In 1968 [he became] pastor of the Calvary Presbyterian Church (BPC).  He joined the PCA immediately after its formation in 1973; his church came in a few years later. In 1974, Phil organized the area’s first presbytery (Pacific Presbytery); he later became chairman of the Mission to North America Committee and then served as MNA Coordinator from 1978 to 1986

The family of PCA Teaching Elder John Philip “Phil” Clark released the following announcement on Saturday, August 6:

Dear Family and Friends,
This morning, August 4, at 11:25 AM, At Mission Hospital our beloved husband and father was peacefully ushered into his heavenly home. Mother spent the night at his side and before she left to rest, kissed him and gave him permission to leave her. Just prior to his passing, 6 elders from his church attended to him with prayer, scripture and song. One of the elders, Dr. J.C. Cobo also a surgeon at Mission Hospital stayed at his
bedside encouraging Mary Beth and monitoring Dad’s transition into heaven.
We are so grateful for the excellent care given to to Dad by the physicians, nurses and hospital staff. We are especially appreciative of the many friends who visited, dropped by meals, encouraged and prayed for us during this past few months of health challenges for Dad.
We want you to know that Dad was “Dad or Phil” until he slipped into a peaceful slumber just 18 short hours before his passing when he was placed into “Comfort Care”. He was mentally sharp, interested in others and the events of the world, and encouraged all who passed by his bed with his wit and wisdom. He died a grateful man. Just before he went to sleep, he offered a prayer as only Dad could pray. In it he thanked God for you, for what your love and friendship had meant to him and because of that he asked God to bless you.
We will miss him, but we are rejoicing that he is now healthy and whole and is “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”  “Surely You have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.” Psalm 21:6

Fondly, Jessie, Mary Beth, John and Ruth Ann

Teaching Elder Phil Clark was born in New Mexico on May 15, 1921. He received his BA from John Brown University and a BD (MDiv) from Faith Seminary in 1945, the same year he married Jessie McDonald of Boston.  He taught at the Navaho Bible School from 1945 to 1949, followed by a pastorate at the Underwood, North Dakota Bible Presbyterian Church.  In 1950 entered active duty as a U. S. Air Force chaplain and served until 1957. He remained in the USAF reserves until his retirement in 1981.

After his active duty, Phil work as both a missionary and administrator with the Independent Board of Foreign Missions until 1968, at which time he assumed the pastorate of the Calvary Presbyterian Church (BPC).

He joined the PCA immediately after its formation in 1973; his church came in a few
years later. In 1974, Phil organized the area’s first presbytery (Pacific Presbytery); he later became chairman of the Mission to North America Committee and then served as MNA Coordinator from 1978 to 1986. In 1986 Phil and his wife Jessie then moved to Laguna Niguel, California, where he served as MNA Western representative until his retirement from the ministry in 1992.

Memorial services will be held at the Aliso Creek Presbyterian Church which meets at the Laguna Niguel Seventh Day Adventist Church. The time is 2 PM on Sunday the 12th. The address is: 29702 Kensington Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677