Robert G. Hardy

HARDY, ROBERT

Robert George Hardy, aka “Peck,” was born in Baltimore on September 03, 1929, to William E. Hardy SR & Mary Gabriel Hardy, and departed this life on August 28, 2020, just six days shy of his 91st birthday. He grew up on the streets around Lexington Market and earned the nickname Peck, because of his ornery likeness to a cartoon character of that name. In 1950, he married Doranne Searfoss, and their first child, Sharon Anne, was born in 1951. Their son, Robert Hardy JR was born in 1960 after they were both saved and pastoring. Chochie, as he was affectionately known, passed away in 2003.

He was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit at age of 23, shortly after a miraculous back injury healing, and immediately began studying the Bible for up to 12 hours a day. After Sis. Hardy was saved six years later, they founded Faith Tabernacle Church (FT) on January 29, 1958, in a storefront mission on 112 North Greene St. (Today part of UMMC) At the same time, Bro. Hardy went on local radio, broadcasting live every Sunday afternoon from the little mission. 

Bro. Hardy was drawn to the miracle ministry of the late A.A. Allen and a year later, FT moved to a rented movie theater in Brooklyn with a core of 8 established members. Bro. Allen dedicated the new location to a standing-room-only crowd of over 800. Drawn to Bro. Hardy’s unique anointing, hundreds became members. Bro. Allen’s meetings were racially integrated, and FT followed this biblical pattern from its inception.

In 1960, FT moved into a Methodist church building near the inner harbor at 828 William St., and there the ministry exploded in multi-evangelistic directions: National radio, which served as a vital outreach before TV evangelism became a Christian staple. Faith Is Action began publishing its monthly magazine in 1962. Faith Evangelistic Alliance for ministers was incorporated in 1965.

FT began supporting overseas evangelism in Nigeria & Ghana, West Africa, and later, Bro. Hardy held crusades in Kenya East Africa, establishing a Bible school, medical clinic, and orphanage. He also ministered in Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad.

In 1964, FT established a sister church in Washington DC: The Miracle Restoration Center, also dedicated by Bro. Allen. After ministering Sunday mornings in Baltimore, Bro. Hardy rode to DC to preach the afternoon service. In 1967, Bro. Hardy briefly established FT in the Lynn Theatre of St. Louis, MO, and his Sunday marathon amped up a notch: He preached in Baltimore in the 11:00 AM service, was then driven 40 miles to DC to preach the 3:00 PM service. He was then driven to National Airport where he caught a flight to St. Louis, arriving on time to preach the night service there. He was only late once.

In 1973, FT moved to 2422 W. Patapsco Ave. The building and ministry facilities were built without bank loans but on the determined faith of Bro. and Sis. Hardy and its members, and their devoted support and shared vision.

In 1981, The Master’s Retreat Campgrounds opened in Fruitland, MD where 14 glorious summers were spent in spiritual renewal and unforgettable fellowship.

In 1990, Brother Hardy went on satellite TV, and for over a decade ministered the powerful messages of faith and NT doctrine his lifetime of study had gleaned. 

Under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit, Bro. Hardy taught himself NT Greek, which opened up a vista of biblical insight and spiritual understanding that permeated his teaching. He earned a Master’s degree in theology and an honorary doctorate degree was bestowed upon him by Christian Life School of Theology for his lifetime of ministry.

He preached every Sunday until age 85. He was reluctant to give it up, but his aging body could no longer sustain him in the pulpit.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of almost 70 years and co-minister in the Gospel, Doranne, age 88, his beloved daughter Sharon & husband Benny; Grandchildren: Scott & Todd Stubblefield and wife Amy, Sarah Knotts, Chad & Adam Hardy; Great-grandchildren: Noah & Matthew Stubblefield, Brayden Duffy, Emma Hardy, and devoted family friend Helena Scott.

His favorite scripture was Romans 8:28. It seems fitting that the Lord called His faithful servant and soldier home from the frontline on 8.28!

A public visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Faith Tabernacle, 2422 W Patapsco Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Faith Tabernacle, beginning promptly at 11:00 am. Interment will be private. 

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