Lester Roloff
1914 - 1982

"The world's greatest need is preaching preachers. The Gospel is our emancipation proclamation: let's take it to the slaves of sin."

Lester Roloff was born in Dawson, Texas, in 1914. His conversion at the age of fourteen came during a revival meeting when a godly Sunday school teacher urged him to give his heart to Christ.

He received his education at Baylor University, taking his Jersey cow, "Marie," along with him and paying for his room and board with four gallons of milk per day.

After finishing school, "Brother Roloff" conducted a work of ministry both as a pastor and as an evangelist in his own inimitable style. His ministry touched the lives of millions of people throughout the USA and in many foreign countries.

Roloff was never shy about voicing his convictions. He opposed Baylor University's plan to grant an honorary degree to President Harry Truman because of his frequent use of profanity. In 1950, he separated from the Southern Baptist Convention.

In 1969 Roloff became pastor of the People's Church in Corpus Christi, Texas. Under his leadership, the church began an outreach ministry to troubled teens and adults under the blanket name, "The City of Refuge."

Roloff's homes included: Rebecca Home for Girls, Anchor Home for Boys, Lighthouse for Men and Boys, and the Jubilee Home for Women.

Roloff fought an eight-year battle with the state of Texas regarding licensure of his ministry. He refused to allow his church ministries to come under the control of the state.

"This is going to be the greatest day of my life," Lester Roloff said to a friend as he flew off to a meeting on November 2, 1982. And truly that was his greatest day, for on it he completed his earthly journey and reached his heavenly Home.

The church and the homes he started were not ended by his death in a plane crash; they continue to this day.