out of the case "show people how pretty it is." Hyles pointed out that it wasn't taken out during a Sunday service with children as the show implied, but rather it was shown at a function reserved for adults.<ref name="Cracks" />
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Hyles responded to the Nischik charges when said, "Everything that I am charged with is a lie". Hyles received "love offerings and honorariums" from his nationwide speaking engagements and he said that gifts given to him he shared with others, especially with those that worked with him. Hyles said that "money doesn't mean anything to me" and that he has given away "hundreds of thousands of dollars to needy friends" but he doesn't keep records of all the gifts he has given out over the years. Hyles also pointed out that his accuser was known to him to be an immoral man. Hyles said that Nischik 's wife discovered him alone in his pajamas with another woman and soon after Nischik's wife divorced him.<ref name="Charges" /> Hyles responded to the Nischik charges when said, "Everything that I am charged with is a lie". Hyles received "love offerings and honorariums" from his nationwide speaking engagements and he said that gifts given to him he shared with others, especially with those that worked with him. Hyles said that "money doesn't mean anything to me" and that he has given away "hundreds of thousands of dollars to needy friends" but he doesn't keep records of all the gifts he has given out over the years. Hyles also pointed out that his accuser was known to him to be an immoral man. Hyles said that Nischik 's wife discovered him alone in his pajamas with another woman and soon after Nischik's wife divorced him.<ref name="Charges" />


Hyles also responded to the charges of financial impropriety by pointing out that his salary was only $18,308 in year. He said, "I'm not a wealthy man...I could have been, but I have chosen not to be." Hyles pointed out that the Nischiks and other workers and needy friends regularly received many gifts from himself, including new cars.<ref name="Charges" /> Hyles replied by saying the charges were "false" and indicating that "he has given 'hundreds of thousands' of dollars to needy friends over many years but has kept no records of the transactions." Hyles was not ever charged with a crime. <ref name="Charges" /> Hyles also responded to the charges of financial impropriety by pointing out that his salary was only $18,308 in year. He said, "I'm not a wealthy man...I could have been, but I have chosen not to be." Hyles pointed out that the Nischiks and other workers and needy friends regularly received many gifts from himself, including new cars. <ref name="Charges" />


In 1991, the ''Northwest Indiana Times'' reported that a pamphlet called ''Fundamental Seduction: The Jack Hyles Case,'' written by Voyle A Glover, "delves into Texas-based evangelist Robert Sumner's allegations of moral laxity, doctrinal heresy and financial impropriety by Hyles."<ref>Gruszecki, Debra ''Northwest Indian Times'' ], ] </ref> On ], ] Glover was interviewed about his claims against Hyles by "The Channel 2 News" over the 1993 scandals. In 1991, the ''Northwest Indiana Times'' reported that a pamphlet called ''Fundamental Seduction: The Jack Hyles Case,'' written by Voyle A Glover, "delves into Texas-based evangelist Robert Sumner's allegations of moral laxity, doctrinal heresy and financial impropriety by Hyles."<ref>Gruszecki, Debra ''Northwest Indian Times'' ], ] </ref> On ], ] Glover was interviewed about his claims against Hyles by "The Channel 2 News" over the 1993 scandals.
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Hyles was a target of occasional criticism during his thirty-odd years at First Baptist.<ref name="e">Lehmann, Daniel J. "Pastor Linked to Sex Abuse Lashes Out," '']'', ], ]. pg. 5</ref> 1,300 supporters of Hyles gathered to listen to Hyles as he branded the news reports linking him to a nationwide pattern of sexual molestations and abuse as "ridiculous assumptions and malicious lies". He said the reports were really an attempt to end Sunday school "bus ministries" operated by his church and others like it.<ref name="e" /> He told hundreds of supporters that "If ever there was a lie spawned by Lucifer out of hell, this is it."<ref name="Lucifer" /> Hyles was a target of occasional criticism during his thirty-odd years at First Baptist.<ref name="e">Lehmann, Daniel J. "Pastor Linked to Sex Abuse Lashes Out," '']'', ], ]. pg. 5</ref> 1,300 supporters of Hyles gathered to listen to Hyles as he branded the news reports linking him to a nationwide pattern of sexual molestations and abuse as "ridiculous assumptions and malicious lies". He said the reports were really an attempt to end Sunday school "bus ministries" operated by his church and others like it.<ref name="e" /> He told hundreds of supporters that "If ever there was a lie spawned by Lucifer out of hell, this is it."<ref name="Lucifer" />


