I met Dr. Jerry Falwell in Midland, Texas, in 1979. One of his staff members called and asked if we could have dinner together. That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted over the years.

I have many memories of Rev. Falwell. He was always a joy to be with. However, he also had a serious side, if you worked on a project with him he expected your best.

In the mid 1980s he came to Joplin to raise money for the “Old Time Gospel Hour” and Liberty University. He asked me to pick him up at the airport and take him to the Holiday Inn for the meeting. I still remember him telling me on the way to the meeting that there would probably be protestors. I admired his ability to stay focused on issues that were dear to his heart. It turned out to be a great meeting. People that loved Jerry Falwell were committed to him and his message.

After the meeting, it was an unexpected honor for him to ask me to take him to see Calvary Baptist Church. As all the members at Calvary, he also loved the church and its beautiful setting. It was at this time he told me he had a special place in his heart for this area because of the time he had spend as a student at Springfield Bible College.

During a trip to the Holy Land I had another opportunity to renew my friendship with Dr. Falwell. At the Garden Tomb I heard the beautiful music of Doug Oldham and realized that Jerry Falwell was also on tour there with a group from the U.S. After that trip I returned with memories of a man with a great love for our Savior.

The last contact I had with this great preacher was at the funeral of a mutual friend. Our friend Dr. Chapman and his wife worked during the beginning stages of Liberty University. The Chapmans later became members of Calvary Baptist. Rev. Falwell sent a video for the funeral expressing his appreciation for this godly couple and their commitment to the university. He never forgot his friends for their service to Our Lord.

In watching the media discussing the legacy, there are those, as shocking as it is, who saw him as an enemy. However, I have only gratitude for a gentleman who stood in the fray and took a stand for sensitive issues that touch all of us.

America has lost a great leader and history will tell the impact he had on the nation. My prayer is that his sons will carry on his legacy.

Phillip McClendon is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin.