From the Detroit Free Press (www.freep.com):

On Sunday, Rev. Joseph Jordan preached about a principle that governed his life: the importance of faith.

from the American Baptist Newspaper, Louisville, Kentucky

Rev. John O. Crittenden, Sr. 1918-2014

Funeral Services were held for Rev. Dr. John O. Crittenden, Sr., who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2014.  Services were held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Eastern Star Baptist Church, Dr. Alex J. Moses, Sr., Officiating.

Rev. Crittenden was the son of the late Oliver and Zellie Crittenden. He was born in River Falls, Alabama on December 18, 1918. He accepted Christ at an early age and became a deacon at Eastern Star. He was called to the ministry in 1949 and ordained in 1950 at Eastern Star.

Rev. Crittenden served as pastor of five churches for over 65 years cumulative: Coopers Run Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Hodgenville; Kenwood Baptist Church; Burnett Avenue Baptist Church, Louisville; and Emmanuel Baptist Church, Rankin, Pennsylvania.

Rev. Crittenden attended Simmons Bible College where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in Science. He also received his Doctorate of Divinity degree. He was a member of the Central Baptist District Association. While in Pennsylvania he was elected Chairman of the Foreign Mission Board.

He is survived by his wife, Eddie Crittenden; daughters, Petilda O’Neal, Obea Patterson, Manetta Lemkheitir, and Phyllis Ritchie; sons, John Jr., David, and Norman Crittenden; sisters, brothers and other relatives and friends.

He was interred at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Dr. Fred Kelly Haynie, Sr. 1922-2014

Rev. Dr. Fred Kelly Haynie Jr. 91, of Glasgow, departed from this life on January 25, 2014 at The NHC Facility in Glasgow, Kentucky. He was born on April 29, 1922 to the union of Fred Kelly Haynie Sr. and Margaret Lee Martin in Riddleton, Tennessee.

He married Artanzie E. Britt on October 4, 1941. She departed this life on July 28, 2000.

He attended Sunnyside Grade School, Glasgow Normal School, State Street Grade School, Paducah Trade School, Dr. J.E. Jones Bible School and obtained a Doctoral Degree from the Great Commission Theological Seminary. He was retired from Citizens Bank and Trust in Glasgow, Kentucky. He attended the CC camp in Mammoth Cave, KY. and served in the U.S. Army, 1942-1946.

Dr. Haynie professed a Hope in Christ on February 1, 1946; he was baptized on February 8, 1946 and he united with Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. He acknowledged his call into the ministry on December, 1955 and was ordained on February 27, 1956. The churches that Dr. Haynie pastored were, First Baptist Church in Woodburn, KY, Center Baptist Church in South Union, KY., Stony Point Baptist Church in Smiths Grove, KY., Zion Hill Baptist Church in Park City, KY. and Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Glasgow, KY (1962-2009). Pastor Haynie’s sons in the ministry, Rev. John C. Glover, Rev. Dr. Eric A. Duke, Rev. Robert Lyas ( Deceased), Rev. James H. Glover Sr. (Deceased), Rev. Dr. Michael Rice, Rev. Dr. Ronnie Bryant, Rev. Timothy Depp, Rev. Jerry Stockton, Rev. Willie Bristow, Rev. Timothy Glover and Rev. James H. Glover III (Jameson).

Dr. Haynie was the former President of Minister’s Council for 28 years; 3rd Vice Moderator of Union District Association and was active in The Congress of Christian Education Meetings in the Union District Association. Dr. Haynie served as a member of the Glasgow\Barren County Ministerial Association, was a Board Member of the Housing Authorities in Glasgow, KY. Dr. Haynie served as one of the first Board Members of the Barren County YMCA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Taylor and a brother, Sam Haynie.

He leaves to cherish his memories three sisters, Aline Madison (Rosevelt) of Ann Arbor, MI, Carolyn Price (Eugene) of Lansing, MI and Annie Haynie of Texas; two brothers, Larry Haynie (Debbie) of Mason, MI and Louie Haynie (Carol) of Mason, MI; a step-brother, Reginald Wigg of Lansing, MI; a sister-in-law, Rosie Haynie of Lansing, MI; a Goddaughter, Margaretta Huffman Bailey; his care giver, Deacon Joe Hatchett; a host of nieces and nephews relatives and friends and his Hopewell family, were he was still the Pastor Emertius.