There is one documented instance where a member of First Baptist was found guilty of a crime of abuse. Daniel Lehmann of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "In March, 1993, a deacon at First Baptist, A.V. Ballenger, was found guilty of one count of child molestation dating from 1991."<ref name="e" /> During a Sunday school class "a church worker reportedly witnessed the act and removed the girl from the room, police said."<ref name="f">"Church leaders sued in sex-abuse case," '']'', ], ].</ref> The ''Chicago Tribune'' in a 1991 article reported that Hyles was sued for $1 million by the parents of the girl molested by Ballenger.<ref name="f" /> The paper reported the "lawsuit claims Hyles and the church had not fulfilled their obligation to ensure that children were protected from harm during Sunday school." This stemmed from the parents allegation that the molestation was brought to Hyles' attention who then allegedly promised to "investigate." After two months of allegedly nothing being done, the parents went to the police. Furthermore they decided to sue Hyles and his church for $1 million and "claim the minister told the child's parents that Ballenger 'just liked little girls,' and 'you don't have a case.'"<ref>"Church leaders sued in sex-abuse case," '']''. Oct 16, 1991. Pg. 3</ref> The girls parents' lawsuit against Ballenger and the church was settled out of court, with the parents refusing to discuss any of the terms.<ref>Amanda Beeler. . ''Northwest Indiana Times'' March 31, 1996</ref> Ballenger was sentenced to five years in prison in 1993. There is one documented instance where a member of First Baptist was found guilty of a crime of abuse. Daniel Lehmann of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "In March, 1993, a deacon at First Baptist, A.V. Ballenger, was found guilty of one count of child molestation dating from 1991."<ref name="e" /> During a Sunday school class "a church worker reportedly witnessed the act and removed the girl from the room, police said."<ref name="f">"Church leaders sued in sex-abuse case," '']'', ], ].</ref> The ''Chicago Tribune'' in a 1991 article reported that Hyles was sued for $1 million by the parents of the girl molested by Ballenger.<ref name="f" /> The paper reported the "lawsuit claims Hyles and the church had not fulfilled their obligation to ensure that children were protected from harm during Sunday school." This stemmed from the parents allegation that the molestation was brought to Hyles' attention who then allegedly promised to "investigate." After two months of allegedly nothing being done, the parents went to the police. Furthermore they decided to sue Hyles and his church for $1 million and "claim the minister told the child's parents that Ballenger 'just liked little girls,' and 'you don't have a case.'"<ref>"Church leaders sued in sex-abuse case," '']''. Oct 16, 1991. Pg. 3</ref> The girls parents' lawsuit against Ballenger and the church was settled out of court, with the parents refusing to discuss any of the terms. Ballenger was sentenced to five years in prison in 1993.


The '']'' noted "regrettably, Hyles does not seem to think that Ballenger's conviction is something that should require the former deacon to be removed from any contact with church children.<ref> '']'' ], ]</ref> Hyles noted, "The family, the parents of the daughter should not have gone to court and they wouldn't have if a crooked lawyer hadn't got a hold of 'em. They shouldn't have gone to court. They should have come to me. That's what they did. They had only one witness. I told them in my office, I'm sorry, I cannot investigate a case unless there's two witnesses."<ref name="Glover">Voyle A. Glover. . ''Northwest Indiana Times'' June 10, 1993</ref> This is because Hyles strictly interprets that Bible and he believes that it specifically forbids people from condemning people based on the testimony of a single witness.<ref name="Glover" /> The Deputy Prosecutor of the Ballenger case Clarence Murray said "that the church has maintained 'a conspiracy of silence' by closing ranks behind Ballenger.<ref name="deacon guilty">Ed Evans and Mark Kieslong. . ''Northwest Indiana Times'' March 27, 1993 </ref> The '']'' noted "regrettably, Hyles does not seem to think that Ballenger's conviction is something that should require the former deacon to be removed from any contact with church children.<ref> '']'' ], ]</ref> Hyles noted, "The family, the parents of the daughter should not have gone to court and they wouldn't have if a crooked lawyer hadn't got a hold of 'em. They shouldn't have gone to court. They should have come to me. That's what they did. They had only one witness. I told them in my office, I'm sorry, I cannot investigate a case unless there's two witnesses." This is because Hyles strictly interprets that Bible and he believes that it specifically forbids people from condemning people based on the testimony of a single witness. The Deputy Prosecutor of the Ballenger case Clarence Murray said "that the church has maintained 'a conspiracy of silence' by closing ranks behind Ballenger.


