Rev. Dr. Rufino Duque Hipol, Jr.

1935-2021

At 3:16 AM on Thursday, the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century, January 21, 2021, The Rev. Dr. Rufino D. Hipol, Jr., a faithful preacher and teacher, devoted mentor, loving husband, and family man, went home to glory at the age of 85.

“Junior” as he was fondly called by his parents and siblings was born on April 19, 1935 in Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines, to Rufino Estacion Hipol, Sr., of Bauang, La Union, and Maria Duque of Camiling, Tarlac. The son of a pioneer educator, Rufino’s childhood revolved around schools established by his father in Isabella, Philippines.

In High School, he was the graduating class valedictorian. In College, he was conferred a Diploma in Bible & Theology-Summa Cum Laude (Class of 1956). He was the Senior Class & Student Body President of Bethel Bible Institute (BBI) in Valenzuela, Bulacan. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, Major in English (Class of 1963) from the Pacifican Colleges in Pangasinan. He also garnered a Bachelor of Science in Education (Class of 1972) and Master of Arts in Education (Class of 1978) degrees from Baguio Colleges Foundation in Baguio City. He was awarded a Doctor of Theology degree from the International Seminary (Class of 1998) in Orlando, FL.

Pastor Hipol received his credential to preach in March, 1957, and ordination in 1959 under the auspices of the Assemblies of God (AG) and served as a minister of the Gospel for 65 successive years until his passing. He never missed renewing his credentials yearly since 1957. Even before his graduation, in 1955, he pioneered the AG Church in Roxas, Isabela. While enrolled at BBI, he began his evangelistic ministry. He preached and sung in a quartette with Nelita and classmates for DZAS Radio aired all throughout Metro Manila and surrounding provinces through Far East Broadcasting Company. In 1957, he was the Associate Pastor at Tuding First AG in Itogon, Benguet. In 1957-1958, fresh graduates from the Bible School, Rufino and his bride Nelita commenced a missionary journey in the headhunting tribes on the mountain trails of the Cordilleras. There in the mountains, Christ was introduced, and several churches were planted, one of which was in Loo, Buguias, Benguet, where he pastored. From 1958-1962 and 1968-1972, he pastored Bethel Temple AG in Baguio City. In 1962-1968, he pastored at the AG Church of Karamutan, Villasis, Pangasinan. In 1975-76, he co-pioneered the AG Church in La Trinidad, Benguet. In 1977, he was the Interim Pastor of Manila Faith AG in Tondo, Manila. In 1978, he answered God’s calling to immigrate to the US. Soon after, he served the AG churches in Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA from 1978-1981. On January 24, 1979, his first speaking engagement among the Filipino-American immigrants was by invitation of the Filipino Community Center in downtown San Jose where he was given the opportunity to share God’s Word. This was a pivotal moment as it was a confirmation of the great need to evangelize his own people and beyond in the United States. In 1979-1984, he led home Bible Study groups for Fil-Am families in the South Bay Area. In 1984, he and his colleagues felt the need to start a fellowship which led to the founding of Full Gospel Assembly of God in San Jose, CA where he served as Senior Pastor from 1984 to 1997 then again from 1999 until his passing. 2015 was his final mission trip to help plant Full Gospel Church of the Valley in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. He was instrumental in helping many pastors and lay leaders immigrate to the United States to launch their ministries.

Professor Hipol was the Dean of Men, Dean of Education, Board Director and later served as school president (1962-1967) and adjunct faculty through 1975 at Luzon Bible Institute in Binalonan, Pangasinan, while also teaching Bible & Theology at Harvesters Bible Institute at Malvar Street in Baguio City (early 1970’s). In 1967-1978, he taught High School and College classes and was later appointed as the College English Department Head of Baguio Colleges Foundation (BCF), now University of the Cordilleras. For his Master’s degree dissertation, he penned the Foundation History of BCF. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Northern Luzon District Council and in 1975-1977, he served as the General Secretary of the Philippine General Council of the AG. In 1978, he came to America where he helped pioneer the Filipino-American Christian Fellowship of the AG and served as its president in 1992-1995. In 1979, he resettled his family in San Jose, CA. He served in the Board of the Northern California & Nevada District of the AG World Missions. He mastered his time in bi-vocational ministry to sustain his family and the churches as he worked as an educator at various academic institutions, in wafer manufacturing & production at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD, Inc.), and as a Technical Writer at International Business Machines (IBM Corporation) until he retired from his secular position at the age of 62 in 1997.

Rufino married his Bible School classmate, Nelita Soriano Ducusin of Villasis, Pangasinan. They were married for 63 years. They raised two sons, Jerome and Reuben Francis, and three daughters, Nora Grace, Rhoda Mae, and Marie Cynthia. He was preceded in death by his parents, older siblings Abelardo and Bienvenida, and granddaughter, Marquis. He is survived by his younger siblings Linda and Emilio, wife Nelita, five children along with their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Dr. Hipol was a Bible scholar passionate in teaching the Word. He wore many hats and roles, never had idle time but made sure he spent time with his family. In all his years in ministry, Rufino never failed to keep his wife and his family first after his devotion to God. His last words were “I love you” spoken to Nelita before breathing his last. He loved to tend to the gardens in his and his children’s yards, and at his church compound. He was known for his gentle demeanor, humble personality, sincere smiles, and genuine spirit. He was known for his intelligence and wisdom. He was a walking thesaurus and dictionary who spoke Old English with eloquence and had deep knowledge in literature. He was always dressed like a gentleman and sported hats with style. His classic penmanship was like calligraphy. He had a fondness for driving fast and had a marvelous sense of humor. He will be remembered as a “champion” by those dear to his heart. A true man of God whose highest goal is to give glory to God at home, at work, or at the mission field. He lived a long, purposeful, and accomplished life that exemplified his motto: “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” which translates, “To the Greater Glory of Almighty God.” He was a hero of faith.

A private family Memorial Service at Oak Hill Funeral Park followed by a Graveside Interment Service at Mission City Memorial Park in Santa Clara, CA, where he will be laid to rest is scheduled on Friday, February 19, 2021. The funeral procession will drive-by at Full Gospel AG campus at 11:15 AM. A live stream and video tribute will be made available. A celebration of his life service will be announced at a future date. Expressions of love and appreciations may be sent to Mrs. Nelita Hipol, c/o Full Gospel Assembly of God at 1414 North Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95128, USA.