In Memoriam of Dr. George Sweeting (Oct. 1, 1924–Sept. 10, 2024)
From Pastor Lutzer:
Dr. Sweeting was a church statesman, a beloved pastor, college president, and mentor to many. His love of the Gospel, engaging personality, biblical and historical knowledge, along with his leadership skills served him well through decades of ministry.
I am a grateful recipient of his legacy. When the Elders were deciding the direction of The Moody Church, he encouraged them to choose me as the next pastor. He stood with me in some difficult periods of my ministry, assuring me of his prayers through phone calls and handwritten notes. For 50 years, he and Hilda have been a great encouragement to Rebecca and me.
Doc will be well rewarded by our Savior. His legacy will continue forever. We send our love and prayers to Hilda and the entire family.
From Pastor Philip:
I received news yesterday that our dear George Sweeting went home to be with Jesus. Dr. Sweeting served as the 14th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church from 1966–1971.
Almost a year ago, on October 1st, 2023, Pastor George Sweeting celebrated his 99th birthday! I had the joy of speaking with him and his precious Hilda on the phone. We reminisced about his days as Pastor here in Chicago. Those were tough days for The Moody Church as the city was going through turmoil and families were fleeing to the suburbs. Attendance at the church was down to just a few hundred people, and some of the Elders were personally paying the church’s bills to keep the church afloat. God used Dr. Sweeting’s evangelistic heart and determined hope to reestablish our church. Without his leadership and the grace of God, who knows what would have happened? Eventually, Dr. Sweeting was called to be the President of Moody Bible Institute, where he served from 1971 to 1987 and thereafter served as chancellor through 1999.
George and Hilda asked me to extend their love and greetings to The Moody Church: “Please tell the folks at Moody Church that we love them, miss them, and have wonderful memories of our time at Moody Church…We’re going on with the Lord together.”
Over the last few years, I’ve counted it an immense honor to get to spend time talking on the phone from time to time with Doc Sweeting and his dear wife, Hilda. Doc would often reminisce about his days here in Chicago, and always spoke fondly of his time here at The Moody Church. His love and affection for God’s people were always brimming over. I’m grateful for those calls and will treasure them forever.
Dr. Sweetings pictorial autobiography, Full Circle, was published in 2022. I’m struck by the providential hand of God in our lives. The following is an excerpt from the back cover:
Both of George’s parents were converted in Scotland by the ministry of D. L. Moody. Then, in God’s perfect timing, He brought George into two leadership position connected with this great evangelist—first, as pastor of the historic Moody Church in Chicago, and second, as the sixth president of the school Moody founded: the Moody Bible Institute.
Along the way, God gave the Sweetings a deep heart for evangelism. Whether preaching in evangelistic crusades or sending missionaries to foreign fields, George has always been passionate about winning souls for Christ. “Our supreme task is world evangelization in this generation!” was the constant cry of his heart.
From humble beginnings, to academic leadership, to friendship with a US president, God used George and Hilda Sweeting to make an impact on the world and create a legacy of faithfulness. And as you read, ask yourself, “Lord, how do You want to bring my life full circle as well?”
I’ve been greatly encouraged to get to know George and Hilda Sweeting in reading this treasure of a book. If you have the time, I encourage you to read it as well.
His deep love for God, passion for the Gospel, enthusiasm for the city, and compassion for people are hallmarks of his life and ministry that will echo into eternity.
Would you join us in praising God for His goodness in giving us Dr. Sweeting for these years, and lifting up Hilda and the rest of the Sweeting family in your prayers as they grieve with hope.
The Sweetings are our forever family, and are loved, more than they know.
- Pastor Philip Miller
Read Dr. Sweeting's Obituary