Tribute to Rev. Walstone E. Francis
Walstone Elisha Francis
“A Marathon Man”
Reflections by Pastor Eugene Edwards
What can I say about a monumental man that hasn’t already been said or that you can’t click a link to find out. Walstone Elisha Francis, Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Waukegan was that mountain of a man.
He garnered forty-four years of marriage to Angelia Francis, raised eight children, and served as the pastor of one of the most prestigious churches in Lake County, IL for over 28 years. He was committed to his community serving in various organizations including the Waukegan Civil Service Commission. He was also known for his allegiance to foreign missions by sending aid to Haiti, Jamaica and other countries around the world.
He was a theological scholar receiving degrees including a Doctorate of Divinity from Selma University in Selma, Alabama. He was a leader to leaders, a preacher to preachers, and a pastor to pastors. Indeed he was a man among men.
Again, all that I have mentioned you can find online somewhere, but what you will not find is what I and some others have witnessed during the last few months of his life.
Have you ever watched a marathon? By definition, a marathon is a competition of endurance. It is a foot race that stretches your physical and mental capacities to their limit. Marathons are not fast, nor are they flashy. It takes a certain level of patience to even watch a marathon on television. I was one of the persons that was fortunate enough to witness Walstone E. Francis run his final lap in his marathon of life.
Being diagnosed with cancer multiple times you would think that a person would be ready to give up; ready to throw in the towel; ready to admit defeat; but no, not Walstone. He faced his diagnosis time after time and ran through each adversity with tenacity and veracity.
When COVID-19 grabbed hold of America and shut down all of the churches in early 2020, I was tasked by the Lord with recording Pastor Francis’ messages so that we could air them on Sunday mornings. We started out recording outside at his home but quickly shifted to recording at the church. I thought that we would meet at the church at the regularly scheduled time but he said that I would have to pick him up and drive him, in his car, to the church because he could not sit down. He literally had to lay on his side, in the car, because the cancerous wound on his lower back would not allow him to sit down. Our usual time for recording was at 2:15 pm on Saturdays. When I would arrive to pick him up he would tell me that he has been standing on his feet since 5 am in the morning working on his message not to mention not having a restful sleep. After he finished preaching his message (while standing) we would return to his house around 5 pm, that’s 12 straight hours! His movements necessary to get in and out of the car safely was enough to fatigue the strongest of men and still he refused to accept any help until he could do it alone no longer. I wanted to record his struggles with mobility so that everyone would see how much effort he was exerting in order to preach to his flock but I didn’t want to seem insensitive. I continued to marvel at how he would preach as if there were nothing wrong with him and yet there was a disease eating away at him. I recall one day when he couldn’t walk a half step without excruciating pain and yet he continued down the outdoor stairs and then up the inside stairs and all around his and the church offices and then back again.
When things began to worsen he ended up in the hospital at the beginning of a particular week. When I spoke with him on the phone I assured him that we would have a message to post for Sunday just in case he does not come home in time. He said to me, “I will be preaching the message”, and sure enough he came home later that week and still preached on Saturday. Each time he would go to the hospital he would tell us of how God was using his illness as a way to reach those who were at the hospital. He preached to doctors, nurses, strangers and anyone whom the Lord put in his path.
In his final days I asked him, “Do you have a message for the Church?” (meaning for the upcoming Sunday). He replied, “I hadn’t thought about it”, which later I understood it to mean that he had completely poured himself out. He completed his course and finished his race. All that he had to give, he gave. All that he had to do, he did. All that he needed to say, he said.
Now I share with you a portion of what I witnessed in this Marathon Man:
Endurance -
He never gave up. Though his outward man was perishing his inner man pushed through the limits of his physical body. While in excruciating pain he preached the gospel weekly with vigor, veracity, vividly, and when necessary violently. He was not afraid to tell you the truth about yourself and put you in your place.
Faith -
He trusted in the Lord and did not waiver. In all of his pain he looked to God for His divine purpose. He always saw his condition through the eyes of faith and providence. When others saw adversity he saw opportunity. When others saw despair he saw deliverance. Yes, his pain fashioned his pulpit.
