In Loving Memory...

David C. Hess Photo: David ringing the newly re-hung historic church bell at West Henrietta Baptist Church - from an article in the Rochester D&C.
David was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away three weeks after diagnosis. I felt fortunate to have spent many a family dinner with him over the years. David was a lively, intelligent, gentle man of study and humor.

In the first sermon of David's that I attended, he used Star Trek to illustrate his point. I was like "This is awesome!", and he was like "I'm a great secular Pastor!" Because that's how David rolled. It was all about getting through to people.

David loved life with the joy of a child. He thrived on friendly philosophical and political discussion. David loved God, music, cars, movies, golf, the beach, technology, and his dog Buster. 

We were fortunate to have time to say goodbye to David and I have never laughed so hard as we did visiting him at the hospital. He just really loved to laugh. His grace in facing his situation was was inspiring. I miss him dearly.

Part of David's love for technology was to post articles and sermons on his site, theparson.net, along with videos of his dog Buster, and a bird feeder cam. David's video uploads are still available on YouTube HERE.

To ensure his thought provoking legacy is not lost I have migrated his site to one that I maintain, as I had promised him I would. 

What impressed me as I transferred his articles written in the 1990's and 2000's, was how relevant they still are.  So many issues he addressed we are still struggling with today. I found his perceptions keen, thoughtful, educated and sensible. It has been enlightening and reassuring to go through this process and I hope you enjoy reading his legacy as much as I have.

David's final sermon was January 16, 2014 - Dealing with Uncertainty, James 4:13-16 
These are his thoughts, writings and sermons.
C. David Hess was the pastor of the West Henrietta Baptist Church in West Henrietta, NY

Click HERE for his Memorial Bulletin.

In memory of C. David Hess
Obituary

Hess, C. David, Rev. Dr.

Scottsville/West Henrietta: The Rev. Dr. C. David Hess passed away March 7, 2014 after a few weeks hospitalization in the Wilmot Cancer Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, from lung cancer. His courage and faith inspired staff and visitors alike.

Preceded in death by his mother Othell Hess and his niece Jill Hess. He is survived by his father, Charles E. Hess; brother, Gary (Marsha) Hess; nephew, Chad (Tiffany), niece, Jan (Derek) Miller; great niece, Lacey; great nephews, Sawyer, Charlie and Waylon and his beloved dog Buster.

David was born May 31, 1949 in Charleston, West Virginia. He was a graduate of Berea College and received a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. While in Seminary he pastored the Mt. Herman Baptist Church in Kutawa, Kentucky. Subsequently, he served the Glenwood Baptist Church in New Jersey, The First Baptist Church in Hamilton, NY and for 16 years the West Henrietta Baptist Church in New York, the longest pastorate in this nearly 200 year old congregation. Much loved and respected by his congregation and a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He was active in the work of the American Baptist Churches of Rochester and Genesee Region and in many other local and statewide organizations. David served as the Chaplain of the West Henrietta Fire Department and the Henrietta Fire District. His love of music was widely recognized both within his congregation and also by his active role in the Eastman Rochester Chorus.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 PM Sunday March 16th at the West Henrietta Baptist Church, 5660 West Henrietta Rd., W. Henrietta, NY 14586. Contributions in David's memory may be made to the C. David Hess Memorial Fund c/o of the Church.