In May 1993, ] of ], ] area news team, did a story called '']'' where it followed up on allegations of child molestation."<ref name="Grand Rapids">"7 accused of abuse linked to preacher." ''The Grand Rapids Press.'' Grand Rapids, Mich. ], ]. pg. B.2</ref> The news report "began airing a six-part series Sunday night that stemmed from child sexual abuse allegations last fall against deacon Mark Foeller and associate pastor Timothy Leonard of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor."<ref name="Grand Rapids" /> The ''San Diego Union-Tribune'' noted "the news report found seven U.S. churches - all with ties to Hyles, it said - involved in sex scandals."<ref>"Preacher has links to molest suspects." ''The San Diego Union -Tribune.'' San Diego, Calif.: ], ]. p. A.7</ref> Hyles "disputed the latest reports point by point in a speech to Midwest ministers and businessmen, brought together by COMPASSION - Churches Organized & Mobilized for Preservation and Safety for Sunday Schools in Our Nation." At which, Hyles also claimed out that one person said to have attended Hyles-Anderson College had not really attended the school. In May 1993, ] of ], ] area news team, did a story called '']'' where it followed up on allegations of child molestation."<ref name="Grand Rapids">"7 accused of abuse linked to preacher." ''The Grand Rapids Press.'' Grand Rapids, Mich. ], ]. pg. B.2</ref> The news report "began airing a six-part series Sunday night that stemmed from child sexual abuse allegations last fall against deacon Mark Foeller and associate pastor Timothy Leonard of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor."<ref name="Grand Rapids" /> The ''San Diego Union-Tribune'' noted "the news report found seven U.S. churches - all with ties to Hyles, it said - involved in sex scandals."<ref>"Preacher has links to molest suspects." ''The San Diego Union -Tribune.'' San Diego, Calif.: ], ]. p. A.7</ref> Hyles "disputed the latest reports point by point in a speech to Midwest ministers and businessmen, brought together by COMPASSION - Churches Organized & Mobilized for Preservation and Safety for Sunday Schools in Our Nation." At which, Hyles also claimed out that one person said to have attended Hyles-Anderson College had not really attended the school.


On ], ] "the FBI was asked to look into allegations minors were taken from Michigan to Northwest Indiana by employees or officials of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor for events sponsored by Hammond First Baptist Church."<ref name="FBI">Debra Gruszecki ''Northwest Indiana Times" ], ]</ref> The FBI concluded, "there is insufficient evidence to probe allegations." <ref name="FBI" /> On Friday, ], ] Sgt. Charles Hedinger, a Hammond police detective, described the Hyles investigation as "open-ended."<ref name="FBI" /> Jack Hyles said that he welcomed an investigation of the police and he attended a meeting with city officials to discuss it. Hyles emerged from the meeting saying that there was no investigation. Confirmation of this came on Wednesday, ], ], when Hedinger's boss Capt. Bill Conner was quoted in the ''Tribune'' saying that, "There is no investigation of the First Baptist Church of Hammond or Jack Hyles".<ref name="No Investigation">"No Investigation of Church in Abuse Cases, Police Say" ''Chicago Tribune'' ], ]</ref> On ], ] "the FBI was asked to look into allegations minors were taken from Michigan to Northwest Indiana by employees or officials of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor for events sponsored by Hammond First Baptist Church."<ref name="FBI">Debra Gruszecki ''Northwest Indiana Times" ], ]</ref> The FBI concluded, "there is insufficient evidence to probe allegations." <ref name="FBI" /> On Friday, ], ] Sgt. Charles Hedinger, a Hammond police detective, described the Hyles investigation as "open-ended."<ref name="FBI" /> Jack Hyles said that he welcomed an investigation of the police and he attended a meeting with city officials to discuss it. Hyles emerged from the meeting saying that there was no investigation. Confirmation of this came on Wednesday, ], ], when Hedinger's boss, the chief of the Hammond police detectives, Capt. Bill Conner was quoted in the ''Tribune'' saying that, "There is no investigation of the First Baptist Church of Hammond or Jack Hyles".<ref name="No Investigation">"No Investigation of Church in Abuse Cases, Police Say" ''Chicago Tribune'' ], ]</ref>