Practice -
He continued to be a righteous example while loving others and sharing the gospel in every situation. His condition did not stop him from caring for his wife and family. Though he was wounded he tended to her wounds. He modeled what it means to be a Man of God. He took pride in his care for his wife and wouldn’t let anyone else do what he considered as his Job. His pain was unbearable but he never stopped praying for others. His anguish was undeniable but it did not deter him from his duty. His problems were perplexing but he still kept his promises.
Dr. Walstone Elisha Francis finished his marathon gloriously and causes us to remember the following bible passage:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Rev. Walstone Francis (far left) started this journey with the Mosaic Initiative, and we will see him again one day.
A few more words from the Mosaic Initiative pastors and leaders:
Rev. Gregory Randle “Pastor Francis was the best friend that any man could have in the world.”
Rev. Carlos Herrera “I got to know Pastor Francis through prayer. We would get together, along with Pastor Stackhouse, and PRAY. Over the years we spent hours in prayer. During those prayers Pastor Francis taught me how to pray like a pastor. I also learned about Pastor Francis' soft, gentle, and loving heart. Hearing him speak to God was a beautiful experience that shaped my soul and taught me how to love and pray for our community. The depth of Pastor Francis' love for God and His people will continue to have ripple effects in this community for years to come. God used him to shape what the Church of Waukegan is today. He laid the foundation for the pastors that have come after him.”
Rev. Paul Jones "I can remember almost 30 years ago when the Shiloh Baptist Church was looking for a pastor. I was a young minister attending the church across the street from Shiloh. I had moved here from NJ and didn't know much about ministries in this area except that most were good people who kept fellowship within circles akin to their denominations or personal friendships.
I always wished the Body here in the Waukegan area would become closer and in sync to fulfill the mandate of Christ together, regardless of race, nationalities, worship styles or doctrinal slants.
Then it was noised about that Shiloh had selected a new pastor. His name was Walstone Francis.
Walstone. I though, 'what a name?'
It gave off the connotation of a sophistication reserved for a someone like a Lord Charles Worthington IV. Walstone. What a regal name?!
It was not long afterward that I met the man bearing the name. A young, tall, articulate, man with an inviting smile that made you WANT to know him.
Over the years we developed a good relationship. Because our church only sat 150-200 people we had to seek other venues for large gatherings namely funerals. Pastor Francis was always willing offer the much larger Shiloh Baptist Church accommodate us. I was not pastoring at the time but soon would be selected to serve after the demise of my pastor.
Pastor Francis was so kind to let the Homegoing Service of my Grandfather, Pastor Edward McAllister, to be held at his Church.
As I navigated through the rigors of a new pastorate, Dr. Francis was always kind in my days of transition.
Over the years to come I think Shiloh began to experience under Pastor Francis a new direction of ministry. Community outreach, the building of a gymnasium, a multifaceted addition to the church will always be a mark of his legacy of Ministry.
But I think what will also be lasting is the pastor's willingness to step out from beyond familiar circles and embrace others of the Christian faith. It is the heart of God. It is the mandate of Unity itself.
I will miss his smile, his humble spirit, and his funny sense of humor. He loved to laugh, and I enjoyed laughing with him. Yet among all of his enduring qualities and laudable accomplishments was the Love for his Christ and desire for salvation of the souls of men. That perhaps is his greatest testimony.
We pray to see him again in Glory someday."
Rev. Luke McFadden “I have looked up to Pastor Francis ever since I moved to Waukegan to begin ministry in 2010. The first few times we connected, I could see that he was extremely wise and an amazing expositor of the Word of God. However, what I remember most about Pastor Francis was his heart for unity between churches. Every time I connected with him about a collaborative effort, he was helpful, generous, and fun to work with. God used him to help leaders in our area cultivate a collective vision of unity and collaboration. I will always be grateful for his leadership, influence, and legacy in the Waukegan area. “
Daniel Hartman “Pastor Francis was a man who loved God and loved people well. His powerful sermons continue to ring in my ears, and his legacy of hope lives on in so many. He was a man of prayer who served the church and the community with faithfulness. One of my fondest memories was receiving communion from him as his tears fell on the elements. I am forever grateful for his influence in my life. More than that, I praise God for his life and legacy that continues to point people to Jesus.”
Rev. Harry Stackhouse "Pastor Francis was a man who walked humbly before God. He opened his door and his arms to those who were in need. No man was too low to receive his love and help. His legacy is written in the lives of those in this community. He loved well, shared much, and fulfilled the calling on his life. He was God’s servant.”