Remembering E.A. Dicus

E.A. Dicus

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

E.A. Dicus (“Dike”) preached for over forty years for the Lorain Avenue church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio (where my family attended while I was growing up). He was well-loved and respected by those that knew him. Even though I was not quite ten years old when he passed away, he made an early impact upon me and his example continues to influence me today.

Lewis Willis spoke at his funeral and wrote an obituary that appeared in Guardian of Truth magazine a month later [available online here]. From time to time I go back and re-read Willis’ comments about Dike, just to be reminded about who he was and the work he had done. Today is the twenty-first anniversary of his passing. I wanted to share his story with the readers here, in particular the following excerpt:

Dike graduated from Purdue University in 1936 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was something of a “throw back” to an earlier time. He was a full-time gospel preacher who supported himself. Most of the preachers of the generations before him were farmers who preached. (It is probably more accurate to say that their families were farmers and they were preachers.) Dike was an engineer who preached.

He had many titles at Anvil Industries in Cleveland. He was Engineer, Chief Engineer, Vice-President in charge of Engineering, President, Corporate Vice-President and a Director of Anvil Industries. He retired in 1980, though he continued as a consultant to the Corporation until his death. […]

When he and Martha moved to Cleveland, they attended the West Side Church. During that time, he did a lot of “fillin” preaching. When the church meeting at Warren Road and Detroit Avenue was established, he began “full-time” work as their preacher. That congregation is now known as the Lorain Avenue Church and Dike was the only preacher they have ever had. His work with Lorain Avenue covered a span of approximately 43 years. He never received full support for his preaching work with the Church. Only in the last few years did he accept any support, and that was only after the church insisted that he do so.

Not only did he preach for the congregation, but for the last several years of his life he served as an elder of the church. He is held in highest regard by brethren throughout this region for his service to God and his people. Only a man of such strength could have successfully carried the burdens of husband and father, a secular job, preaching and serving as an elder at the same time. He was a truly unique individual. [Click here to read all of Lewis Willis’ comments]

There is certainly nothing wrong with preachers making a living fully from their work in preaching (1 Corinthians 9:14). In most cases this is preferable for the sake of the preacher and his work. But there is also a place in the kingdom for men who are willing and able to “offer the gospel without charge” (1 Corinthians 9:18), “working night and day” so that they “would not be a burden to any” (2 Thessalonians 3:8). Paul did this to set an example (2 Thessalonians 3:7,9). Men like E.A. Dicus serve as examples of this as well. The most important thing a preacher can do is preach, regardless of whether financial support exists or he must work to support himself. Dike showed how this could be done, not just on a temporary basis, but over a period of decades.

Beyond the example Dike set for preachers, his life also teaches a lesson to all Christians — in the midst of all the responsibilities we have of this life, we can and should make time for spiritual things. There is a lot we can accomplish if we set our minds to do so and always keep God at the forefront (cf. Matthew 6:33).

Paul wrote, “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Philippians 3:17). It is good to remind ourselves of the examples of faithful Christians in order to provoke us to continued faithfulness and improved service to God. Dike set an example that is still an encouragement to me today. I hope his example might be to you as well.


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Comments

  1. Eva Sochor says

    It amazes me how much influence Dike had on you at such an early age. He would be pleased that you are following in his footsteps. We are thankful for that influence and to those who even now continue to hold up your hands in the work you are pursuing to do in the Kingdom.