For all who knew him is to have known a true Christian. Dr. Haynie was a person that was well thought of and respected because of his Christianity and on going humble attitude. He always guarded his talk and actions, making sure not to hinder the work of his Heavenly Father. For that the Hopewell Church family was very thankful in their hearts to God for such a pastor.

The funeral was held at 12:00 P.M. Thursday, January 30, 2014 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial followed in Oddfellow Cemetery.

Any contribution can be made to the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church P.O. Box 424 Glasgow, Kentucky 42141.

Watts & Percell Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

From Praise 104.7 FM

TBR — Chicago, IL — It is with a heavy heart that we inform our readers and listeners that the senior pastor of the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer, where Dr. Charles G. Hayes, also known to many as Father Charles Hayes, is the senior pastor, transitioned to be with the Lord this afternoon ( Wednesday, February 12, 2014th ) in Chicago.

Father Hayes has been a fixture in the Gospel Music Industry since the early sixties.

Pastor Charles George Hayes, the third child and second son of Mamie Lee and Will Hayes, was born December 10, 1937, in Verbena, Alabama.  He received his primary education at Siluria Jr. High School (Alabama)  and his secondary education at Prentice High School (Montevallo, Alabama).  He migrated to Chicago, Illinois in 1955 and became a Church Musician.

Pastor Hayes was ordained in the Ministry on August 31, 1957. He organized Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer on April 28, 1959.  Pastor Hayes was under the leadership of many great pioneers such as Prophet L. K. Johnson, Pastor Clarence Cobbs, Bishop Louis Boddie, Bishop Anderson, Pastor Franklin, and others.

Father of two, and grandfather, Pastor Hayes became affectionately known as “Father Hayes” because of his paternal qualities, his compassion, his concern for, and interest in people.

Dr. Hayes received his  Doctorate Degree from Religious Science Institute in December 1973 and received an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from St. Martins College and Seminary, September, 1974.

Dr. Hayes was currently one of the longest serving Pastor of one church in Chicago for going on 55 years come April 2014. Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer has been listed as a landmark church in the Chicago Area.

Dr. Hayes was very passionate with is ministry, not compromising with the devil and is known for speaking the truth – declaring the word of God. He was very involved with every aspect of the church for he put his all into this ministry. He was rooted and grounded in “traditional” gospel and you could catch him singing, preaching, teaching and praying on any given Sunday , adding his humorous touch but still telling it like it is.

Dr. Hayes was known for ‘Making A Joyful Noise”, leading such hits as He’s Keeping Me, I’ll Never Forget, I Know The Lord Laid His Hands On Me, Before I Take It Back, Everything’s Alright, How I Got Over, My Lord and Master, and many, many more.

 Honors and Awards

Key to City of Newark, New JerseyJuly, 1974

Meritorious Service Ecumenical Rapport, Chicago, IllinoisSeptember, 1974

Commendation and Proclamation, “Dr. Charles G. Hayes

Day” – Board of Commissioners, Fulton County, GeorgiaJune, 1981

Honorary Citizen, Atlanta, GeorgiaJune, 1981

Mayor’s Award for Dedicated Service, Atlanta, GeorgiaJune, 1981

Key to City of Houston, TexasNovember, 1982

Outstanding Minister Award, Chicago, IllinoisApril, 1983

Key to City of Dallas, TexasJuly, 1983

Recognition for 25 Years of Service as Pastor, Chicago, IllinoisApril, 1984

Recognition for Devoted Service, Chicago, IllinoisMarch, 1985

Recognition for Workmanship of Team Efforts, Chicago, IllinoisAugust, 1985

First Recipient of Minister’s Achievement Award, Chicago, ILNovember, 1985

Gospel Music Workshop Award of ExcellenceNovember, 1985

Gospel Music Workshop Outstanding Contemporary ChoirNovember, 1985

Certificate of Appreciation, Chicago, IllinoisNovember, 1986

Recognition for Inspiration, Chicago. IllinoisJune, 1987

Proclamation, “Dr. Charles G. Hayes Day”, Louisville, KentuckyAugust, 1987

Dr. Morgan Babb

From the Tennessean Newspaper

The Rev. Dr. Morgan Babb, a minister, singer and longtime gospel DJ in Nashville, died on Friday, February 7, 2014. He was 84.

