Hay church books Coyote Jack for benefit appearance Oct. 16.

Coyote Jack, also known as Jackie Dell Wood, will conduct a benefit service at the church in Hay Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. as a fundraiser for the church restoration project. Born in Lancaster, Jack’s parents were divorced, and he left home at a young age to live with his grandparents. He later lived with the Stelzer family and graduated from St. John High School in 1958 as president of the class.

Baptized in Rock Creek at the age of 13, he attended what is now Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., where he received degrees in theology and teaching. He served an internship at North Hollywood’s largest city center church for seven years and then returned with his young family to this area and resided in Spokane where he was employed at a variety of jobs and founded Christian Life Center in north Spokane.

He was later seriously injured in a jeep accident on a hunting trip and, as a result, retired from pastoring in 1983. He purchased a small ranch in the foothills of Chelan where he raised horses, turkeys and chickens and had many speaking engagements.

He later returned to Spokane and preached at cowboy shoots, fairs, rodeos and other events.

Proceeds from donations at the Oct. 16 service will go toward restoration of the former Hay Baptist Church which last had regular services in 1971.

Work on the church has continued for the last 12 to 13 years, and it is now used for weddings and funerals. All work at the church has been done by volunteers, according to Jeannine Henley.

Refreshments will be served at Coyote Jack’s service.