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Charles Allen Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

DR. CHARLES L. ALLEN Dr, Charles Livingstone Allen, born June 24, 1913, died August 30, 2005. He was born in Newborn, Ga., son of Rev. J.R. Allen and Lula Franklin Allen, and grew up in a succession of Methodist parsonages with six brothers and sisters. Dr. Allen was a graduate of Young Harris College, Wofford College, and The Candler School of Theology of Emory University. He was a member or Phi Beta Kappa, and was awarded honorary degrees from six colleges and universities. While living in Georgia, he served churches in Sylvan Hills, Blue Ridge, Acworth, Douglasville, Thompson, and Atlanta. During his twelve year ministry at Grace Methodist Church in Atlanta, it became the largest Methodist church in the Southeast. He also wrote a daily column for the Atlanta Constitution. In 1960, Dr. Allen moved to Texas to serve First Methodist Church, in downtown Houston. He served there for 23 years, and during that time it became the largest Methodist Church in America. His service was televised every Sunday morning, and he was a featured columnist with the Houston Chronicle. Dr. Allen preached all over the United States, and on all five continents of the world. He was the author of over forty books, including God's Psychiatry, which has sold more than a million copies worldwide. He served on many boards and agencies of the church including the Methodist Hospital. In his years at First Methodist, Dr. Allen conducted over thirty tours to the Holy Land. Dr. Allen was preceded in death by his wife, Leila Haynes Allen and his son, John Franklin Allen. He is survived by his son, Charles Allen Jr. and his wife Lorraine Lee Allen of Bluffton, South Carolina, his daughter-in-law, Ann Woolsey Allen of Schulenberg, Texas, and his daughter, Mary Jane Allen Miller and her husband, Charles Miller of Houston. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Those who heard him preach were blessed with a simple, honest message of love and encouragement. He brought a host of souls to the Lord, and is in fellowship with them today. A visitation with the family was held from six until eight o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 1st of September 2005 in the Library of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive. There will be a family graveside service Friday morning at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. A memorial service, celebrating Dr. Allen's life will be held at two o'clock in the afternoon on Friday the 2nd of September 2005, at First United Methodist Church, with a reception following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Allen's honor may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main, Houston, Texas 77002. Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, Houston 713-789-3005.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sep. 2, 2005.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Allen

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Dale Armet

Other

January 20, 2024

Dale Armet

Other

January 20, 2024

My wedding was delayed a considerable amount of time. It was so, because there happened to be a robbery d'town and streets to the church were blocked by police. We were married and were watching the next morning. Dr. Allen said in his sermon, noted our wedding was the first in his career, he was late to a couples nuptials. We had a good laugh. 50 years later we recalled that memory and had another laugh. Dr. Allen was the opitomy of good spiritual guidance manifested in a religious leader. God Bless him, his family, legacy and memories of his love of life.

Dale Armet

Other

January 20, 2024

To the Allen family I send my deepest sympathies. Dr. Allen's books have held special meaning to me over the years and I know the world will enjoy his wisdom for centuries to come. Eventhough many of his works were written before I was born, they still hold true today and into tomorrow. God bless you and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. In God's love, Jennye Reese Case

Jennye Case

July 11, 2006

To all of the Allens,

My love and prayers are always with you. At the age of nine, I joined the Methodist Church at the beautiful downtown First Methodist Church while my father was an Associate Pastor there. Because of Dr Allen, I always felt like that was my home church, no matter where I went. We came back every year for annual conference, and he was my "other" pastor. His retirement was like the end of an era, and now his death has made him immortal. I will always love that beautiful downtown church and will always hold the entire Allen family, especially Charles L. Allen, in a very special place within my heart. It is my home, he was one of my great heroes, and I am very sad.

David Strong

September 16, 2005

Dear Allen Family:

I was saddened to hear the passing of such a wonderful person and will miss seeing him in church. He was the reason my parents brought myself and my children to FUMC Houston, Texas. He baptised my oldest son John Whitehurst in 1981 just before he retired, I believe. My beloved mother, SHirley Whitehurst, watched his televised sermons faithfully on Sunday when she couldn't be there in person. I loved to read his books. I was so sorry that we were not able to attend his memorial service at the church.