Rev. Babb spent more than half a century on Nashville-area airwaves at longtime gospel station WVOL-AM and then WMDB-AM, a station he launched in 1983.

He came to Nashville in 1954 as part of The Radio Four, a gospel group he and his brothers started in the 1940s. By then, they had record deals with Republic and Nashboro Records.

Years later, he stopped traveling with the group and starting spinning records full time so he could spend more time with his family, said his daughter Celeste Babb-Laribo.

From there, he became a mainstay in the Nashville radio industry with his morning gospel shows at WVOL-AM, said John Heidelberg, the station’s owner. Known by his nickname, “Happy Jack,” Rev. Babb spent nearly three decades at the station.

In 1965, he founded King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church in North Nashville, where he preached for decades, nearly up to his death.

“Whatever you thought of him, you knew he was a sincere person,” Heidelberg said. “He touched a lot of lives here.”

In the 1980s, the Rev. Babb branched out on his own again and started WMDB-AM, a station widely known as “The Big Mouth.”

Rev. Babb’s faith was frequently intertwined with his radio work during his career, his family said. Through his radio shows, he would pray with callers and organize meals for the homeless.

“That was the first time we heard of anyone doing anything like that in those days,” his daughter Debra Rice said.

Rev. Babb was also considered one of the leading entrepreneurs in Nashville’s African-American community, said the Rev. Enoch Fuzz, who knew Rev. Babb for nearly 30 years.

“This is one of the No. 1 legends I have ever met in Nashville,” Fuzz said. “He was one of the most excellent men in Nashville’s black history.”

Preceded in death by wife, Lorall. Survived by children, Larry (Patricia), Prophetess Dr. Lanny, Gerry (Dora), Michael (Rochelle), Debra, Celeste (Shann) and Dale (Vanessa); eight (8) grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Public visitation Wednesday, February 12th, 1-6 p.m., the chapel @ Smith Brothers. Thursday, February 13th, 9-3 p.m., Lie in State at King Solomon MBC, 1417 – 10th Ave. N.

Family visitation 6-7 p.m., funeral service to follow, Baptist World Center, 1700 Baptist World Center Dr. Pastor Montagne McDonald, Officiate; Pastor George Brooks, Sr., Eulogist. Interment Hills of Calvary Friday, February 14th @ 10 a.m.

Dr. Zacchaeus Dunham, Sr. 1930-2014

Rev. Dr. Zacchaeus Dunham Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 6, 2014 in Stockton, CA. Rev. Dunham Sr. was Pastor of God’s Throne Baptist Church of Stockton for 45 years until his retirement in 2011. Rev.Dunham was a minister for 64 years and organized 5 churches that are still active today.

Rev. Dunham was Moderator of the Mid Valley Dist. Assoc. of North Calif. for 12 years and Moderator At Large of the California State Baptist Association. Rev. Dunham was a Police Chaplain for the City of Stockton until his retirement.

Rev. Dunham received numerous accommodations and recognitions from City and State Officials of Stockton and Northern California.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 65 years Jewell Dunham; seven sons: Rev. Zacchaeus Jr. (Claudine) of Tracy, CA, Bruce Sr. of Stockton, CA, Rev. Anthony Sr. (Monica) of Seaside, CA, Rev. Ronald Sr. (Cathy) of Merced, CA, Randall Sr. (Eva) of Turlock, CA, Rev. Timothy Sr. (Beverly) of Stockton, CA, Rev. Mark Sr. (Delichia) of Modesto, CA; one brother Aubry (Ocie) of Stockton; 45 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, Godchildren, cousins, family, friends and the God’s Throne Baptist Church Family. Preceded in death by his parents, 11 siblings and one great grandson.

Viewing was held on Wednesday February 12, 2014 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Jesse E. Cooley Mortuary, 640 N. California St., Stockton, CA and 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at God’s Throne B.C., 405 E. Lindsay St., Stockton. Homegoing Service: Thursday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. at God’s Throne B.C. with Rev. R.A. Williams from McCoy Memorial Church, Los Angeles, CA officiating.

From the American Baptist Newspaper

The Macedonia Baptist Church is currently accepting applications for the Position of Pastor.

We are prayerfully seeking a candidate who has demonstrated the capacity to meet the standards of pastoral leadership.

