Memorial Service for

John Lewis Kelley

A man that loved his God.
A man that loved his Family
A man that loved his Ministry
A man that loved his Country
 

On February 24, 2004, well over seven hundred people gathered at the Greater Rhode Island Baptist Temple to pay tribute to a faithful soldier of the cross.  The church was packed.  Each chair was taken, the choir loft and surrounding area were occupied by eighty pastors, evangelists and missionaries paying honor and respect to their loved brother, killed in the service of his ministry.

The service began with a video presentation of Brother Kelley's life and ministry.  It showed his love for his dear and sweet wife, Jane and his unending care and concern for his family.  The presentation portrayed his life and ministry since his conversion to Christ and call into the gospel ministry. 

The opening hymn was "Wonderful Grace of Jesus"
Pastor Sam Stricklin, Brother Roland Vukic, Mr. James Kelley, Pastor Robert Lewis, Pastor Wendell Mullen, Pastor David Davis, Pastor DiVietro, Pastor Garland Carey, Pastor Ed Cross, Brother Mark Girard, all had part in the service by testimony and Scripture Reading.  The message was preached by Pastor Chris Baker.

Special music was provided by Pastor Speroni singing "That Sounds like Home to Me". A trio from Calvary Baptist Church sang "I saw Jesus in You",  Brother Barry Greening sang Brother Kelley's favorite song "He is So Precious to Me" and Miss Darenda Barta sang "Until Then". The closing hymn was "Amazing Grace"

It was noted that Brother Kelley's last sermon preached to his flock in Wakefield was from Colossians 3 which starts out :

1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

His first text in Baghdad was:

In final tribute to Brother John Kelley and in honor of his family and friends who have gathered in his memory, an honor line composed of all the preachers was formed.  Passing through that line of honor came the body of our dear brother followed by those in attendance.

A very long, (my estimate of at least one hundred cars) processional made its way to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Upon arrival, three United States Marines in full Dress Blues, stood at attention as one of their own was laid to rest.  Members of the Rhode Island National Guard stood also in tribute. After the finial words of comfort, the assurance of the resurrection and the committal of the body to ground, two of the Marines crisply and  respectfully removed the American Flag draped over the casket.  After properly folding it, saluting in respect presented it to Sister Jane Kelley and family.

At that time Taps was played as a moment of silence and contemplation settled in.  The still and quiet moment was then broken as the Rhode Island National Guard then gave a three round gun solute in honor of Brother Kelley.

          John Kelley USMC

Those in attendance were invited back to the Greater Rhode Island Baptist Temple for a time of refreshment and fellowship. 

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.   Revelation 14:13