Gilbert Hellwig

Gilbert Franklin Hellwig was born on July 21, 1933, the youngest of four sons, to Anna and Gustav Hellwig of Stratford, Connecticut. He attended the Stratford Schools, graduating in 1951. He then attended The University of Bridgeport and Eastern Baptist Seminary. He served Harrisena Community Church in Glens Falls, New York, from 1958-1964. He pastored the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ridgewood, NJ while pursuing Clinical Pastoral Education at Princeton Theological Seminary during the years 1964 - 1977. It was in Ridgewood where he met and eventually married his wife, Jane (Miller) in 1975. Shortly after they married, First Baptist Church of Cleveland expressed interest in his application for the position of Executive Minister. Never an organization to move without deliberation, First Baptist offered him the position in spring of 1977 and Gil assumed the role in September, 1977.

During his years at FBC, Gil was active in the development of the Hunger Garden, the Clinical Pastoral Education program, the ministry with Nicaragua, the Cleveland Baptist Association and all efforts toward ecumenism. He always had time for people and animals, loved to tell and listen to jokes, delighted in loud music, adored his Weimaraners and attempted to be God's hands and voice in a broken world. He took a yearly trip to follow his beloved San Francisco Giants, during which he ate junk food, slept in his car and was as anonymous as he could be. He was in Candlestick Park during the earthquake of 1989 and his sermon following that event was published. He attended Oxford Theological Seminary in Tennessee and completed all his coursework there toward a D. Ph.

Gil held his position at FBC for twenty years, retiring in March, 1998. In September, 1999, he was called to pastor the Lyndhurst Baptist Church, where he served until September, 2006.

Gil is survived by his wife, Jane, and their daughter, Emily, as well as his brother, Ludwig (Akin, SC). Gil will be remembered by many as the man who loved to carry and play with his daughter, having been given the opportunity to parent at a time in his life when most are enjoying grandparenting.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that those who wish make contributions to The Alzheimer's Association of Cleveland, 23215 Commerce Park Drive, Beachwood, OH 44122-5843. A Gathering to celebrate Gil's life will be held at The Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Saturday, May 18 from 2-4 PM.




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