March 07, 2017
"Knight, If the Lord has called you, you have got to go!" On March 7th 2017, the Lord Jesus issued his second call to the REV. DR. JOHN EDWARD NEWTON KNIGHT. At the age of 95 he was called to his heavenly home after a short, but aggressive battle, with appendix cancer. As was fitting for this musician who loved the Lord and sought daily to give honor and glory to him, John departed from this world following the singing of a wonderful hymn of praise, How Great Thou Art. He was surrounded in love by his family and holding the hand of his beloved Hazel, his wife of over 60 years.
Born to James and Valjean (Campbell) Knight on Dec 15, 1921 in St. Georges, Grenada, he was one of eight children. John spent his youth between the islands of Grenada and St. Vincent before moving to Aruba for medical training. During that time, from his office window he observed the sailors, drunken & partying and one day audibly heard the Lord's first call: "they're like sheep without a shepherd. I want you to be their shepherd". After a long discussion, his medical school mentor advised "Well Knight if the Lord's calling, then you've got to go." He went to seminary in Jamaica and began a 75-year ministry as a Pastor in the United Methodist Church.
John married the love of his life, Hazel Yates, in Aug 1956 after a 4-day courtship that turned into a love affair for the ages. He said I prayed and I knew God had directed me to the perfect Godly woman with whom I could carry out His work. Together they traveled the world in service to the Lord. Most memorably serving churches in Jamaica, Cape Cod, the Greater New England area and Palm Coast, FL. They raised two children, Peter (Florence) Knight of Boston, MA and Mary (Paul) Elzinga of Doylestown, PA. John & Hazel traveled extensively with the children, making friends worldwide.
John was a brilliant and gifted musician and a lifelong learner. He holds degrees from London University, Oxford College, Caenwood Theological College, Harvard University, and Boston University.
In addition to his wife and children, John is survived by beloved grandchildren, Rachel and Rebecca Elzinga, Joshua Knight and great-grandson Tristan Knight. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings (Sydney, Pearl, Ruby, Leslie, Beryl, Lorna) and grandson, Raphael Knight.
John devoted his life to faithfully following his lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Wherever God led him, he sought to be a pastor. Not just a preacher, but a teacher, advisor, comforter, supporter and friend to all. He sought to be a loving reflection of Christ. He was called to be a shepherd and he answered that call with great abandon. Well done John Knight, thou good and faithful servant!
The Family invites you to celebrate his life at a Service of Worship and Celebration on Saturday March 11th at the Doylestown United Methodist Church (320 Swamp Rd, Doylestown, PA). Visitation from 10:30-11:45 followed by service at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: The Preachers' Aid Society of New England.
To share your fondest memories of John, please visit www.lifecelebration.com
Life Celebration services provided by Leaver/Cable of Buckingham, PA