May God Bless your family through this time of grief and may it help to know that Charles touched so many lives and brought so many people into the kingdom of God. Truly he was a "Good and Faithful Servant" of God.

Marianna Jessee

September 15, 2005

Dear Allen Family,

My great grandparents listened to Charles Allen's radio broadcast in the 1950's at their home in Smyrna GA. My late father and myself also attended 2 of his revivals: First United Methodist Church of Douglasville in March 1991, and also in June 1996 at a church near Blairsville Ga. I thought I would pass this on to your family. Along with my condolances.



God bless each one,

Jennifer Hulsey

[email protected]

Jennifer Hulsey

September 9, 2005

Dear Allen Family - My grandmother, Constance N. Ward, was Dr. Allen's secretary at First Methodist Church. He was an inspiration to his staff and was truly loved by everyone he met. My memories of Dr. Allen were of a wonderful minister, inspiring teacher and genteel southern gentleman. May God soothe your grief at the loss of Dr. Allen. Love in Christ-

Julie McGowen

September 8, 2005

Dr. Charles L. Allen was the speaker at my graduation from John Foster Dulles (Sugar Land, Texas) in 1964. He was a wonderful, inspirational speaker. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Wanda Scarpinato

September 7, 2005

Of Charles remaining two cousins on the Allen side, Gertrude Allen Whitfield died yesterday, September 5, 2005. Hebert Allen

Herbert Allen

September 6, 2005

My name is William Herbert Allen, the son of Benjamin Walter Allen. I am first cousin to Charles. Our fathers were brothers. There were forty nine of us cousins. My cousin Gertrude Whitfield and I are the only ones that remain. Charles and I still corresponded and talked by phone occasionally. I talked with him a few months back for which I am thankful. To Charles' daughter,Mary Jane and her brothers, I would like for you to know I am thinking of you. God bless all your family.



Herb Allen

Herbert Allen

September 5, 2005

I am very sorry to hear about your loss.

Anat

September 4, 2005

Dear Allen Family,



My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this difficult time. Dr. Allen was a great preacher, minister, speaker, teacher, author, friend and a faithful servant of God. We were members of Grace Methodist Church when he came to serve as our pastor--and were saddened when the decision was made for him to move on to the Texas ministry. He has visited our church often during the years and he was always warmly received by all who knew him. Our two daughters were baptized by Dr. Allen many years ago. We have enjoyed his books over the years and will for years to come. The world has lost a great man and he will be missed by all his family and friends. May God grant his special blessings on your family.

Love, Sue Ferrell

Sue Ferrell

September 4, 2005

Dr. Allen performed my wedding ceremony when I married in 1956 at Grace Methodist Church in Atlanta

and then in early 1960 in christened my first child. So even though he moved from my life in Atlanta to go to Texas, I always felt he was still part of my life. He was a wonderful Christian man and will be missed by many.

Louise H. Knight

September 3, 2005

God bless you, Rev. Allen. Three generations of my family have loved your books. I used to watch your services on TV with my grandmother. I met you once when I was a child at a book signing and I was very intimidated because you radiated such godliness. Thanks for all you've done! You have been a true servant of our Lord.

James Bankston

September 2, 2005

I am so thankful to have known this great man.He helped me through some very sad times in my life. His words of wisdom and praise for the Lord made everyone love him all the more.

Helen K. Diaz-Betty

September 2, 2005

Charles Allen, you were such a good friend for so long. ...such a strong man of God who impacted the lives of so many. Everyone appreciated you... God bless you. Affectionately, Pinkie Williams

Delice Williams

September 2, 2005

I Praise God for Charles Allen and his ministry. This country needs more preachers like him. He was a true disciple and an apostle of Jesus.

Rev. Keith Willard

September 1, 2005

Dr. Allen had a huge impact on my life and probably on every life he came in contact with. His life was well lived - and since he taught me that our ending is really our beginning - I rejoice that he is with our Lord and am thankful to have known him.

Mary Kramer-Ambrose

September 1, 2005

To: The Allen Family

When you have faith in God you never need to fear; no matter where life may lead you. It may lead up steep mountains; the valley may be your test. Keep Trusting, God knows what is best.

-DeWitty

May God continue to give you strength and the will to go on. He is not dead...but sleepeth!