Address:  290 Hill Street, Auburn, Kentucky 42206

For questions or concerns you may leave a message for Bro. Charles Covington, Search Committee Chairman

(270) 542-7687

From the American Baptist Newspaper, Louisville, Kentucky

The Pleasant Hill Baptist Church is currently seeking a new pastor for its church. If any ordained ministers would be interested in coming and preaching a service, please contact either Dea. Harvey Embry 859-744-5482 or 859-595-0791 or Dea. Bruce Hart 859-266-2453 or 859-240-4983, to schedule. We look forward to hearing from you soon and may God bless.

The Members of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

by Robert Earl Houston

PORTLAND, OREGON – I have flown here from Kentucky to check on and see my mother, Naomi Houston. My has been battling Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years and as she continues to age gracefully (she’s 85), I have flown in to see about her, my aunt, and find some time to say hello to some people that I’ve grown up with.

As I write this, I am at one of my favorite restaurants that didn’t exist in this area (Portland Meadows – near the old horse racing track), Elmer’s.

I had my meal and drinking some decaf coffee. I can’t remember when I had the opportunity to sit in a restaurant and just relax. Before I came here we had three funerals on Saturday that affected various members of our church family. Played the organ and preached three and two times respectively on Sunday. Yesterday I had to get up at 5 a.m. (2 a.m. west coast time) to catch my plane and arrive here around 1 p.m. (4 p.m. east coast time).

But this coffee (decaf) has reminded me of serenity. Nothing on my plate, but just the noise of other patrons in the restaurant while I sit here, reading the news online – no calls, no texts, no emergencies, no fires to put out – but just able to relax my heart and my mind.

I think that there are multitudes in my profession (full-time ministry) that embrace their work like an alcoholic (guilty here) and work thru the night (I normally go to bed around 1 a.m.). There is almost a cyclical schedule that most of us do: Teach, then work on the next lesson; Preach, then work on the next sermon; add to the mix of correspondence, planning, vision casting, visitations, etc. Not to mention family functions and relationship building with your spouse.

But today, it’s just me and a cup of coffee.  I want to advise all pastors in ministry – get a cup of coffee every now and then.

by Robert Earl Houston

February 22, 2014

Dear Satan (aka Lucifer, Fallen Angel, Prince of this World),

You tried again and you failed.

This morning I was involved in a motor vehicle accident which should taken me out of this life. I was in a rented Chevrolet Impala and was rear ended by a 2004 Nissan Xterra. The vehicle (that I believe you used) came at me, I believe, in another one of your lame attempts to end my life, more importantly, my ministry . . . and one again you lost.

I am part of an army of pastors, preachers, bishops, apostles, ministers, believers, and servants that the Lord has used to preach or teach or lead or assist or attend that has been on your hit list ever since the debacle in the Garden of Eden. Like many of those who you have attacked, you are admittedly crafty and subtile, however my life is not in your hands – it’s in the Hands of the Lord.

You have come at me through objects, tools, people, tests, trials, trouble, pain, illness, cancer, family, friends, associates, those who’ve I ministered to and assisted with words or finance, ecclesiastical leaders, innuendo, and sometimes by even the closest people to me (including others who are listed in the army above) . . .

. . . but I’m still here.

I guess you thought I would have folded up the tent by now.
I guess you thought I would have quit and threw up my hands.
I guess you thought I would have renounced my ministry by now.
I guess you thought I would have said there is no God by now.
I guess you thought I would sugar-coat my sermons and just serve for the money by now.
I guess you thought I would have fallen prey to ideas that would have harmed myself.
I guess you thought I would have runaway from the ministry and never served God again.

But you were wrong. What you don’t realize Satan is this: My calling is more important than my classification. My calling has taken me from Bro. Houston to Minister Houston to Reverend Houston to Pastor Houston to General Secretary Houston to Board Member Houston to Senior Project Manager Houston to Congress Dean Houston to Board Chairman Houston to Vice Moderator Houston to Assistant Pastor Houston to Evangelist Houston to Lecturer Houston to a plethora of other titles and service areas. I didn’t get the titles because of who I am. I received the titles because of who I belong to.

God has blessed me – when people tried to hurt, hinder or hate on me – God has not only blessed me, He has surrounded me with those who encouraged me when I was down, ministered to me when I was empty, and sheltered me from the storms of life.

