Son of James William Belk & Ida L.(Simmons) Belk. Married Betty A. Sakash, July 4, 1935, in Peoria Illinois.
**
Pastor George Washington Belk Sr., founder of Washington Park Chapel formerly Christian Assembly Church of Denver died at home Saturday.
Survived by three sons Akiva (George Jr.), Pastor Gary W., and Roger Belk; 10 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Washington Park Chapel, 1001 S. Pearl St. Funeral Service, 11 a.m., Friday, Washington Park Chapel. Interment, Crown Hill Cemetery.
**
G.W. Belk was the youngest of five children: James, his brother, and sisters Lillie, Ella Mae, and Daisy. His father passed away within a short time of his birth, and by the age of seven, his mother passed away. The five children were all separated and placed with various relatives. For the next couple of years G.W. endured extreme child abuse at the hands of one of his uncles that had taken him in.
After finally being transferred into the home of some Christian neighbors, George was exposed to the love and saving message of the Gospel through the Missionary Baptist Church and the family that took him in. At thirteen he asked Jesus to come in and live within his heart forever.
By the age of nineteen, he moved from Fountain Run to join his siblings in Peoria Illinois. One night while walking down Adams Street in Peoria, G.W. passed a Full Gospel Church and admitted that inwardly he mocked and judged them. Three nights later the Lord gripped his heart when he tried to retire to bed. As he snuggled in the blanket-lined bathtub to keep warm, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. He has told us that being filled with the Holy Spirit was the greatest thing that ever happened to him.
G.W. met his wife Betty at a church in Peoria where they eventually married. They pastored a small church there and finally moved to Denver where they connected with the Radio Prayer League. In 1957 they moved from the church at 37th and Gilpin to a new church building located at 5405 W. 1st Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado. The church was named "Bethel Temple".
In the Hebrew language, "Bethel" means "House of God". For Jacob in Genesis 28, Bethel was where he met Our Heavenly Father in a different way and submitted to Our Father's Plan and Purpose for his life. He experienced the ministry of Angels because of his consecration. Jacob called Bethel the "Gate of Heaven". In modern times we use the term "Open Heaven".
Bethel Temple was the place where the seed of the Word of God came forth and was planted into the Chapman children's hearts. No matter where our paths would take us, that seed survived. Bethel remained the church of our youth until our family moved away in 1969. The following year, the Belk family took a sabbatical and moved to Fayette, Missouri.
In 1972, continuing the call to the ministry, Pastor Belk moved his family back to Denver and established Christian Assembly Church, which is now known as Washington Park Chapel, located at 1001 S. Pearl Street in Denver. There, Pastor and Sister Belk established a mentoring program to help other young men and women prepare and answer the call to the ministry.
After prison, Duane was involved in this program, as well as my younger brother Michael. In 1980, I became part of that group. As Brother Belk aged, his oldest son George Jr. took the pastorate. This would cumulate finally with another son, Rev. Gary W. Belk, assuming the pastorate around the time Sister Belk went home to be with the Lord in 1999.
We have fond memories of the Belk family. They were preachers/pastors that were very practical and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting. My dad could never figure out why Pastor Belk always got his game!
Before 9/11, at 87 years of age, Brother Belk embarked on a trip by himself from Denver to NYC stating that he was compelled to go warn the people to turn to the Lord before it was too late. He went to the Millenium Hilton and urged people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior to escape the impending eternal damnation in Hell. Not long thereafter, the terrorist attacks occurred in Lower Manhattan.
During the last two years of his life, Brother Belk would ride along on some of my bounty hunts. He wanted so much to jump out of the car and cuff the bond jump, but we restrained him, assuring him that his role was better served by allowing the younger men to do the wrestling and the older to maintain the prayer vigil!
At the time of his passing on to Heaven in 2003, G.W. was survived by three sons, Buddy (George Jr.), Gary, and Roger; three daughter-in-laws; ten grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.