On ], ] '']'' reported that Hyles and his church, the First Baptist Church of Hammond, were being sued for "for negligence in connection with alleged sexual assaults on a mentally disabled church member over a six-year period"<ref name="g">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/1997/december8/7te63a.html | title = Baptist Megachurch Faces Sex Suit | work = ] | accessdate = 2006-05-01}}</ref> The lawyer for the woman, Vernon Petri, "says Hyles is a defendant because he failed to protect the woman", such that "Controls have to be set to be sure things are conducted appropriately..."<ref name="g" /> According to the lawyer, "a church program instructor led her to a room and served as a lookout while two to three males raped her." The women develop a "serious" infection and doctors "found, embedded in her, a plastic object." On ], ] '']'' reported that Hyles and his church, the First Baptist Church of Hammond, were being sued for "for negligence in connection with alleged sexual assaults on a mentally disabled church member over a six-year period"<ref name="g">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/1997/december8/7te63a.html | title = Baptist Megachurch Faces Sex Suit | work = ] | accessdate = 2006-05-01}}</ref> The lawyer for the woman, Vernon Petri, "says Hyles is a defendant because he failed to protect the woman", such that "Controls have to be set to be sure things are conducted appropriately..."<ref name="g" /> According to the lawyer, "a church program instructor led her to a room and served as a lookout while two to three males raped her." The women develop a "serious" infection and doctors "found, embedded in her, a plastic object."
"The "civil suit filed in ] Court in Gary claims the Chicago woman was "induced by agents" of the church in 1991 to ride a bus to attend Sunday." "The "civil suit filed in ] Court in Gary claims the Chicago woman was "induced by agents" of the church in 1991 to ride a bus to attend Sunday."


However, despite the rape and abuse claims by the woman's lawyer, ''Christianity Today'' noted that no criminal charges were ever filed in either the 1991 case or the 1996 case. Also, Hyles denied the allegations claiming he would have been the first one to want someone punished for such an act, providing there is more than one witness (Hyles will only investigate cases of sex abuse where this more than one witness as claimed with the Ballenger case.).<ref name="g" /> Hyles said the church told police about the teacher's report in 1991 and that the case was "shock" becuase his "records" allegedly show "the girl has not attended our church since that occasion."<ref name="g" /> However, despite the rape and abuse claims by the woman's lawyer, ''Christianity Today'' noted that no criminal charges were ever filed in either the 1991 case or the 1996 case. Also, Hyles denied the allegations that either he or his church were negligent in the care of the woman in an October 12 advertisement in the Hammond Times.<ref name="g" /> Hyles said the he would have been the first one to want someone punished for such an act. Hyles said the church told police about the teacher's report in 1991. He said, "we reported it immediately, and that's the only case we know of. In fact, our records show the girl has not attended our church since that occasion." Hyles said accurate records are kept of attendance. Commenting on the lawyers allegations, Hyles said, "For them to bring this up, when our records show no attendance since 1991, is a total shock to me."


==References== ==References==

Revision as of 09:46, 20 May 2006

File:Jack Frasure Hyles FBC Hammond.jpg

Jack Frasure Hyles (September 25, 1926-February 6, 2001) was a leading figure in the Baptist movement. He pastored the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana from 1959 to his death. Jack Hyles built a church of fewer than a thousand members to a membership of 100,000, with an average Sunday attendance of 20,000. He was a leading innovator in the church bus ministry. Over the course of his nearly 50 years as a church leader, Hyles was occasionally criticized for his doctorinal views and for alleged scandals.

His life and ministry

Jack Hyles was better known as "Brother Hyles" to his tens of thousands of congregants. Hyles led the Miller Road Baptist Church in Garland, Texas for about six years in the 1950s, but he was reportedly kicked out of the Southern Baptist denomination because he was too conservative for them.

