Harry Adams: Disease did not take his spirit

Staff file photo
Dr. Harry Adams, who died Monday, was a pastor with the Church of the Open Door. He battled with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.


By Chick Jacobs
Staff writer

His voice was stilled.

Not his spirit.

Dr. Harry Adams, a dynamic pastor at the Church of the Open Door before his body fell victim to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis a decade ago, died Monday.

His work, and his message for persecuted Christians overseas will continue, according to family friends.

“He was a spokesman for Christians around the world who are persecuted,” said Dr. Ralph Richardson. Richardson, the Church of the Open Door’s founder, knew Adams since his family moved to Fayetteville in 1989.

“Our church’s search committee saw him preach in Virginia and recommended him,” Richardson said. “He was an accomplished Bible expositor.

“He didn’t just preach; he taught. That’s a unique gift among pastors.”

Under Adams’ leadership, the church grew. Two expansion projects were completed, and community outreach programs were added.

Dr. Adams wasn’t a bubbly glad-hander, friends recall. He was quiet, studious and driven to help Christians in need overseas. He was active with Voice of the Martyrs, an international group that reports on Christian struggles in hostile countries.

“It was his burden,” Richardson said.

He also was a published author. After Adams was diagnosed with ALS in 1997, he continued to write. One book, “The AMG Concise Bible Survey,” has been praised by researchers.

Adams wasn’t supposed to live to see the new millennium. But he vowed to “stick around as long as I’m able,” and last year he was one of the 10 percent of ALS sufferers who live a decade after diagnosis.

His last days were spent at the Carroll S. Roberson Hospice Center.

Dr. Adams is survived by his wife Susan, son Al and daughter Amy. A graveside service is planned for Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at the Church of the Open Door at 2 p.m. Richardson and current pastor Benji Spears will lead the service.

Staff writer Chick Jacobs can be reached at jacobsc@fayobserver.com or 486-3515.