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Lloyd Delbert Maupin
Born on July 28, 1919 in the foothills of Tennessee,
was the baby of the Maupin family, Lloyd Delbert. Like many of his day, Delbert, as
he would be called, was raised with a religious upbringing. Strangely, though, his
parents were each members of different churches. In spite of what could have been a
confusing mix of ideals, it seems that he was most impressed by his mother’s
experience of healing. At age 18, he was converted and became zealous for the Lord.
Two years later, he married his life-long partner and wife, Nellie. Brother Delbert
soon began traveling and spreading the Gospel with Sister May Bruce and others.
Before he was through, he would preach many sermons in many places, including
street corners.
Life did not merely revolve around preaching for
Bro. Delbert, however. This was a man whose life epitomized service, and serve he
did—in two wars none-the-less. Rev. Maupin was a veteran in the United States
Marine Corps during World War II. While still a young man, he was part of the renowned
assault launched by the U.S. in February 1945, which sent over 110,000 Marines to Iwo
Jima, Japan—more than any other battle, in 880 ships. The fleet sailed from Hawaii to
the tiny Japanese island in the span of 40 days. The account of the now-famous
battle and flag-raising grace American and world history books alike. If
that weren’t enough heroics for one lifetime, God’s fighting man also took part
in another severe conflict. The 1950’s saw the sabbatical from the greatest conflicts
in human history give way to more violence as the Korean War got underway and was fought
vigorously by U.S. servicemen, who at times tackled overwhelming circumstances. He
was wounded in action there, and later conveyed how the Lord gave him reassurance during
the struggle, even when comrades were falling all around him! The Corps
honored him for his participation in four key battles and awarded him four Combat Stars
and the Purple Heart.
After life with the Marines, Bro. Delbert
settled with his family in Louisville, Kentucky, where in 1956 he helped found and pastor
The New Covenant Church Mission. His valiant manner was not left on the battlefield,
though. The seasoned saint brought his uncompromising style to the pulpit, all the
while blending compassion with conviction. He emphasized a need for godliness, that
he was convinced could only be accomplished by the empowerment and in-filling of the Holy
Ghost. Unwilling to become a financial burden on his congregation of largely working-class
families, he worked for more than half a century as a pipefitter and refused to take an
offering!
His service for the Lord went beyond preaching.
The man of God played the guitar and sang such favorites as, “Walking Up
The King’s Highway”. Brother Delbert also published Gospel tracts.
The more popular titles included, “If A Man Die, Shall He Live Again?”
and “The Scapegoat”. With a passion for spreading God's Word, the church
began a radio broadcast in 1968 that ran for more than a quarter of a century. After all
was said and done, Bro. Delbert pastored for nearly 50 years!
Those who were privileged to know this beloved
man, fondly remember him to be good-natured and meek. He possessed a charisma that
set him apart, with the ability to be firm while extending mercy. Although his
fame was only regional, his influence on this ministry among others is unquestionable. On
May 1, 2004, Rev. Lloyd Delbert Maupin took his walk up the King’s Highway. We share
the sadness of his passing and the joy of the legacy he left behind. Brother
Delbert filled many roles: husband, father, pastor, mentor, and friend, among a list
of many. He leaves behind his widow, Nellie, and three sons Donald, Danny, and Mark,
along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His work for the Lord survives
with son Danny. May God be with him, and wife, Elaine as they carry on in his stead.
Resources and appreciation: Gene and Imogene Bruce, Danny Maupin,
Courier-Journal, iwojima.com, Myrl Eddings
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