What a sweet reunion awaits us all one day…
Lovingly,
Jolene Chapman
**
Pastor George Washington Belk Sr., founder of Washington Park Chapel formerly Christian Assembly Church of Denver died at home Saturday.
Survived by three sons Akiva (George Jr.), Pastor Gary W., and Roger Belk; 10 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Washington Park Chapel, 1001 S. Pearl St. Funeral Service, 11 a.m., Friday, Washington Park Chapel. Interment, Crown Hill Cemetery.
**
G.W. Belk was the youngest of five children: James, his brother, and sisters Lillie, Ella Mae, and Daisy. His father passed away within a short time of his birth, and by the age of seven, his mother passed away. The five children were all separated and placed with various relatives. For the next couple of years G.W. endured extreme child abuse at the hands of one of his uncles that had taken him in.
After finally being transferred into the home of some Christian neighbors, George was exposed to the love and saving message of the Gospel through the Missionary Baptist Church and the family that took him in. At thirteen he asked Jesus to come in and live within his heart forever.
By the age of nineteen, he moved from Fountain Run to join his siblings in Peoria Illinois. One night while walking down Adams Street in Peoria, G.W. passed a Full Gospel Church and admitted that inwardly he mocked and judged them. Three nights later the Lord gripped his heart when he tried to retire to bed. As he snuggled in the blanket-lined bathtub to keep warm, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. He has told us that being filled with the Holy Spirit was the greatest thing that ever happened to him.
G.W. met his wife Betty at a church in Peoria where they eventually married. They pastored a small church there and finally moved to Denver where they connected with the Radio Prayer League. In 1957 they moved from the church at 37th and Gilpin to a new church building located at 5405 W. 1st Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado. The church was named "Bethel Temple".
In the Hebrew language, "Bethel" means "House of God". For Jacob in Genesis 28, Bethel was where he met Our Heavenly Father in a different way and submitted to Our Father's Plan and Purpose for his life. He experienced the ministry of Angels because of his consecration. Jacob called Bethel the "Gate of Heaven". In modern times we use the term "Open Heaven".
Bethel Temple was the place where the seed of the Word of God came forth and was planted into the Chapman children's hearts. No matter where our paths would take us, that seed survived. Bethel remained the church of our youth until our family moved away in 1969. The following year, the Belk family took a sabbatical and moved to Fayette, Missouri.
In 1972, continuing the call to the ministry, Pastor Belk moved his family back to Denver and established Christian Assembly Church, which is now known as Washington Park Chapel, located at 1001 S. Pearl Street in Denver. There, Pastor and Sister Belk established a mentoring program to help other young men and women prepare and answer the call to the ministry.
After prison, Duane was involved in this program, as well as my younger brother Michael. In 1980, I became part of that group. As Brother Belk aged, his oldest son George Jr. took the pastorate. This would cumulate finally with another son, Rev. Gary W. Belk, assuming the pastorate around the time Sister Belk went home to be with the Lord in 1999.
We have fond memories of the Belk family. They were preachers/pastors that were very practical and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting. My dad could never figure out why Pastor Belk always got his game!
Before 9/11, at 87 years of age, Brother Belk embarked on a trip by himself from Denver to NYC stating that he was compelled to go warn the people to turn to the Lord before it was too late. He went to the Millenium Hilton and urged people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior to escape the impending eternal damnation in Hell. Not long thereafter, the terrorist attacks occurred in Lower Manhattan.
During the last two years of his life, Brother Belk would ride along on some of my bounty hunts. He wanted so much to jump out of the car and cuff the bond jump, but we restrained him, assuring him that his role was better served by allowing the younger men to do the wrestling and the older to maintain the prayer vigil!
At the time of his passing on to Heaven in 2003, G.W. was survived by three sons, Buddy (George Jr.), Gary, and Roger; three daughter-in-laws; ten grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.
