Rev Dr. Arthur’s Obituary Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15 Reverend Dr Arthur Lee Lewter, loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, pastor-teacher and friend to many took his eternal rest at the age of eighty-five surrounded by his caring and devoted wife, children and friends. Reverend Dr. Arthur Lee Lewter was born in Sebring, Florida son of the late Mrs. Annie Mae and Mr. Leroy Lewter.
At the early age of 12, he accepted the Lord into his life and was baptized at the First Baptist Church, Frostproof, FL. He attended Roosevelt High School in Lake Wales, FL. Dr. Lewter had a passion for playing football and singing.
Dr. Lewter married Kay Francis McKenzie and to this union was born two daughters, Sandra Gail and Barbara Delores and two sons Tyrone (deceased) and Johnnie. Dr. Lewter later married Mrs. Beatrice Dolby and raised her two children as his own, a son, Leon and daughter, Linda. Dr. Lewter’s love of singing began as a young child where his mother encouraged his singing with his siblings.
Later he sung with quartets in various churches throughout the nation. In 2006 he recorded his first CD entitled, “Remembering yesterday” where he spoke of his journey into singing God’s praises and remembering the songs of old. Dr. Lewter accepted his call to the ministry and proclaimed his initial sermon in 1967 entitled, “The Lord Is” with the scriptural text from one of his favorite scriptures, Psalm 23 at the Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church, Tampa, FL under the pastorate of Reverend J. B. Bryant.
In 1968, the congregation of the Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida gave the call for him to serve as their under shepherd. This was Pastor Lewter’s first pastorate. As the Lord guided his ministry, Pastor Lewter served faithfully six congregations spanning the states of Florida, California and New York.
In 1990, he married the lovely and gracious Beverly Hill. In September 1993, Dr. Lewter was commissioned by the Lord to serve as the anointed under shepherd of the Star of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Ossining. A visionary leader, Pastor Lewter came to the Ossining community with great enthusiasm, energy, expertise and love for all people.
Pastor Lewter is known throughout as a “man of wisdom” for it is not unusual for one to be in his company and have pearls of wisdom shared, regardless of age or status. Pastor Lewter had an infectious energy and a contagious smile. He was the kind of person that could make your day!
Some of the highlights of Pastor Lewter’s ministry and leadership at “The Star” and within the Ossining Community are: The building of a new edifice, the ordination of Women into the Ministry, ordination of female deacons, a weekly telecast “Star Power Gospel Hour,” (aired on cablevision Wednesday and Sunday evenings), a quarterly Christian Education Institute, Mid-week H.A.P.P.Y. H.O.U.R. Service ( H elping A ll P eople P raise Y ahweh, H olistically, O ptimistically, U ntiringly and R esponsively), a Pastor and Leaders Prayer Service (P.A.L. P.U.S.H. ), established a Youth Ministry and Children’s Church, and an Annual Revival at the Sing Sing State Correctional Facility, Wednesday 12 Noon Message and Meal (preaching, singing and meal).
Pastor Lewter’s community work extended to the local, state and national level. He served as Chaplain for the Ossining Police Department, and Chaplain of Marriages for the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He was a member of the Ossining/Briarcliff Ministerial Alliance, Corresponding Secretary of Central Hudson Baptist Association, Baptist Ministers’ Conference of New York and Vicinity, Vice President of Area 4 of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, member of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Pastor Lewter received an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Religion and a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from the National University, San Diego, CA, and he continued to study at Faith Evangelical Seminary, Tacoma, WA where he acquired a Master of Theological Studies, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry.
Other studies were done at Tampa Business College, Tampa, FL. Pacific Christian College, Fullerton, CA, Doctor of Divinity (DD). Being recognized for his pastoral leadership, Dr. Lewter was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from the James W. Teamer School of Religion, Charlotte, SC.
Dr. Lewter was known as a kind, generous and intelligent man who inspired people with his faith and hope in God. He was serious about his work for the Lord but he was also known for his sense of humor and amiable personality. Dr. Lewter was a faithful servant of the Lord who loved people.
His greatest joy was to encourage others. Thousands of lives have been blessed by his great heart. He was truly a magnificent pastor, role model and father to many.
He loved the church and its members. He was always lifting them up in prayer. After serving 20 years as Pastor of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ossining and 46 years in ministry, he relocated to McDonough, GA with his wife, Beverly.
Since moving to Georgia, Dr. Lewter’s health began to decline. On Sunday, October 21, 2018 Dr. Lewter transitioned to his eternal place of rest. Preceding Reverend Lewter in death was his mother and father, Annie Mae Lewter-Blake and Leroy Lewter; a son, Tyrone Lewter and three sisters, Essie Beatrice Thomas, Annie Lee Gordon and Julia Lewter-Smith.
Reverend Dr. Lewter leaves to cherish his passing his devoted wife, Beverly Hill-Lewter, three brothers, Johnnie Shields, Robert Lewter (Jackie) and Harold Lewter, and a sister, Emma Malcolm; four children, Sandra Gail Wilkerson, Barbara Delores Speller, (Eddie Speller), Johnnie Lewter and Michael D. Lewter (Yasheka); four step-children, Leon Doby (Katina), Linda Williams (Gerard), Deirdre Hill and Aaron Hill; two sisters-in-law, Irma June Reeves and Gwendolyn Jackson; a niece/daughter, Lisa Eubanks; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 14 great great-grandchildren, 3 great great great-grandchildren,. He also leaves to cherish his memory, a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, devoted church families, and numerous colleagues and friends.
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