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The Pinecone
|
May 2015
• 7 •
A talent for drawing people, even strangers, to listen to his
message – how does a particular strength emerge in a person and
become the driving force in plans to “make a difference”? So it
was withWarren Grant, a well-known resident of Kirby Pines; one
who is intelligent and shrewd; a talented piano player; a tireless
worker for the Church; and a devoted father of 3 children and
grandfather of 9 children.
Warren was born in Buffalo, Missouri to Lora Scott and Floyd
Grant. His parents had a son and a daughter. His Dad was a farmer
and merchant but his heart belonged to a lifelong ministry of 30
years as Pastor in theAssembly of God Church. During these years,
his Mom supported her husband’s pastoring through the Women’s
Ministries; she also attended Southwestern Missouri University,
focusing on Education, and taught grades one through eight. Rules
of conduct for Warren and his sister, Wanda, covered avoidance
of movies, dancing, make-up, alcohol, smoking, gaming, and
carnivals - no frivolous or sinful activities permitted. Warren went
to Central Bible College, earning a BAdegree in Bible studies. He
was a restless young man in the Buffalo, Missouri environment,
yearning to test his mettle in venues unknown to his parents and
fellow church members. He traveled to many cities across the
U.S. to serve as Church Minister, staff pastor, choreographer and
producer of successful stage presentations. He formed, directed,
and performed in a music quartet. When the group caught the
attention of the Christ Ambassadors in Springfield, Missouri,
Warren negotiated a one-year contract for the quartet, receiving
$30 per week plus expenses. Growing exposure to, and public
acclaim for the quartet was a major step to future endeavors.
The First Assembly of God Church in Memphis, TN offered
Warren the position of Youth Pastor. His duties included home
visits, and scripting and performing on the Church radio and TV
shows. While pastoring a start-up church in Knoxville, TN, Warren
accepted the position of staff pastor in Sacramento, California;
remaining for 12 years. He had a strong natural interest in writing,
serving as Editor of his college newspaper, he wrote for the
Memphis Mirror; for the Voice of Bethel; and was an announcer
for the Our Story TV Program. In 1957 Warren and David Peters
formed The Singing Christmas Tree – a 100 voice choir. The
professional presentations at Bethel Temple Church; later, at
Governor’s Hall; then Sacramento Memorial Auditorium drew
growing crowds reaching 15,000 yearly. In 1983, Charles Trammel
invited Warren to join the Kirby Pines Retirement Community
Board of Directors. He left this position in 1985 to develop another
Retirement Community in Lakeland, Florida. What do we make of
Warren’s drive to further the work of the Church? From his point of
view, his words and actions are in sync with his understanding of
what is expected
of those who hold
themselves out as
Believers. Some
would disagree
with his view;
others salute it.
M u l t i -
talented, driven,
and committed
– Warren Grant,
our friend and
colleague.
-Jacqueline
Besteman,
Resident
CHAR I SMAT I C COMMUN I CATOR
Warren Grant