Gene Peck was the best friend I never knew. He has influenced my life greatly, and I often
hear his voice when I am preparing sermons. I hope to meet him someday, and tell him face-toface, how much he has meant to me. You see, Gene Peck died before I knew anything about him.
I don’t even have a picture of him to share with you.
Gene Peck was a gospel preacher at the Eastside congregation in Baltimore Maryland. I do
not know exactly when he came to Eastside, but it must have been in the mid to late 1970’s. I
began preaching there in January 1982, and Gene had been dead for a couple years by then. Most
of his sermons have been recorded on cassette tapes, and my friend, Charlie Rose, gave me a copy
of those tapes. I was finishing law school at the University of Maryland, and I immediately began
listening to those tapes during my daily commutes. I listened to every word of Gene’s sermons,
and that’s how I came to know him so well.
Gene was a country boy from Tennessee. He had pursued a career in the United States Navy,
and was retired. His wife had died earlier, so he came to Eastside as a widower. That fact, alone,
impressed maybe because that’s a very hard thing to do. I frankly am not sure that I could carry on
if I lost Marvina, my helpmeet and soulmate in the work we love. But Gene was willing to travel
to a distant area (he called it a “Yankee” City), and labor on his own, preaching the gospel with all
his heart.
Gene’s sermons were simple and direct. He spoke “with authority,” relying heavily upon the
Scriptures. He tackled head-on the many issues which came up in the congregation. He took
positions which at times were unpopular, but he always gave book, chapter and verse for his
preaching. He had a confident and optimistic style, which made listening to him pleasurable and
encouraging. He encouraged Bible questions from his audiences, and dealt with those questions in
full-length sermons. He did not shy away from difficult or controversial subjects.
Gene did not hesitate to correct error. Whether it was a troublesome member propagating
some divisive hobby, or an elder who needed to be corrected, Gene lovingly and effectively did
so. He valued his commitment to and approval by the Lord more than the praise of the people who
heard him preach.
Jeanne had a good way with words, and he was able to use humor to make valid points. He
had a good sense of humor, and never became dull or disinterested. It was evident that he loved to
preach, and always took it seriously and as a great honor to do so. He could be animated and lively,
but it was never done to put on a show or theatrical performance. The sincerity of his preaching
was always obvious, and listening to him had the effect of enhancing appreciation for God and his
word.
Gene Peck was the kind of preacher I have always wanted to be. Simple, biblical, and down
to earth. He was a role model for other preachers, and I miss him very much. One of these days, I
look forward to visiting with Gene in heaven. I am interested to know more about him personally,
and his background. I’m sure he has many fascinating stories to share. I only wish I could have
known him while he was still living, and told him to his face how much he meant to so many
others.
In his last epistle, the great apostle said, “I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ
Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach
the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and
teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having
itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears
from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. 5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the
work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry,” (2 Tim. 4:1-5).
The opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed a precious privilege. I hope
our young men are aspiring to be great gospel preachers. And I hope somehow I can encourage
others to follow in the footsteps of great preachers like Gene Peck.
A Tribute to Gene Peck
