Hamilton, Jr., John Donaisier Velencourt
8/10/1995
| It is an honor for me to write the memoirs of my spiritual father in ministry, the Reverend John D. V. Hamilton, Jr. Born April 21, 1934, to the late Dora Bullard Hamilton and John D. V. Hamilton, Sr., Rev. Hamilton passed from life to reward on Thursday, August 10, 1995, after a lengthy illness at the Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital with his family at his side. His stepmother, Hilda Johnson Hamilton, preceded him in death. John was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, where he received his early education and began his ministry. He held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University (1957), a Master of Divinity from the (Gammon) Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia (1960) and a Bachelor of Sacred Music from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana (1972). In 1961, he was joined in holy wedlock to the former Barbara Materre, and from that union was born a daughter, Chenise Nicole Hamilton. Joan and I became her Godparents at infant baptism. After a brief ministry at Brooks United Methodist Church and Thompson United Methodist Church in New Orleans, he was appointed to the Fairfield United Methodist Church of Shreveport in 1963 (where my ministry began under his leadership). He also served the St. James and Providence Churches. In 1979, he was assigned to the Slidell area serving the Hartzell-Mt. Zion and Newell charges. John served the remaining years of his life in the New Orleans area, serving Peck, Grace and Boynton United Methodist Churches, where he was pastor at his death. I am sure that John will be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the music of his churches and the Louisiana Conference: Organist/Pianist and soloist with the Shreveport Symphony Chorale; Director of the Shreveport District Choir (Conference B), Centenary College Opera Theater and the Shreveport Symphony Repertory Opera Company and recitals throughout the state. In addition to numerous other contributions, John was a member of the Committee to revise the new United Methodist Hymnal. He served the Louisiana Conference on numerous boards, agencies, committees and received awards and recognition for his leadership and participation in civic, religious and cultural activities On Monday, August 14, 1995, at 11:00 a.m., A Celebration of Life was held in Lawless Memorial Chapel of Dillard University. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Chenise; father, John Hamilton, Sr., and a host of other relatives and friends. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference 1996, p. 267, By Rev. Kenneth M. Fisher | |
