Front row: Rev. Jude Bill Burton, Rev. Linda Ross, and Rev. Joey Baggett all
came together to celebrate Johnson Chapel AME Church 118th Homecoming.
By Delanda S. Johnson
On Sunday, Aug. 23, Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff celebrated its 118th Homecoming service. The church community of Malakoff, members of the Abe Johnson family, and former pastors and members of the church came home to worship in the afternoon service.
Former Pastor Rev. Judge Bill Burton hosted the program; with Evangelist Alma J. Berry doing the Praise and Worship. Rev. Joey Baggett gave the opening prayer and current Pastor Rev. Linda Ross read the scripture.
The program moved forward with a hymn and Bro. Gilbert Smith gave home to welcome the congregation to Johnson Chapel. In the absence of former Pastor Rev. R. C. Emanuel, Evangelist Alma J. Berry reflected on the church, members, and the families that came for this special day.
Sis. Ava Wheatley a descendant of Abe Johnson in which Johnson Chapel is named after said, “We come to Johnson Chapel AME Church because we love this church. This homecoming is not about the Johnson family, but it is about trying to keep the church alive. This church has stood in the Malakoff community as a place where you can come if you are lost and need to know the Lord. Even thought my great-great-great grandfather donated to land in 1897, Johnson Chapel AME Church is still standing as a symbol of faith, love, and peace.”
Rev. Rickey Barnes another descendant of Abe Johnson has the pleasure of presenting the speaker Rev. Clyde Mathews, Jr. Rev. Mathews is the son of the late Rev. Clyde Mathews, Sr. and Sis. Verna Mathews Harris. But most of all he is the grandson of former Pastor of Johnson Chapel and former Presiding Elder the late Rev. G. B. Bailey, Sr.
Rev. Mathews is the current Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Oakwood, Texas where he has served for the past 11 years. He is a member of the Palestine Bowen District Association where he serves as Second Vice Moderator. He is also the Senior Mission #2 Advisor and the Fifth Sunday Fellowship Coordinator. Rev. Mathews is married; has three children; one grandson; and he enjoys fishing and watching all sports.
But most of all is his love for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and telling others of His goodness and mercy.
“It’s indeed a pledge for me to come to Johnson Chapel to preach on this special day, but most of all to be here where my grandfather once stood. For those who knew my grandfather, I not a long winded speaker, I just preach what God gives me,” said Rev. Mathews.
“The theme for this evening, “I Can’t Go Home Like This” coming from Genesis 32:24-26; will have you to ask yourself; “In what condition did I leave home that I cannot go home?” There should always be a time when you can go home if needed. However, you can’t go home any kind of way,” said Rev. Mathews.
Rev. Mathews stated, “that anytime you walk away from God; it’s like the prodigal son walking on foreign soil. You have to know the rules of that land; not all rules are the same. But when GOD tells you to move, then you must move. Satan will attack you at your weakest point, but you must remember to Hold On To GOD Unchanging Hand. GOD is waiting to help anyone right now; all you need to do is STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. Know that Jesus left His Heavenly Home to come to earth to redeem man; He was crucified, dead and buried, and the third day He arose from the dead and ascended back to His Heavenly home. As stated earlier, we must ask ourselves; “In what condition did I leave home?”
The program moved on with the presentations of the Rev. G. B. Bailey award. The recipients for 2015 were: Rev. and Mrs. R. C. Emanuel and Sis. Catherine Smith Thomas.
Mrs. Emanuel (Owner of Emanuel Funeral Home) said, “My husband and I have been apart of Johnson Chapel AME Church for many years; our children were only six months old.” Rev. R. C. and Lawrence Emanuel were both former Pastors at Johnson Chapel. Mrs. Emanuel said, “I’m truly happy to accept this award, but Johnson Chapel and especially the Smith Family made us apart of their family; so we will support this church whenever they need help.”
Sis. Catherine Smith Thomas (Dallas Police Department) stated, “I grew up in this church and I‘m pleased to accept this award. Even though I live in Dallas, this is still my church. I come home when I can to help out and to give my support. For you see “There is no place like home.”
