Richard Beal
1887 - 1989

"A hush of silence sweeps over us as we breathe the word 'mother'. Christianity exalts motherhood as no other religion in the history of the world. In His incarnation our Lord entered our humanity through the portals of a woman's life and thus in a special sense sanctified motherhood. To be a mother is to hold the reins of a nation. A mother's hand is mightier than a king's scepter. This being true, every mother is called to utmost consideration of her high office."

Not many pastors serve effectively for forty-five years in one pastorate. Dr. Beal was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Tucson, Arizona, from 1918-1969. Under his leadership this church grew from 200 members to more than 3,000 members. Also, twelve churches in the community are the fruits of the church's local outreach. During the forty-five years, over 200 young people entered the ministry and mission fields.

Born and reared in Denver, Richard Sydney Beal was saved at age eight through his godly mother's influence.

His first job was as railroad clerk. Then he entered Colorado State University to study civil engineering.

Sensing a call to the ministry, he yielded to the Lord and transferred to William Jewell College (1908-1911). He was ordained into the ministry in 1910. Dr. Beal pastored several churches in Missouri and one in Colorado before becoming pastor of the famed Tucson church. He also conducted Bible conferences and numerous evangelistic campaigns.

He received the D.D. degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and the LL.D. from Christian Seminary of Phoenix. He was awarded the Medallion of Merit from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Beal was a leader in the formation of the Conservative Baptist Association. He has authored several books including Rivers in the Desert (ten volumes with 52 sermons in each).

Dr. Beal died in 1989 at the age of 102! He and Mrs. Beal had five children who are all active in Christian work.