remembering Rev. H. E. Darnell
As a child who attended camp meetings during the summer months, the evangelist that scared me the most was Rev. H. E. Darnell. I will never forget sitting about half-way back in the tabernacle of Clinton Camp and hearing the most penetrating sermon on hell that I had ever heard. Actually make that I have ever heard. He painted the scenes of hell so vividly that night, that I was forever changed.
His preaching so impacted the teenagers at Clinton Camp one year, that it was the teens who where instrumental in helping to bring spiritual renewal to camp that year. I remember as a teenager praying all night at prayer meetings that were led by teens. Believe me, that was unusual for the teens who attended Clinton Camp.
What do you remember about H. E. Darnell?
I noticed that in his later years he was less harsh. One camp President said he was a “pussy-cat” in his later years compared to his earlier ministry. I remember his strongly demanding a boy who was creating a disturbance in the service to be quiet. His accompanying comments to the mother were less than flattering. Maybe they needed to be said, but I recall Millard Downing dealing with a similar situation in a much more graceful way and the people got saved in that meeting…..While I question some of the emotionalism/sensationalism of that generation of ministers, I do believe Hell needs to be preached, and I rather doubt anyone left Darnell’s services wondering whether they were saved or not……I’m reminded of the two ministers who gave trial messages at a church they both wanted to pastor. Both preached about Hell. One preacher received a unanimous call to the church. Upon inquiry as to how they were able to decide which preacher should be called, one church member noted, “One of them preached on Hell like he wanted us to go there and the other preached on Hell but in a way to convince us he would do everything he could to keep us from the awful place.”…..Interesting about the young people being affected so much so as to change the nature of a camp in a positive way….I long to see present trends being reversed and young people rising up and reforming instead of rebelling. But then kids are merely imitations of parents.
I heard that he became less harsh, but I never experienced it for myself.
I question some of the sensationalism as well. I wonder if that is part of the reason that succeeding generations have steered clear of issues such as hell. Not condoning it, just wondering if it the pendulum effect.
I remember Bro. Darnell preaching at Bro. Rosenberry’s church. The biggest memory I have of him is that he scared all of us young people. During each altar call, he would literally point out any young person he thought needed to come pray or do business with God. He did not allow for just an “altar call”, he literally pointed young people in the congregation out during the points between songs and prayer, and we were all frightened by anyone who did not fully heed his “call” and actually at least come to pray. His sermons were very powerful, very direct, and he preached a lot on hell! If you had any idea you might sleep during the service, he would wake you right up!
Lucinda, I had forgotten that he pointed out people in the congregation! I remember that now.
I remember his fiery preaching style and his command of the scriptures. But I most remember his loving concern over altar seekers, so many evangelists get you to the altar and forget you are there. Not so for this man of God, I remember him walking and praying with his coat over his shoulders weeping before God for sinners. I’ll never forget it.
Jonathan, very true. He did have a genuine concern over those at that altar. Good memory, thanks for sharing.
I remember Bro. Darnell when I was in U.B.S. now U.B.C. he held a revival in Noblesville I recorded all his messages on tape and he scared you to death when he preached on Hell, if you were a sinner you would be scared to death, if you were a christian when he preached you would really be searching to see if you were clear where you stood, you did a lot of soul searching, to me he was the greatest and the church now days need a lot more of his kind of preaching instead of the tickle my ears kind with no burden for lost souls. Even though he has gone on to his reward his messages still has a power in them that will wake you up and it seems that the Holy Spirit still uses his messages even though they are taped
You are quite right. Thanks for your comments.
I attended many revival services growing up with Darnell as the preacher. the last time I heard him was in the late 70′s as a young man. I had brought my girl friend to the service and we were very much in love.
Darnell sat on the platform closely watching me and my date. I’m not sure what fascinated him about us. My girlfriend whispered in my ear during announcements something innocent and I smiled. I then noticed Darnell glaring at me.
When it was time to deliver his message he practically fell down rushing to the pulpit and began a blistering rant about young people racing to hell all the while looking straight at me.
This was the H.E. Darnell that I remember. A bitter old man that preferred to use scare tactics and sensational stories to drive people to the altar rather than demonstrate a Christ like attitude and preach about a loving heavenly father.
Unfortunately, he was typical of revival preachers of that era. It’s no wonder that type of preacher is only found in obscure sects now a days.
Sounds to me like you were under old fashion conviction! Even if it were true I’d rather be scared to death by a preacher who uses scare tactics and sensational stories and make heaven than to be cast into hell where the worm dieth not. I have been back slid for 30 years now and would give anything to hear preaching like that again. Be grateful for the opportunity you had to hear such a spirit-filled preacher who preached holiness.
I wish I could get back but I am Hell Bound! Just remember about that obscure sect of people your talking about.
Don’t the Bible say something like Wide is the gate, and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many their be which go in there at.
But strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life eternal, and few their be that find it.
For God hath not called us to uncleaness but unto holiness. Follow peace with all men for without, which no man shall see the Lord.
But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness not ,Money, Girlfriend, Fame, Family or whatever.
Hi, Lonnie,
Thanks for the comment. What is holding you back? No need to continue to live in the knowledge of being backslidden. What can I do to help?
Robert W. Booth
theGospelCenter.com rwbooth.com
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Lonnie, I’m sorry you entirely missed the point of my post. Old fashioned conviction had nothing to do with it. I hope you find the peace you seek. Salvation is as simple as John 3:16.