(From Mission to North America) Former Mission to North America Coordinator, Teaching Elder John Philip “Phil” Clark died this morning at 11:25.

Clark, who joined the PCA at the denomination’s founding, was pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Glendale, Calif. at the time of the PCA’s first General Assembly. His church came into the denomination a few years later. In 1974, Clark organized the area’s first presbytery (Pacific Presbytery); he later became chairman of the Mission to North America Committee and served as MNA Coordinator from 1978 to 1986.

In 1986 Clark and his wife Jessie moved to Laguna Niguel, Calif. where he served as MNA Western representative until his retirement in 1992.

Memorial services will be held at 2PM, Sunday August 12, at the Aliso Creek Presbyterian Church which meets at the Laguna Niguel Seventh Day Adventist Church. The address is 29702 Kensington Drive, Laguna Niguel, Calif. 92677

 

A Letter from Phil Clark’s Family

Dear Family and Friends,

This morning, August 4, at 11:25 AM, at Mission Hospital our beloved husband and father was peacefully ushered into his heavenly home. Mother spent the night at his side and before she left to rest, kissed him and gave him permission to leave her. Just prior to his passing, 6 elders from his church attended to him with prayer, scripture and song. One of the elders, Dr. J.C. Cobo also a surgeon at Mission Hospital stayed at his bedside encouraging Mary Beth and monitoring Dad’s transition into heaven.

We are so grateful for the excellent care given to to Dad by the physicians, nurses and hospital staff. We are especially appreciative of the many friends who visited, dropped by meals, encouraged and prayed for us during this past few months of health challenges for Dad.

We want you to know that Dad was “Dad or Phil” until he slipped into a peaceful slumber just 18 short hours before his passing when he was placed into “Comfort Care”. He was mentally sharp, interested in others and the events of the world, and encouraged all who passed by his bed with his wit and wisdom. He died a grateful man. Just before he went to sleep, he offered a prayer as only Dad could pray. In it he thanked God for you, for what your love and friendship had meant to him and because of that he asked God to bless you.

We will miss him, but we are rejoicing that he is now healthy and whole and is “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”

“Surely You have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.”  Psalm 21:6

Fondly,

Jessie, Mary Beth, John, and Ruth Ann