Rev. Alfred “Lewis” Payne, 105, went to his heavenly home on Sun. January 29, 2017. His firm belief in the Lord Jesus framed his entire life and provided his ultimate hope in the end. We can rejoice in the fact that his worn-out body has been made new and he has now found great joy in heaven.  Lewis was born January 6, 1912 in Ouaquaga, New York to the late Rev. James and Nellie Payne, both Free Methodist pastors. Lewis lost his sight when he was 12 years old. After the doctors had given up on him, his sight was miraculously restored by his mother’s prayers.

After several school interruptions, he finally returned to Windsor High School and graduated as salutatorian in 1932.  He then went to Eastern Nazarene College and graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1936.  Following graduation, he married his childhood sweetheart, Kathryn and began pastoring in Philadelphia, PA. Over the next 35 years he pastored in New York churches in Allaben, Ferndale, Windsor, and Maplecrest. In Pennsylvania, he pastored at Bowman’s Creek and Lawsville. He also pastored in Newark, NJ and Providence, RI. Additionally, he had several years as an evangelist throughout the Northeast and served terms as District Superintendent and one term as Conference Superintendent.  After he retired, he served as supply pastor for several churches in the Binghamton/Occanum/Windsor area.  For 24 years Lewis was a member and the last 5 years Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Heritage Village, a retirement home for missionaries and pastors at Gerry, near Jamestown, NY.  He drew the first blueprint sketches for two new apartment buildings there in cooperation with the manager, the Rev. Harold Schwab.  Lewis was also widely known as an accomplished musician, singer, and artist in both chalk and oils.  Mostly, he will be remembered as a gentle man of God.

Lewis is survived by his sons Donald, Richard and David and his daughter, Joan DeLong; his grandchildren: Kathryn McPherson, Diane Swingler, Crystal Hampton, Ashley Everly, Cheryl Bellos, and Ryan Payne. There are eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Kathryn; and his brother, Rev. James Payne.

Lewis will be honored at a funeral to be held at Windsor Free Methodist Church on Saturday February 4, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. Viewing will precede the funeral from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the church.  In lieu of flowers donations to his beloved Windsor Free Methodist Church 103 Main Street Windsor, NY 13865 would be gratefully appreciated.  On-line condolences may be at:  www.omaddenfh.com.   

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