Philip Eleazar Price

July 29 2007

Emmaus Road Ministries (ERM) has lost its most ardent supporter in the death of Philip Eleazar Price (64), the brother of President and Founder, Dr. Stephen Price.

Philip and his wife Mary, along with their team, had raised support for the ministry through the ‘Gospel Extravaganza’ performances executed throughout Wales.

Philip’s passion for Christ increased greatly in the last years of his life and was expressed during his performances.  Mary, his wife and accompanist on the piano or organ, often adapted hymns of the past, e.g. The Rebel, sung by Sam Jenkins during the Welsh Revival of 1904 for Phil’s fine tenor voice.  His humor, costume changes, and talented impersonations (he was the best Elvis when performing his gospel songs) quickly charmed his audiences.

Philip’s funeral in Wales on August 7th was a Homecoming Celebration.  just before his death, on July 29th, 2007, Phil had told Mary, “I don’t mean to frighten you, but there is an angel at the foot of our bed.”  Within minutes of saying this Phil passed away.

Family members, friends, fellow performers and many members of the Male Voice Praise Choirs of South Wales and England attended the funeral and mourn his passing.  As we exited the chapel at his funeral service, a recording of Phil singing, “Were it not for Grace,” punctuated the grieving silence.  You can download this recording of this, Phil’s favorite song, words which seem to embody the spiritual aspect of his life.  A live recording of one of the gospel shows may also be viewed on ERM’s website via Paypal, the proceeds of which will support the goals of this ministry.

            Reflecting on the void left by Phil’s death, Stephen has written a paraphrase of the Emmaus Road account from Luke 24: 13-38. 

            We thank the Lord for Philip’s dedication to Christ as he served him and the many lives of others in his name.  Christ makes all the difference in our lives.