In 1959, Hyles became the pastor of First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana, where he shepherded the church from a congregation of several hundred to more than 20,000. In the early 1990s a national survey ranked First Baptist as the largest church in the nation, by average weekly attendence figures.

Beginning in 1969, and continuing for several years, First Baptist Church of Hammond received recognition for the size of its Sunday School. The current Vice-President of Liberty University, Elmer L. Towns, who holds a doctorate degree in the ministries, wrote a book in which he analyzed FBCH's Sunday School in 1969. He presented a plaque to Jack Hyles in 1971, naming First Baptist Church of Hammond the nation’s largest Sunday school. In 1972, and for several years following, Christian Life Magazine proclaimed First Baptist Church of Hammond to have "The World's Largest Sunday School."

Jack Hyles co-founded Hyles-Anderson College (an unaccredited institution) with Russell Anderson to specialize in training Baptist ministers and school teachers in 1972. Hyles-Anderson College never sought accredition because Hyles insisted that he did not want other people telling him how to run his religious school.

One of the most notable aspects of Jack Hyles' ministry is his church bus ministry. As early as 1975, Time magazine described the phenomenon in an article titled, "Superchurch." The Time article notes that First Baptist Church of Hammond Sunday School, which regularly ran almost 14,000 (the church had an active membership of 22,000), pushed the church to a record attendance of 30,560 on March 16, 1975, thanks to a boisterous contest between two bus route teams. In that year, according to the Time article, the First Baptist Church of Hammond bus route ministry consisted of 1,000 workers using 230 buses to ferry as many as 10,000 people every Sunday. The Chicago Sun Times reported in 2001, that a fleet of over 200 buses was regularly ferrying 7,000 to 15,000 people from throughout northwest Indiana and the Chicago, Illinois area to learn the fundamentals of Bible teaching.

Hyles was also a leader in the Independent Baptist movement through his speaking at 'The Sword of the Lord' conferences with John R. Rice and his own annual "Pastors School". The school continues to attract as many as 7000 visitors to the Hammond area.

Hyles wrote over fifty works in his lifetime, including Is There A Hell?, based on a sermon he preached at a National Sword of the Lord Conference. Another work, Enemies of Soul Winning tackled many issues considered controversial in fundamental and evangelical circles, which include the doctrine of repentance, Lordship salvation, and the role of the church in soul winning. The Calvary Contender wrote, "Hyles will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind, ever controversial leader whose ministry touched the lives of multitudes."

Honors, awards, accolades, and praise

Hyles has been the recipient of much praise, honors, and other accolades throughout the course of his life, and even continueing on past his death.

Hyles received an honorary doctorate from Midwestern Baptist College, an unaccredited bible college for budding pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and Christian school teachers.

In 2001, the Hyle's boyhood home, a 384 square foot shack in Italy, Texas (30 miles south of Dallas, Texas) was purchased for a planned museum to honor Hyles. The home was shipped from Texas to Hyles-Anderson College. The home was planned to house Hyle's writings, photographs, and other relics on the 2,700-student campus. Ray Young, a close friend of Hyles, said, "We have 5,000 to 7,000 independent Baptists who come here each year for conventions. Reverend Hyles was very much adored by independent Baptists across the country. It should be a major attraction for them.

Hyles' commitment to poor children grew out of his own childhood. He was raised in poverty by a single mother during the Great Depression. Hyle's is given recognition for his commitment to the poor, mostly black and Hispanic children from Chicago's inner-city neighborhoods, whom he has bussed to private Christian schools in Hammond every day.

Hyles was known as a great preacher among the fundamentalist preachers. The Washington Post compared the meek preaching style of Jerry Falwell to the "spit and fire" of Jack Hyles. The Post suggested that after you heard a preacher like Hyles, "you knew that you'd been preached to".

In the Chicago Sun Times' Cathleen Falsani wrote about Hyles on the occasion of his death, "When he chose the interests of poor, inner-city kids over millionaire church members, they said he'd never keep the doors of his church open. In more than 50 years of ministry, the Rev. Jack Hyles, pastor of mammoth First Baptist Church in Hammond, Ind. proved them all wrong. In the process he build one of the largest congregations in the country, a college, six schools, and a vibrant ministry that will now have to survive without him."

In the same article, the President of Hyles-Anderson College was quoted as saying Hyles is "a tremendous man of integrity, business acumen, leadership ability, organization. You didn't have to do everything his way. But after you experimented, you usually found out his way was the best way".

