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"Doc" Founder and Pastor Cornerstone Church of Christ Baltimore, Maryland 2nd Elected President Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ, Inc. July 28, 1921  March 25, 1991 69 Years 7 Months 25 Days
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All things, all people must have a beginning. In this sense, this article on the man of the hour, Dr. Logan Kearse, is revealing. This statement begins with much joy, for in these few paragraphs we will get a glimpse into the fifty years of this man's life as a licensed preacher. Some of us will rejoice and relive precious moments spent with and shared with this great man. On the 6th day of October 1920, Dr. David H. Kearse and lsadora C. Owens were joined together in holy matrimony. lsadora, whom we affectionately called "Mater", prayed to God, to whom she had committed her life, for a son. Like Hannah, she promised to give him back to God for the rest of his life. "Mater's" prayer was answered on the 28th day of July, 1921, when she gave birth to her first child, a son, Logan Kearse. Logan was the first grandchild to General Logan Owens and wife, Emma. When "Doc" was about one (I) year of age, "Mama Emma " saw something in him that caused her to believe the divine hand of God was upon him. She declared, "You just watch. That boy's gonna preach just as sure as you're born. " By the time "Doc" was two (2) years of age, he could pronounce some words with emphasis and sincerity. Whenever a few people came together, " Doc" claimed this time to exhaust his vocabulary, which included "Matthew - Mark - Luke", and a very forceful "John". On Sunday morning, "Doc's" seat in church was by his father's side on the rostrum. When his father finished preaching and stood at the door shaking hands with parishioners, his son, "Logan", was also there, shaking hands and flashing his magnetic smile, which even then drew people. By the time "Doc" was four (4), he had an insatiable interest in the Church, Bible stories, reading and talking with anyone who would listen. It seemed that everyone wanted to listen to this youngster who would play with family and friends one moment, and the next moment he would say something to arrest the attention of the entire group, and then proceed to unfold God's word. He became known to the community as the "Little Preacher". While most of his audience played church, to "Little Preacher" it was a matter of serious business. Shortly after " Little Preacher" turned six (6) years of age, he announced to "Mater" the decision that came to be the turning point in his life. "Mother, I must preach in church. " "Mater" may have known in her heart that " Little Preacher" was really saying " It's time for me to be about my Father's business. " Even so, she said, "No! We will not put you up for a show. " This was one of the few times "Doc" ever received "no" from "Mater". This negative response did something to upset "Doc's" system. He became as ill as any child ever was. In an attempt to re-collect himself, he began what may be best described as a series of sports activities: running, broad jumping, etc. One day while his father was backing the car out of the garage, "Doc" and his brother David, each picked a rear bumper and jumped on. " Doc" lost his grip and fell under the left rear wheel. He was run over from the left foot up to and over his face before the car was brought to a stop. While " Doc" was lying in bed that same afternoon, "Mater" prayed, "Lord, if you have anything for my son to do in his life, please let him live. But, if not, please take him on home, now." "Doc" recovered and came back to "Mater" with his second announcement, "Mater, if you and Daddy don't let me preach in church, I am going to die. " "Doc" did not receive a negative response this time, but he gave a negative response when his father presented him with a prepared sermon. "I'm sorry; this is not mind; I must preach what God gives me. " No one has tied since then to tell him neither what nor how to preach. On the third (3rd) Sunday in February 1929, in the town of Lincolnton, North Carolina, "Doc" preached his first sermon. His text was "John 3:16... " He preached for just about eight minutes. This was his formal introduction into his role on the great stage of life, which has to this point in time spanned a half-century. Neither time nor space will allow us to compile the list of things, which have been achieved by "Doc" during these years of labor in the Master's service. However, since that day in February 1929, "Doc" has continued to climb mountain after mountain, meeting many obstacles that probably would have defeated countless preachers and pastors who turned away from challenge. "Doc" learned early in life that love is not the only attribute of God. He can also divide Red Seas, as well as move mountains and stumbling blocks, even cause enemies to leave you alone, then give you the courage to keep on climbing as you conquer. Music has also been a part of " Doc's" ministry. As a young preacher, one of his favorite songs was " How About You?" He sang it well. He knew how to modulate. He knew the lyrics. Now, after years of serving, toiling, hoping and praying, seeing the mighty hand of God work in the lives and affairs of men, " Doc " now sings with unshakeable conviction, "I know the Lord Will Make a Way, Yes He Will. " As a youngster, he delivered God's word in many towns in the Carolinas and Virginia, and over all of the Eastern and Southeastern States. I think you ought to know that his ministry has not always been financially rewarding. In one North Carolina church, during the depression, "Doc" preached. The people who packed the building rejoiced and shouted. An offering was received for him - seventeen cents. The next night, in the same church, the offering was larger - eighteen cents. "Doc" has never allowed the size of his offerings to determine the quality nor sincerity of sermons delivered. He has always given his very best. Because "Doc" gives his best, the career which began in the state of North Carolina in 1929 has carried him to everystate in the Union and to every continent on the face of the earth, except one. Twenty-one (21) years ago, "Doc" became the founder and pastor of Cornerstone Church of Christ, one of the greatest church congregations anywhere in the whole world. His pastoral ministry, which began when he was 17-years-old, spans forty (40) years. To compile all of the accomplishments of this great man will necessitate a book. The Committee is, of course, pleased to present these few glimpses into the life of a man who is a legend in his own time: Founder, Pastor, Friend and Servant of the Most High God, Dr. Logan Kearse. Above article was written by Gladys Eaton, Chairman Souvenir Book Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary in 1979.
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