Pastor who holds Guinness World Record for longest tenure dies

April 29, 2024

The Christian Post reports that a pastor with a world record holding 72 years of tenure at a Texas church has passed away at age 94. Rev. Dr. Doris Nathaniel Benford Sr. was renowned for his decades of service and dedication to his congregation at the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City, Texas.

In a Facebook post on April 15, the church reported: “It is with saddened hearts that we announce the homegoing of our beloved pastor, father, grandfather and so many other wonderful things to us. Rev. D. N. Benford, Sr. has transitioned to be with the Lord. He has fought a long hard fight for the Lord, and He has called him home to be with Him!”

According the Christian Post, Benford began preaching at the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in 1950 when he was just 20 years old.

He was honored by the Guiness Book of World Records in October 2022 for “longest tenure as pastor of the same church” after holding his position for 72 years and 61 days.

Benford began preaching at age 14, delivering his first sermon on Christmas Day in 1944. His final sermon was delivered on Easter Sunday of 2024, according to a local TV station.

Benford was also well known for his outreach efforts in helping the needy and for his work with the church’s youth.

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