As I call this a night on a Saturday evening, I just wanted to remind you Satan that I have a praying wife, a praying congregation, a praying family, praying denominational ties, and, oh by the way, most importantly, I have a Savior who sits on the right side of the Father, who makes intercession for me.

By the way, I also need to tell you that I intend to preach authentically, preach unashamedly, preach boldly, preach, preach and preach some more – until The Lord says “well done.”

Sure of Eternal Life,

+Pastor Robert Earl Houston
(Still Alive)

p.s. If you have any problems with this Satan, please contact God.

by Robert Earl Houston

This has been brewing in my spirit all day. I want to offer some advice to young preachers – I mean those who are teenagers/early 20s – who have been called to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and commissioned to carry this glorious gospel into all the world with power.

Enjoy being young.

I was a “boy preacher” at 17 years of age, who received a call from the Lord during my senior year at Thomas Jefferson High School in Portland, Oregon and the late Dr. Arthur Bernard Devers, I, was my pastor at that time. I missed out on some social interactions because “I’s a preacher now” that at the age of 53 I regret.

I also dismissed out of hand some experiences, celebrations (i.e. my senior prom) and other activities because I was a minister. I felt that I should be “the preacher” all of the time and I actually lost the opportunity to be a Christian witness at some functions because I was not there.

Don’t rush age.

Listen, age will catch up to you. You don’t have to pretend and personify a “preacher’s vocabulary” at 16. There’s plenty of time to answer the phone, “Praise the Lord” or even have a voicemail that says “You’ve reached Minister XYZ, the associate minister of the ABC Church located at (address). I’m busy serving an awesome God, please leave your name, message, and this ministry will return your call at our convenience,” when the truth of the matter is that you’re in Algebra class, where you usually are around 11 a.m. in the morning on a Tuesday.

While you’re young – enjoy life. I’m not saying don’t be committed to your Pastor and Church, because you should be, that’s granted. However, while you’re young – enjoy life. Travel. Broaden your mind. Broaden your experiences. Take your time in life. Read – not just the Bible, but books that will stimulate and challenge your thought processes.

Don’t make the mistake of other preachers who were called as a kid, got married (because you thought you had to in order to get a church) at 18, divorced at 19, drunk or high at 20, and then quit the ministry at 21.

Take a moment to start and develop a hobby while building a resume;
Take a moment to take in a movie while studying Pastoral Theology;
Learn how to talk english and learn slang too while learning Greek and Hebrew;
Learn how to say the words that may save you in the future – “no” and “not today” and learn how to inhale and exhale – it will save you stress in the future.

One of the worst things I did as a “boy preacher” was becoming Minister Robt. E. Houston (I learned to abbreviate Robert to Robt. from two people – my English/Journalism Teacher, Ruthann Hartley-Harris and Dr. Robt. H. “Bob” Wilson, Sr. of Dallas, Texas) before I learned who Robert Earl Houston was.

I worry about a generation of young preachers who call each other “Doc” and “Bishop” and “Apostles” and don’t know the difference between preaching and performance. Do you know what Jesus called Peter?  He called him Peter.

Young preacher you don’t need armor bearers, ministry logo, a briefcase (and yes, I had one), scheduling service, business cards, websites, product, and all of the entrapments of ministry. How about becoming a great Christian and human being first? As one preacher of old once said, never build a skyscraper on a chicken coop.

Remember this – one day you’ll grow up and you’ll look back and see pictures of you in the pulpit, but where will be the pictures of you in the pool, playing pool, singing with your friends, eating a meal, wearing silly hats, and vacation venues or explorations or bike rides or just a photo of you smiling?

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME

From the American Baptist Newspaper, Louisville, Kentucky

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
175 Graham Drive
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102-7257

We are prayerfully seeking a God Anointed, Spirit Filled, Dedicated Shepherd to fill the vacant pastoral position.  Please send resume by April 30, 2014 to:

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Pulpit Committee
P.O. Box 10257
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102-7257

NO PHONE CALLS ACCEPTED

The legendary Dr. John Dee Mangram who served Bishop College faithfully for years has gone home to be with the Lord. The following information is from Legacy.com:

DALLAS – Dr. John Dee Mangram was the first of six children born to Ruther and Viola Reed Mangram. The family worshiped at the Springhill Baptist Church in the Faker Community located outside Pittsburg, TX. At the age of twelve, John Dee was the teacher of the adult Sunday school class.