What a sweet reunion awaits us all one day…
Lovingly,
Jolene Chapman
Son of James William Belk & Ida L.(Simmons) Belk. Married Betty A. Sakash, July 4, 1935, in Peoria Illinois.
**
Pastor George Washington Belk Sr., founder of Washington Park Chapel formerly Christian Assembly Church of Denver died at home Saturday.
Survived by three sons Akiva (George Jr.), Pastor Gary W., and Roger Belk; 10 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Washington Park Chapel, 1001 S. Pearl St. Funeral Service, 11 a.m., Friday, Washington Park Chapel. Interment, Crown Hill Cemetery.
**
G.W. Belk was the youngest of five children: James, his brother, and sisters Lillie, Ella Mae, and Daisy. His father passed away within a short time of his birth, and by the age of seven, his mother passed away. The five children were all separated and placed with various relatives. For the next couple of years G.W. endured extreme child abuse at the hands of one of his uncles that had taken him in.
After finally being transferred into the home of some Christian neighbors, George was exposed to the love and saving message of the Gospel through the Missionary Baptist Church and the family that took him in. At thirteen he asked Jesus to come in and live within his heart forever.
By the age of nineteen, he moved from Fountain Run to join his siblings in Peoria Illinois. One night while walking down Adams Street in Peoria, G.W. passed a Full Gospel Church and admitted that inwardly he mocked and judged them. Three nights later the Lord gripped his heart when he tried to retire to bed. As he snuggled in the blanket-lined bathtub to keep warm, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. He has told us that being filled with the Holy Spirit was the greatest thing that ever happened to him.
G.W. met his wife Betty at a church in Peoria where they eventually married. They pastored a small church there and finally moved to Denver where they connected with the Radio Prayer League. In 1957 they moved from the church at 37th and Gilpin to a new church building located at 5405 W. 1st Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado. The church was named "Bethel Temple".
In the Hebrew language, "Bethel" means "House of God". For Jacob in Genesis 28, Bethel was where he met Our Heavenly Father in a different way and submitted to Our Father's Plan and Purpose for his life. He experienced the ministry of Angels because of his consecration. Jacob called Bethel the "Gate of Heaven". In modern times we use the term "Open Heaven".
Bethel Temple was the place where the seed of the Word of God came forth and was planted into the Chapman children's hearts. No matter where our paths would take us, that seed survived. Bethel remained the church of our youth until our family moved away in 1969. The following year, the Belk family took a sabbatical and moved to Fayette, Missouri.
In 1972, continuing the call to the ministry, Pastor Belk moved his family back to Denver and established Christian Assembly Church, which is now known as Washington Park Chapel, located at 1001 S. Pearl Street in Denver. There, Pastor and Sister Belk established a mentoring program to help other young men and women prepare and answer the call to the ministry.
After prison, Duane was involved in this program, as well as my younger brother Michael. In 1980, I became part of that group. As Brother Belk aged, his oldest son George Jr. took the pastorate. This would cumulate finally with another son, Rev. Gary W. Belk, assuming the pastorate around the time Sister Belk went home to be with the Lord in 1999.
We have fond memories of the Belk family. They were preachers/pastors that were very practical and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting. My dad could never figure out why Pastor Belk always got his game!
Before 9/11, at 87 years of age, Brother Belk embarked on a trip by himself from Denver to NYC stating that he was compelled to go warn the people to turn to the Lord before it was too late. He went to the Millenium Hilton and urged people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior to escape the impending eternal damnation in Hell. Not long thereafter, the terrorist attacks occurred in Lower Manhattan.
During the last two years of his life, Brother Belk would ride along on some of my bounty hunts. He wanted so much to jump out of the car and cuff the bond jump, but we restrained him, assuring him that his role was better served by allowing the younger men to do the wrestling and the older to maintain the prayer vigil!
At the time of his passing on to Heaven in 2003, G.W. was survived by three sons, Buddy (George Jr.), Gary, and Roger; three daughter-in-laws; ten grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.
