By Delanda S. Johnson/Special to the HCN
On Sunday, August 28, Johnson Chapel A. M. E. church celebrated its 119 years of existence.
Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Church was organized in 1897 in the Cedar Creek bottom; under a brush arbor on the Abe Johnson’s Farm.
Johnson Chapel has gone through many trials and tribulations, but with the courage and strength of its members, descendants of Bro. Abe Johnson, and the local community, Johnson Chapel A. M. E. church stands strong in the 21st century.
The program moved forward with Evangelist Alma Berry opening service along with Sis. Delanda S. Johnson interacting with the congregation with songs of praise and worship.
Bro. Gilbert Smith welcomed everyone to Johnson Chapel, the friendly church where everybody is somebody and Christ is ALL.
Rev. Rickey Barnes, Pastor of First Baptist Church there in Malakoff and who is also a fourth generation descendant of Abe Johnson spoke on behalf of the Johnson family. “We are honored to be here once again at this Annual Homecoming service to remember the past and to help keep the future of Johnson Chapel A. M. E. church alive and well,” said Rev. Barnes.
Rev. Linda Ross, Pastor of Johnson Chapel introduced the speaker; which was none other that the former Pastor of Johnson Chapel; Rev. I. B. Wells, Jr.
Rev. Wells is currently the proud Pastor of Stearne Chapel A. M. E. church in Bryan, Texas.
Rev. Wells graduated from Brownwood High School in Brownwood, Texas and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Tarleton State University. He is an Educator being certified to teach History and Physical Education. He has won Area, District and Regional championships and in 2014 he Coached Calvert Lady Trojans on to play for the State Title in basketball and became the State Championship runner-up. He was also selected as Brazos Valley Coach of the Year in 2013-2014.
Even though he loves coaching sports, he loves being a coach for GOD; winning souls on the battlefield of life. Spreading the gospel and leading people to Christ is what he is passionate about; praying for the sick, offering counseling to adults and students hoping to make a difference in the lives of God’s people.
Sis. Cydnei Wells performed a strong and spiritual praise dance before her father preached.
Rev. Wells acknowledged that he was happy to be back home (Johnson Chapel) and the Malakoff community. “When I was Pastor here at Johnson Chapel, the Malakoff community supported me. Even when I was coaching at Calvert and we were playing for the State Championship, Malakoff community supported me by watching the game on television; also now my Oakwood team comes to Trinidad and beat them, Malakoff community supports me,” said Rev. Wells.
The service moved on with Rev. Wells giving his theme, “Wake-up You Sleepy Head” coming from Genesis 28:10-22.
Rev. Wells stated that sometimes we feel that we are all alone, but as a child of God we must know that God is everywhere. He will never leave you nor forsake you; God will be with you know matter what.
“Ask yourself, how many times have you felt stressed out? How many times have you felt tired of running? How many times have you felt depressed? How many times have you just gone back and forth trying to find peace? You must know that God is there through all of your situations. HE is the way out of no way. He is the Prince of Peace. All you need to do is turn everything over to the LORD,” said Rev. Wells.
Rev. Wells stated that everything that God gives to you is Holy and you must know that God will walk with you no matter what. “God will never turn His back on you. He shows grace and mercy on you each and everyday. So, “Wake-up You Sleepy Heads” and know that Jesus died to set up free from all sins. He is our SALVATION and He has all POWER in His hands,” said Rev. Wells.
After a soul stirring sermon the program moved forward with the presentation of the Rev. G. B. Bailey, Sr. award. This award was started by Rev. Bill Burton former Pastor of Johnson Chapel in honor of the late Rev. G. B. Bailey, Sr., who was also former Pastor of Johnson Chapel and Presiding Elder of the Northeast Texas Conference (known now as North Texas Conference).
This award presents the faithfulness and helpfulness that the person gives to the community and to Johnson Chapel. This year winner was Bro. Clyde Bailey. He is a native of Malakoff and a graduated of Malakoff High School. He attended Henderson County Junior College (known now as Trinity Valley Community College).
Bro. Bailey works for Lumia Energy in Henderson, Texas and also does carpentry work; where he is a skilled brick layer and deals with concrete.
Bro. Bailey’s Christian walk started at Johnson Chapel A. M. E. Church, however he is now a member of Antioch Baptist Church where he serves as Chairman of the Trustee Board. Even though Bro. Bailey is no longer a member of Johnson Chapel, he gives his time and service whenever there is a need.
You can say that he is a man of the community who gives a helping hand.