Matthew Barnett, while discussing his work at an inner-city Los Angeles ministry, explained how he learned from Jack Hyles. He explained how he and his dad learned the whole bus ministry and bus captains idea from Hyles during a conference. Barnett also expounded on how Hyles was a tremendous soul winner, and how Hyles had great influence throughout the entire Chicago area.

Hyles was honored in Hammond, Indiana with a huge portrait of Hyles and his widow, Beverly, dominating the skyline of the town. He is also honored in Founder's Park at his college, where they laid 30,000 bricks as flooring for life-sized statues of Hyles and his widow.

Controversy and criticism

Teachings

The Richmond Times quoted ex-Hyles follower and later critic, Robert Sumner, who said "Jack Hyles, runs his church in an authoritarian, almost 'cultist,' manner." Sumner's paper "The Biblical Evangelist, published in Ingleside, Texas, devoted the lion's share of a 24-page issue this month to what it headlined as "The Saddest Story We Ever Published" detailing Nischik's charges and editor Robert Sumner's contention that Rev. Hyles has strayed from biblical teaching and into cultlike mind control. According to the Richmond Times Sumner's article had over 100 allegations. Among the various allegations was that Hyles had "sex satellites" in Petersburg, Beaumont, Texas; and Anniston, Alabama".

Hyles has long denounced and denied the allegations by Sumner and he said Sumner's accusations were "all lies".

In 1993, the Northwest Indiana Times reported a news station "recapped a sermon in 1990 in which Hyles pretended to pour poison into a glass and asked an associate pastor, Johnny Colsten, to drink from it. Colsten said he would."

Hyles, who has said in interviews that the so-called "poison sermon" was said in jest and was taken out of context, has said the reports have maligned his church. Hyles ridiculed the broadcast and said it was "pack of lies." .

Furthermore, "The WJBK report said the sermon has the "ring of Jonestown to it - the mass suicide in Guyana in 1978 by followers of cult leader Jim Jones." The mini-series also "showed footage during its report of" Hyles "brandishing a rifle form the pulpit, along with "people with guns and walkie-talkies patrolling the outside of the church at times." In an newspaper interview, Hyles claimed he had to increase the security at his church because he had received bomb threats and threats on his life. The police-trained security men were also provided by Hyles to protect the children at his school. As for the gun, a 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifle, Hyles said it was the only gun taken to church and it was only been taken out of the case "show people how pretty it is." Hyles pointed out that it wasn't taken out during a Sunday service with children as the show implied, but rather it was shown at a function reserved for adults.

Personal conduct

On May 25, 1989 The Chicago Tribune reported that Victor Nischik, a former deacon of the First Baptist Church, accused Hyles of committing adultery with Jennie Nischik, Nischik's wife and Hyles' long time assistant. On May 28 the Tribune repeated this and added Nischik's allegations of questionable financial dealings. Hyles replied by saying the charges were "false". Hyles was not ever charged with a crime.

Hyles responded to the Nischik charges when said, "Everything that I am charged with is a lie". Hyles received "love offerings and honorariums" from his nationwide speaking engagements and he said that gifts given to him he shared with others, especially with those that worked with him. Hyles said that "money doesn't mean anything to me" and that he has given away "hundreds of thousands of dollars to needy friends" but he doesn't keep records of all the gifts he has given out over the years. Hyles also pointed out that his accuser was known to him to be an immoral man. Hyles said that Nischik 's wife discovered him alone in his pajamas with another woman and soon after Nischik's wife divorced him.

Hyles also responded to the charges of financial impropriety by pointing out that his salary was only $18,308 in year. He said, "I'm not a wealthy man...I could have been, but I have chosen not to be." Hyles pointed out that the Nischiks and other workers and needy friends regularly received many gifts from himself, including new cars.

In 1991, the Northwest Indiana Times reported that a pamphlet called Fundamental Seduction: The Jack Hyles Case, written by Voyle A Glover, "delves into Texas-based evangelist Robert Sumner's allegations of moral laxity, doctrinal heresy and financial impropriety by Hyles." On May 24, 2001 Glover was interviewed about his claims against Hyles by "The Channel 2 News" over the 1993 scandals.