Choral Director of the 8th Episcopal District(Houston) C.M.E. Choir

Ronnie Farrington

September 1, 2005

Since the last week of August, 1960, when Dr. Allen arrived in Houston, he and his family have been our friends. During the eleven years that I was his Associate Pastor, he was my inspiration, guide, mentor and pastor. He confirmed both of our children's church membership. His sermons were always uplifting and uniquely memorable, as we were led both mentally and spiritually. His wit was a constant source of joy and helped me through many tiring and trying situations. Thank God for Dr. Allen's leadership and the remarkable and lasting boost he gave First United Methodist Church of Houston, the city itself and the lives of many thousands of people. My wife, Betty, and I extend our condolences and prayers to his family and to the multitude of his friends.

The Rev. Dr. D. Orval Strong

September 1, 2005

I thank God for Dr. Allen for the many years of Sunday mornings that I would listen to him and grow spiritually while I prepared to attend my church (African-American Southern Baptist). His teachings and sermons were of sound doctrine. I pray for God's comfort, consolation, and strength for the Allen Family during this time of bereavement.



Christopher & Madelyn Bartley

Christopher Bartley

September 1, 2005

The Congregation of Atlanta's Grace Methodist Church joins me in thanking God for the remarkable life of our former Pastor and friend, Dr. Charles Allen, and in expressing our heart-felt love and sympathy to his family. May light perpetual shine on him!

The Rev. Dr. John Beyers

September 1, 2005

Love and prayers for the family.

Karen & Barney Giesen

September 1, 2005

Safe journey home, Dr. Allen. You did so much good work.

Sid Traylor

September 1, 2005

May God bless you, Dr. Allen. You certainly blessed my life and the lives of so many others. I remember singing in the choir at First Methodist and looking forward to hearing you speak. It was as if you were speaking directly to me with a consistent message of joy and love. Thank you for being a very important part of my life.

Lyda McGhee

September 1, 2005

Charlie Allen was a GIANT in Methodism. He and Dr. Alfred Freeman were "best friends." We are saddened at his out running us to the Father's House, however, he had a great life and was a true leader within our denomination. Our prayers are with his family at this time. John & Sherry Freeman of Fredericksburg, Texas.

John & Sherry Freeman

August 31, 2005

A legendary man of faith, a prince in the pulpit, a gifted communicator of the Good News has gone to his reward. Our loss is heaven's gain. May God hold his family in God's comforting embrace.

Martin Corie

August 31, 2005

My grandmother and I loved watching Dr. Allen every Sunday morning. How wonderful to live so many years - with so many memories. My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

Diane Grizzoffi

August 31, 2005

Our condolences to the family.

Jerry & Jackie deMange Cole

August 31, 2005

Dr. Allen deeply touched my family for 52 glorious years. Three generations of it. He baptized my daughter at 3 months of age. She will soon be 23 years. I loved his sermons since I was a little girl. My parents still quote him. An incredible human being is gone but his spirit is with us. I remember him visiting me as a child when hospitalized at Texas Childrens in the 1950s. A chapter of my life has ended. What a beautiful person to have known. One could definitely see Jesus in his spirit.

Love and prayers for his family,

Sherry Carpenter-Haning

Sherry Haning

August 31, 2005

I remember Dr. Allen from Atlanta, Georgia, where he had the first televised Church services and went to visit with him when I moved to Houston 26 years ago. He was such a kind and wise man, and I will never forget our chat. He truly loved as Christ loves.

Merry Durrell

August 31, 2005

What a terrific Christian witness to our generation! Through his live sermons and on television, we were all blessed to hear this man of God deliver the plan of salvation and eternal Life to thousands

Sarah Murray

August 31, 2005

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Allen. However, he lived a long, wonderful life. He touched so many people including me. I will never forget being asked to visit the Sunday school class that he was teaching at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Houston and saying the Christmas story. I was scared to death, terrified. However, Dr. Allen was so kind and personable that he made feel at ease. Of course, that was probably 30 years ago or so. Now I am 37 years old. Dr. Allen set an example of living that all of us should adhere to. To the family of Dr. Allen: cherish the wonderful memories that you have.

Lisa Massey Padget

August 31, 2005

Dr. Allen touched my heart. I am a better person because of him.

Beverly Peyton

August 31, 2005

May God rest his beautiful soul.

Sandra Cariker

August 31, 2005

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