Thousands line up to pay last respects to Charles Stanley, legendary pastor

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Thousands of people lined up Saturday to say their goodbyes to the Rev. Charles Stanley.

The legendary pastor passed away this week at the age of 90 after building an evangelical global broadcasting empire from the pulpit of First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

Channel 2′s Justin Carter went to Stanley’s viewing Saturday and spoke to those who said his impact will live on.

Carter said the line wrapped around First Baptist Atlanta and standing in it was worth it for Joshua Olubu and his wife Juliana. Both are pastors a church in McDonough.

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“Dr. Stanley has been a blessing, No. 1 to the body of Christ, No. 2 as a mentor,” Joshua Olubu said. “One of the messages I listened to this morning was talking about our thoughts and our minds, to control our thoughts.”

There were no speakers and no sermons Saturday, but it was a chance for worshippers to have a place to reflect and pray.

The sanctuary was still peaceful as one-by-one, people paid their respects.

“It’s been a blessing through his messages,” Joshua Olubu said. “We believe strongly that was his legacy and life.”

Stanley’s funeral is being held privately.

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‘We will certainly miss him.’ Followers react to remarkable career, death of Rev. Charles Stanley Stanley launched an evangelical global broadcasting empire known around the world for his 50 years at the pulpit of First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

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