The Rev. S.M. Lockridge, 87, a major religious and social force in San Diego for decades. As pastor of Calvary Baptist Church and president of the California Missionary Baptist State Convention, he was known for his evangelical conferences, powerful preaching and civil rights activism. “He had a great sense of humor, but was always very serious when preaching the word of God,” said Councilman George Stevens, a Baptist minister. “He was a giant among preachers.” Lockridge was on the faculty of the Billy Graham School of Evangelism and the Greater Los Angeles Sunday School Convention. His publications included “Rekindling the Holy Fires” and “The Lordship of Christ.” The son of a preacher, he was born Shadrach Meshach Lockridge in Texas and graduated from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas. He began his ministry in Dallas in 1940 and in 1952 accepted the San Diego pastorate. Lockridge became an advisor to politicians such as San Diego Mayors Pete Wilson and Maureen O’Connor, Rep. Jim Bates and state Sens. Waddie Deddeh and Jim Mills. A wake is set for 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and the funeral for 11 a.m. Wednesday, both at Calvary Baptist. Lockridge died Tuesday in San Diego.
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