Hundreds mourn loss, celebrate life of Wagner

The bishop went out of his way for many members of his Youngstown church, several parishioners said.

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By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

YOUNGSTOWN - Anyone who knew or had dealings with Bishop Norman L. Wagner came away greatly appreciating how accessible, kind, humble and concerned for others he was.

That was one of the main messages put forth by many members of Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church who gathered Sunday to remember Bishop Wagner, who died in St. Elizabeth Health Center on Saturday after having served nearly 39 years as Mount Calvary’s pastor. He was 68.

“He taught me about the redeeming power of God, the forgiving and merciful qualities of God, and we have to emulate that,” said Charles Baldwin, a 35-year member of Mount Calvary, 1812 Oak Hill Ave., on the city’s South Side. “He could confer with the Queen of England and to those who needed help on Skid Row.”

Fighting back tears at times, Baldwin shared his feelings about the life and teachings of Bishop Wagner, who he said also “loved God’s people all over the world.’’ The longtime church member also was one of hundreds who filled the pews during morning services to mourn the loss of and celebrate the accomplishments and example set by their beloved minister.

Baldwin recalled having met him when Baldwin stopped by the bishop’s residence to take a meter reading. A lot more came from the conversation, however, than how much the bill would be.

“He was leaving for work and stopped to talk to let me know I mattered to God,” Baldwin said, adding that the bishop also was on hand to help Baldwin when he lost his mother last November.

He also said that Bishop Wagner often discussed a link between professional endeavors and spirituality, saying he stressed the value of higher education as a positive example for youngsters.

“When you think of Dr. Wagner, you think of someone who’s genuine and concerned for people. He had the ability to bring out the best in people,” said Craig Randall, who joined the church in 1981 while attending Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa.

Randall fondly recalled that a friend introduced him to the church, and he then decided immediately it was the right fit. Since joining, he continued, Bishop Wagner officiated at his wedding in 1984, attended his college basketball games and was there when his oldest son signed college scholarship papers.

“He’s a family man; he taught us how to be family,” Randall added.

June Johnson recalled having met the bishop in the 1980s in her native England when he was a guest speaker at a Pentecostal assembly gathering.

Johnson, who works with Mount Calvary’s guest services, said Bishop Wagner became more of a father figure after she lost her father a few years ago.

He also was charismatic and internationally known, yet made himself available to everyone, she noted.

“He put me at ease, and I was relaxed in his presence,” she said. “He was a people’s person and met you where you were.”

Johnson added that she and her husband, Garfield, have been with the church about six years.

Leading the 11 a.m. service was Bishop A. Glenn Brady, who joined Mount Calvary in 1970 and is pastor of New Bethel Church in Kansas City, Kans.

Bishop Brady said he came to the church to give direction, guidance and support to the congregation and asked attendees to remember Bishop Wagner’s family in prayer. Despite the tragic loss, members must strive to achieve God’s will, in part by carrying on their pastor’s example and legacy, Bishop Brady urged.

No funeral services had been formalized by Sunday afternoon.

The leader of Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church on Youngstown’s South Side died Saturday and was honored during services Sunday. A look at some of his achievements:

Graduated from South High School and Youngstown State University before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology from Aenon Bible College in Columbus and Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis.

Attended a luncheon in 1982 at the White House, where President Ronald Reagan recognized him as one of 100 “Outstanding Black Clergymen in America.”

Began as pastor of Mount Calvary in March 1971 and was installed three months later.

Established Calvary Towers Serior Citizens complex on Market Street.

Helped found and served as chairman of Legacy Academy for Leaders and Arts, a charter school.

Was internationally known and sought after as a speaker, teacher and preacher.