Sexual allegations involving the First Baptist community

Hyles was a target of occasional criticism during his thirty-odd years at First Baptist. 1,300 supporters of Hyles gathered to listen to Hyles as he branded the news reports linking him to a nationwide pattern of sexual molestations and abuse as "ridiculous assumptions and malicious lies". He said the reports were really an attempt to end Sunday school "bus ministries" operated by his church and others like it. He told hundreds of supporters that "If ever there was a lie spawned by Lucifer out of hell, this is it."

There is one documented instance where a member of First Baptist was found guilty of a crime of abuse. Daniel Lehmann of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "In March, 1993, a deacon at First Baptist, A.V. Ballenger, was found guilty of one count of child molestation dating from 1991." During a Sunday school class "a church worker reportedly witnessed the act and removed the girl from the room, police said." The Chicago Tribune in a 1991 article reported that Hyles was sued for $1 million by the parents of the girl molested by Ballenger. The paper reported the "lawsuit claims Hyles and the church had not fulfilled their obligation to ensure that children were protected from harm during Sunday school." This stemmed from the parents allegation that the molestation was brought to Hyles' attention who then allegedly promised to "investigate." After two months of allegedly nothing being done, the parents went to the police. Furthermore they decided to sue Hyles and his church for $1 million and "claim the minister told the child's parents that Ballenger 'just liked little girls,' and 'you don't have a case.'" The girls parents' lawsuit against Ballenger and the church was settled out of court, with the parents refusing to discuss any of the terms. Ballenger was sentenced to five years in prison in 1993.

The Northwest Indiana Times noted "regrettably, Hyles does not seem to think that Ballenger's conviction is something that should require the former deacon to be removed from any contact with church children. Hyles noted, "The family, the parents of the daughter should not have gone to court and they wouldn't have if a crooked lawyer hadn't got a hold of 'em. They shouldn't have gone to court. They should have come to me. That's what they did. They had only one witness. I told them in my office, I'm sorry, I cannot investigate a case unless there's two witnesses." This is because Hyles strictly interprets that Bible and he believes that it specifically forbids people from condemning people based on the testimony of a single witness. The Deputy Prosecutor of the Ballenger case Clarence Murray said "that the church has maintained 'a conspiracy of silence' by closing ranks behind Ballenger.

In May 1993, WJBK of Detroit, Michigan area news team, did a story called Preying from the Pulpit where it followed up on allegations of child molestation." The news report "began airing a six-part series Sunday night that stemmed from child sexual abuse allegations last fall against deacon Mark Foeller and associate pastor Timothy Leonard of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor." The San Diego Union-Tribune noted "the news report found seven U.S. churches - all with ties to Hyles, it said - involved in sex scandals." Hyles "disputed the latest reports point by point in a speech to Midwest ministers and businessmen, brought together by COMPASSION - Churches Organized & Mobilized for Preservation and Safety for Sunday Schools in Our Nation." At which, Hyles also claimed out that one person said to have attended Hyles-Anderson College had not really attended the school.

On May 14, 1993 "the FBI was asked to look into allegations minors were taken from Michigan to Northwest Indiana by employees or officials of North Sharon Baptist Church near Ann Arbor for events sponsored by Hammond First Baptist Church." The FBI concluded, "there is insufficient evidence to probe allegations." On Friday, May 19, 1993 Sgt. Charles Hedinger, a Hammond police detective, described the Hyles investigation as "open-ended." Jack Hyles said that he welcomed an investigation of the police and he attended a meeting with city officials to discuss it. Hyles emerged from the meeting saying that there was no investigation. Confirmation of this came on Wednesday, May 24, 2003, when Hedinger's boss, the chief of the Hammond police detectives, Capt. Bill Conner was quoted in the Tribune saying that, "There is no investigation of the First Baptist Church of Hammond or Jack Hyles".

On December 8, 1997 Christianity Today reported that Hyles and his church, the First Baptist Church of Hammond, were being sued for "for negligence in connection with alleged sexual assaults on a mentally disabled church member over a six-year period" The lawyer for the woman, Vernon Petri, "says Hyles is a defendant because he failed to protect the woman", such that "Controls have to be set to be sure things are conducted appropriately..." According to the lawyer, "a church program instructor led her to a room and served as a lookout while two to three males raped her." The women develop a "serious" infection and doctors "found, embedded in her, a plastic object." "The "civil suit filed in Lake Superior Court in Gary claims the Chicago woman was "induced by agents" of the church in 1991 to ride a bus to attend Sunday."

