“What a wonderful journey it has been.” These words encapsulate the life of D.E. Hill. His legacy is intertwined with the story of Living Water Tabernacle.
Living Water Tabernacle’s story is deeply rooted in the life and work of D.E. Hill. He was born August 4 1910. Paradise Missouri was his birthplace. John and Ida Hill were his parents. His father was a farmer and a Methodist minister. Sadly his father passed away just before D.E.’s third birthday.
D.E. Hill’s early life took a dramatic turn at 21. His sister Zula and brother Troy had long tried to get him to church. Finally he relented and attended a service in Leavenworth Kansas. D.E. heard the gospel preached for the first time. He gave his heart to the Lord during this meeting. Soon after D.E. was saved he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Heeding the Lord’s call he entered the ministry.
At the same church D.E. met Fern Louise Gorzkiewicz. They married February 9 1933. The Lord revealed biblical truths that became the foundation of his ministry. These included the security of the believer and the grace message. Also confirmation of the infilling of the Holy Spirit was important. He believed in the second coming of Christ ranks in the resurrection and the Bride of Christ.
In 1934 D.E. became a pastor. He served at Christian Assembly in Weston Missouri. A dream in 1937 changed everything. He dreamt of a place with a Platte River and a Broadway Street. The name Bleasner was also revealed. Soon after he received a letter from the Bleasner family in Denver. They invited him to preach at Bethel Chapel. It was a small church on Second Avenue and Cherokee Street.
The congregation voted to invite D.E. to be their pastor. He knew it was confirmation of the Lord’s calling to Denver. In April 1938 D.E. moved his family to Denver Colorado.
D.E. was a loving husband to Fern for 63 years. He was a loving father to his five children. D.E.’s passion included fishing and cooking. He loved fishing in the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers. Later he enjoyed fishing in Wyoming and Alaska. He was also an incredible cook. He was the chef in charge at almost every Thanksgiving Christmas and Easter dinner.
D.E. was an avid antique collector. He was always searching for furniture dishes and glassware. Even though he moved to the city he remained a country boy. He always had a vegetable garden and fruit trees.
In his later years D.E. traveled throughout North America. He enjoyed trips to Asia Europe Africa and Australia. His favorite trips were to his childhood home of Weston.
D.E. was a loving pastor. He was a preacher teacher student counselor and guide. He never stopped being a student of the Word of God. He had an unwavering faith in the Lord. Three times he confronted life-threatening illnesses.
Living Water Tabernacle remembers D.E.’s large strong hands. The church remembers his loud heartfelt laugh. They remember his quick step and the nicknames he gave. Most of all they remember his eyes filled with tenderness and love.
On March 24 2005 D.E. Hill passed away. His legacy lives on at Living Water Tabernacle. He would want everyone to know Jesus as their personal savior. His work on earth is done but his impact remains. Living Water Tabernacle continues to share his message of faith love and salvation.