Seth Faulkner

Seth Melvin Faulkner was born May 20, 1924 in a house in Bishop’s Falls Newfoundland to William and Svea Faulkner. He enjoyed telling people he was the citizen of two countries before moving off the island, Newfoundland and Canada, since Newfoundland did not become part of Canada until 1949.

While living in Bishop’s Falls, a small community in central Newfoundland, Seth worked on the railroad as a boilermaker. True to his character, his work was always precise and he liked to say his welds were always straight and neat.

In his early 20s Seth decided to move to St John’s, the largest city in Newfoundland. Just before he left home his brother Lester told him, “Seth, you go after that Hope Vaters”, and he did. While working in St John’s Seth’s arm was nearly torn off in a work accident, and it was through prayer and a determined doctor his arm was saved. At that point Hope says she knew she was going to marry that Seth Faulkner. Seth and Hope were married April 29, 1948.

In 1955 Seth and Hope relocated to Boston Massachusetts, and then due to health needs relocated to Phoenix Arizona in 1961.

Seth’s parents were opposites. His mother was a pillar in the Pentecostal church, while his father was a chain smoker and hard drinker. Although a loving and gentle man, Seth’s father never said the words “I love you” to him. Just a few years before Seth’s father passed away Seth felt impressed to return to Bishop’s Falls and have a heart to heart talk with his father. Seth asked his father to Sunday night church. They continued to visit and then Seth’s father left without replying to Seth’s invitation. Just before church was to start here came Seth’s father walking down the lane wearing his best suit. That night, at the end of the church service, Seth’s father walked down to the altar and gave his heart to Jesus. From that point forward he never smoked and never touched another drop of alcohol.

For over 50 years Seth Faulkner was actively involved in Phoenix First Assembly. He has served as a Sunday school teacher, Royal Ranger leader, sang in the choir and was a church board member. In 1979 First Assembly was searching for a pastor. Various board members suggested names for evaluation. After hearing one particular pastor on television the previous evening, Seth, who did not have a name to suggest, stopped the group and told them, “gentlemen, we need to go for the best. I nominate Tommy Barnett”. The rest is history.

Seth and Hope have always been givers. Even before accepting Christ Seth tithed. He never wanted to rob God of the tithe. Seth and Hope are not wealthy, but they were faithful to God and God was always faithful to them. Many times Seth and Hope gave to others to the point where they went without.

Seth Faulkner had a heart full of the love of God which he poured out on everyone he met. He finally emptied his heart and Jesus called him home.

In no way did Seth minimize salvation—he witnessed to everyone, even during his last days in the hospital. However, his main focus was how people lived. He would ask everyone if they are living for Jesus.

Seth Faulkner was not a man who had Jesus as just one part of his life. In his final few days while struggling through the night he kept saying “dear Jesus, dear Jesus”. It was his DNA.

Seth Faulkner was an athlete and avid sports fan. When he was young he was the tough one on the ice; no one went up against him without feeling the painful consequences. Daily he had the sports page memorized. Some have said Seth will be lacing up his skates and grabbing his hockey stick in heaven, but that theory does not line up with Seth Faulkner. Seth’s first and main love was Jesus, and that is where he is in heaven, at the feet of Jesus. In his last visit with his grandchildren he told them he wanted to see the nail prints in Jesus’ hands.