David J. Lawson - Remembrances

Remembrances

Retired U.M. Bishop J. Woodrow Hearn called David Lawson "an extremely inisightful leader," dedicated to the mission of the Church. "He had always carried out his responsibilities with a warm heart, a loving interest in people and was dedicated to helping the world move toward the goal of being a part of the kingdom of God."

Bishop Michael J. Coyner called Lawson his "consecration bishop" as he recalled how Bishop Lawson preached at the 1996 Episcopal Consecration Service at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference, at which Coyner was consecrated a Bishop. "Since that time, David has been a colleague, friend, advisor and supporter," Coyner told members of the 2007 North Indiana Annual Conference as he announced Lawson's death. "He once told me, 'I am one of your balcony people – encouraging you in your ministry as a Bishop.' I have felt and experienced his support, especially since I returned to Indiana three years ago. I will miss having him around to provide that kind of encouragement and advice." Bishop Coyner was at the time assigned the Indiana Episcopal Area.

The Rev. Lloyd M. Wright, a seminary classmate and lifelong ministerial colleague, said Lawson "shared a rich life of talent and love, a legacy long to be remembered." Mr. Wright said further, "David was a man of deep drives of passion for ministry. He could hold you spellbound as he described his spiritual development at the time of his ordination as Deacon and at his ordination of Elder. David spent much of his leadership time with boards of ordained ministry. He shared a real passion for making every step into the ordained ministry a step of faith and growth."