Reverend Joseph R. Faith went to be with his Lord and Savior on 20 November, 2023. He was 97 years old. He was born in Camden, New Jersey, the son of Paul D. and Maggie Faith. He had two brothers and three sisters, all of whom predeceased him. His wife of 64 years, Norma E. Faith (nee Gaskell) passed on before him in 2011. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, and the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, from which he received three degrees, including a Doctorate of Divinity.
Reverend Faith served churches in Keyport, New Jersey, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. His pastorate at the First Baptist Church of Lancaster was the longest in the history of that church, lasting over 16 years. While there, the church grew to such a size that a second Baptist church, Westgate Baptist, was founded by the congregation under his leadership. He also served in several churches as interim pastor including Rosedale Church in Camden, NJ, and Colonial Park in Harrisburg, PA. In retirement he assisted more than a dozen churches in eastern Pennsylvania by preaching when called upon to fulfill their needs. His kind and unassuming demeanor, and ability to move and inspire his audience made him highly sought as a preacher.
He also served in numerous leadership positions during his career as a pastor. These include: Moderator of the Harrisburg Baptist Association, President of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware, and president of the Eastern Baptist Seminary Alumni. In addition, he served on many community organizations such as the Lancaster Mental Health Committee, chaplaincy committee of Millersville University, and Lancaster General Hospital Chaplaincy Program. He continued to serve in his later years, teaching a weekly Sunday School class at the Fairmont Homes retirement community as long as he was able. His stalwart faith and devotion to serving his Lord was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
He is survived by two sons, Jonathan Mark and Joseph Sayre Faith, and a daughter, Christine Anne Meneely. In addition, he is survived by 7 grandchildren, and 10 great- grandchildren. The family plans to have a grave-side internment service at Lower Marion Baptist Church, in Bryn Mawr, at a future date to be announced.
Memorial donations in his honor may be made to First Baptist Church of Lancaster, 2124 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602.
Wendy Allshouse says
He was such a blessing to so many people throughout the years. He truly was inspirational and well loved. I thank God that he has gone home and no longer suffers. Condolences and love to the family.
Wendy
Rev. David J Allen says
As I grew up as a member of the First Baptist Church of Lancaster , Joe was a great influence on me as a Pastor as well as his family . We were as a family close friends with him and his family. He preached the sermon at my ordination service in 1988. My condolences and love to his family during this time of loss as we celebrate his life.
Ron Van Meerbeke says
I was a teenager at Joe Faith’s first church in Keyport, NJ. He was referred to as Mr. Faith because he was not yet ordained. He served first as interim pastor and the entire congregation fell in love with him. He was ordained at Keyport First Baptist Church and was responsible for such a great growth in attendance. I wrote a brief tribute some years ago and proclaimed that he was the closet things to a Saint that I have ever known.
Ron Linton says
We’re so sadded to hear of the passing of Rev. Faith. He had such an even temperament. He was a wonderful minister, and had a way of bringing people together for the benefit of the church. He was a wonderful and respected man of God. Our condolences to the entire family. Rev. Faith we will miss you. Ron and Deb Linton
Donna Beck says
Condolences to the family. Reverend Faith baptized me as a teenager, and he was such a wonderful influence my life. He is the reason I belong to Jesus, and praise God for his influence in my life. I know he is resting in our saviors arms.
Donna Taylor Beck
Lynne (Weaver) Trotti says
What an inspiration he had been in my life. I can’t say enough to describe what he meant to me when I was growing up and as I got older. From my baptism to wedding and onward, he continued to be my guidance whether directly or indirectly, I always knew what to do because of what he taught me. He will be missed by many, but he deserves to be with our Lord. Our condolences and love to the entire family.
Jane Wheeler says
He was a devoted preacher with wonderful messages.I was baptized by him when I was 10,amazingly it was Easter Sunday.
Prayers to his family
Jane Wuestefeld Wheeler
Lois Weaver says
A great loss by all who knew him. A wonderful person to know. He was a compassionate and loving person. Just the type person to be a minister. Rest in peace Rev Faith. You have left me with a hole in my heart.
Richard Cook says
I first met Joe when I came to the Harrisburg Association in 1970 , and He remained a precious friend for 50 years…lost touch for awhile,rekindled friendship when I retired and moved to Lancaster…I always said that Joe was the kind of guy you never heard a single bad thing about…amazing..remarkable..thanks Joe…
David Noll says
He was very influential in my faith as a young Christian and meant a great deal to my family who were members of his Lancaster congregation. We were saddened to hear of his passing. His humility, devotion and personal care exemplified what it means to be a pastor. Our prayers and sincere condolences to his family.
David Noll
Yvonne Donley says
I, too, also grew up at First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Faith. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will definitely be missed!
Yvonne Donley says
I, too, also grew up at First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Faith. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will definitely be missed! Condolences to the family!
Sherry says
My sincere condolences to the family. Death of a love one is so painful. Faith in the Bible can and will bring you comfort. The Bible tells us about the hope for all who die . John 5:28,29. The Resurrection! You have the hope of being reunited with Joe again ! On Earth! I pray this Bible Truth brings you some peace and comfort during this difficult time.