What a sweet reunion awaits us all one day…
Lovingly,
Jolene Chapman
**
Pastor George Washington Belk Sr., founder of Washington Park Chapel formerly Christian Assembly Church of Denver died at home Saturday.
Survived by three sons Akiva (George Jr.), Pastor Gary W., and Roger Belk; 10 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Washington Park Chapel, 1001 S. Pearl St. Funeral Service, 11 a.m., Friday, Washington Park Chapel. Interment, Crown Hill Cemetery.
**
G.W. Belk was the youngest of five children: James, his brother, and sisters Lillie, Ella Mae, and Daisy. His father passed away within a short time of his birth, and by the age of seven, his mother passed away. The five children were all separated and placed with various relatives. For the next couple of years G.W. endured extreme child abuse at the hands of one of his uncles that had taken him in.
After finally being transferred into the home of some Christian neighbors, George was exposed to the love and saving message of the Gospel through the Missionary Baptist Church and the family that took him in. At thirteen he asked Jesus to come in and live within his heart forever.
By the age of nineteen, he moved from Fountain Run to join his siblings in Peoria Illinois. One night while walking down Adams Street in Peoria, G.W. passed a Full Gospel Church and admitted that inwardly he mocked and judged them. Three nights later the Lord gripped his heart when he tried to retire to bed. As he snuggled in the blanket-lined bathtub to keep warm, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. He has told us that being filled with the Holy Spirit was the greatest thing that ever happened to him.
G.W. met his wife Betty at a church in Peoria where they eventually married. They pastored a small church there and finally moved to Denver where they connected with the Radio Prayer League. In 1957 they moved from the church at 37th and Gilpin to a new church building located at 5405 W. 1st Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado. The church was named "Bethel Temple".
In the Hebrew language, "Bethel" means "House of God". For Jacob in Genesis 28, Bethel was where he met Our Heavenly Father in a different way and submitted to Our Father's Plan and Purpose for his life. He experienced the ministry of Angels because of his consecration. Jacob called Bethel the "Gate of Heaven". In modern times we use the term "Open Heaven".
Bethel Temple was the place where the seed of the Word of God came forth and was planted into the Chapman children's hearts. No matter where our paths would take us, that seed survived. Bethel remained the church of our youth until our family moved away in 1969. The following year, the Belk family took a sabbatical and moved to Fayette, Missouri.
In 1972, continuing the call to the ministry, Pastor Belk moved his family back to Denver and established Christian Assembly Church, which is now known as Washington Park Chapel, located at 1001 S. Pearl Street in Denver. There, Pastor and Sister Belk established a mentoring program to help other young men and women prepare and answer the call to the ministry.
After prison, Duane was involved in this program, as well as my younger brother Michael. In 1980, I became part of that group. As Brother Belk aged, his oldest son George Jr. took the pastorate. This would cumulate finally with another son, Rev. Gary W. Belk, assuming the pastorate around the time Sister Belk went home to be with the Lord in 1999.
We have fond memories of the Belk family. They were preachers/pastors that were very practical and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting. My dad could never figure out why Pastor Belk always got his game!
Before 9/11, at 87 years of age, Brother Belk embarked on a trip by himself from Denver to NYC stating that he was compelled to go warn the people to turn to the Lord before it was too late. He went to the Millenium Hilton and urged people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior to escape the impending eternal damnation in Hell. Not long thereafter, the terrorist attacks occurred in Lower Manhattan.
During the last two years of his life, Brother Belk would ride along on some of my bounty hunts. He wanted so much to jump out of the car and cuff the bond jump, but we restrained him, assuring him that his role was better served by allowing the younger men to do the wrestling and the older to maintain the prayer vigil!
At the time of his passing on to Heaven in 2003, G.W. was survived by three sons, Buddy (George Jr.), Gary, and Roger; three daughter-in-laws; ten grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.
What a sweet reunion awaits us all one day…
Lovingly,
Jolene Chapman