However, despite the rape and abuse claims by the woman's lawyer, Christianity Today noted that no criminal charges were ever filed in either the 1991 case or the 1996 case. Also, Hyles denied the allegations that either he or his church were negligent in the care of the woman in an October 12 advertisement in the Hammond Times. Hyles said the he would have been the first one to want someone punished for such an act. Hyles said the church told police about the teacher's report in 1991. He said, "we reported it immediately, and that's the only case we know of. In fact, our records show the girl has not attended our church since that occasion." Hyles said accurate records are kept of attendance. Commenting on the lawyers allegations, Hyles said, "For them to bring this up, when our records show no attendance since 1991, is a total shock to me."

References

  1. ^ Lehmann, Daniel J. "Pastor Linked to Sex Abuse Lashes Out," Chicago Sun-Times, June 2, 1993. pg. 5
  2. ^ Falsani, Cathleen Brother Jack Hyles of Hammond dies at 74 Chicago Sun Times, February 8, 2001.
  3. Towns, Elmer. "The Ten Largest Sunday Schools and What Makes Them Grow" (PDF). Baker Book House. Retrieved May 1. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ "First Baptist Church. . . Helping People for 116 Years, and Counting!" (PDF). The Voice of First Baptist Church. Retrieved May 1. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  5. "Megachurch Pastor Jack Hyles Dead at 74". Christianity Today. Retrieved April 2. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  6. "Superchurch". Time. Retrieved April 30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  7. Zabroski, Steve (2006). "Faithful flock to Hammond". Northwest Indiana Times. Retrieved March 24. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  8. "Jack Hyles Succumbs To Heart Attack". Calvary Contender. 2001. Retrieved May 1. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  9. Associated Press Texas childhood home of prominent minister planned as Indiana museum Schererville, Ind. November 6, 2001
  10. Harrington, Walt What Hath Falwell Wrought? Washington Post July 24, 1988, pg W19
  11. High hopes: Matthew Barnett's secret is to inspire others to dream what God can do--and dream big The Leadership Interview from Leadership Joural Jan 1, 2005
  12. News briefs Illinois edition: Dedication to unveil college founder Oct 20, 2001 Northwest Indiana Times
  13. ^ Ed Briggs. "Fundamentalists' House Displaying Widening Cracks" Richmond Times. Richmond, Va.: Jul 22, 1989. pg. A-9
  14. Michael Hirsley, "Pastor denies adultery, 2 other charges." Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Ill.: May 25, 1989. pg. 1
  15. ^ "Pastor Denounces Sex Allegations as 'A Lie Spawned by Lucifer'" Richmond Times-Dispatch. Richmond, Va.: Jun 02, 1993. pg. B-4
  16. ^ "Charges All Lies, Hammond Pastor Says," Chicago Tribune, May 28, 1989.
  17. ^ Debra Gruszecki.Hyles: I'm no dictator. First Baptist leader defends Northwest Indiana Times May 28, 1993
  18. Gruszecki, Debra Church's alleged acts questioned. Local lawyer charges Northwest Indian Times October 22, 1991
  19. ^ "Church leaders sued in sex-abuse case," Chicago Tribune, Oct 16, 1991.
  20. "Church leaders sued in sex-abuse case," Chicago Tribune. Oct 16, 1991. Pg. 3
  21. Baptism by innuendo Northwest Indiana Times May 19, 1993
  22. ^ "7 accused of abuse linked to preacher." The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Mich. May 17, 1993. pg. B.2
  23. "Preacher has links to molest suspects." The San Diego Union -Tribune. San Diego, Calif.: May 17, 1993. p. A.7
  24. ^ Debra Gruszecki FBI won't continue with church sex abuse probe. Not enough Northwest Indiana Times" May 19, 1993
  25. "No Investigation of Church in Abuse Cases, Police Say" Chicago Tribune May 24, 1993
  26. ^ "Baptist Megachurch Faces Sex Suit". Christianity Today. 2006. Retrieved 2006-05-01.

Bibliography

External links

Hyles Ministry

Criticism

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