He attended Garfield Elementary School and Fredrick Douglass High School in Pittsburg, TX, graduating valedictorian of the eighth grade and senior high school. He was awarded a football scholarship to Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, TX in 1941.

Following graduation from Jarvis Christian College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he received the Bachelor of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity; the Master of Sacred Theology degree, Yale University and the Doctor of Theology degree at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.

Around 1950 John Dee married Bobbye Durham. When they moved to Dallas in 1968, they united with the Munger Avenue Baptist Church. John faithfully served in the pulpit and taught the Joshua-Garth Church School class until his death.

Dr. Mangram served as the Assistant Director of the Labor Education and Cooperative Extension Service, Pendle Hill School in Wallingford, PA; University Minister and Instructor of Religion, Lincoln University, Oxford, PA; Chaplain and Assistant Professor of Religion, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS; Minister First Congressional Christian Church, Meridian, MS; Minister, The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, San Francisco, CA.

In 1967, he was appointed Chairman of the Division of Religion and Philosophy and Professor of Religion, Bishop College, Dallas, TX, as well as a five-year term as Dean of the Chapel and Director of the Lacy Kirk Williams Ministers’ Institute. In 1988, Dr. Mangram began serving as Coordinator of the Area of Religion in the Division of Arts and Science, Jarvis Christian College. In 2007, he became Professor Emeritus and designated writer of the history of Jarvis.

He has contributed to publications in the areas of religion and education and participated in a Festchrift celebrating the seventy-fifth birthday of the late Howard Thurman. Dr. Mangram was granted the Distinguished Alumni Award from Jarvis Christian College and Howard University, “Man of the Year” Award from Tougaloo College, and the Minnie Stevens Piper Prize for Outstanding College Teaching in 1992. He was also a Fulbright Fellow, studying and traveling in Korea in 1994. In 1995, he was inducted into the Jarvis Christian College Pioneer Hall of Fame. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Georgetown College in Kentucky in 2009.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers Ruther Jr., James and Bennie West; sister Noretta; nephew Michael Ray Mangram and nieces Koleta W. Manning and Sandra S. Woods. John Dee is survived by a loving sister, Marlene Mangram Woods of Pittsburg, TX; sisters-in-law Audrey Mangram of Lancaster, TX, Evangeline Mangram of Pittsburg, TX and Gloria Mangram of Dallas, TX. He will be fondly remembered by special niece, Patricia Woods. Others left to cherish his memory are nieces, Cynthia W. Smith, Rosalyn W. Smith, Gwen W. Criss, Martha Woods, Janice M. Kemp and Carolyn M. McCray; nephews, Mickey Woods, Kenneth Earl Mangram, Steven Mangram and Randy Woods and other loving relatives and friends. Devoted friend, Patsy C. Smith and the members of Munger Avenue Baptist Church will treasure and fondly recall the life of John Dee Mangram. The wake service is Thursday, March 13, 2014, 6-8 pm at Munger Avenue Baptist Church, 3919 Munger Ave., Dallas, TX. Funeral service is Friday, March 14, 2014, 11am at Friendship West Baptist Church, Wheatland Road, Dallas, TX.

In lieu of flowers, by request of the family, please send donations to: Dr. John D. Mangram Scholarship Jarvis Christian College P. O. Box 1470 Hawkins, TX 75765 – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dallasmorningnews/obituary.aspx?n=john-mangram&pid=170142322&fhid=2689#sthash.hNzNUDdG.dpuf

CORRECTION – WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE WRONG INFORMATION THAT WAS POSTED EARLIER TONIGHT.  BELOW IS THE ACCURATE INFORMATION:

PORTLAND, OREGON – The Reverend Robert N. Probasco, Sr., pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Portland, Oregon has gone home to be with the Lord.

His homegoing services will be held at the New Song Community Church on Saturday, March 22, 2014 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Please keep the family and church family and the connectional church in your prayers.

This is from the Church’s website, written by Pastor Probasco in 2012:

Today is a new day. You will get out of it just what you put into it…If you have made mistakes, even serious mistakes, there is always another chance for you. And supposing you have tired and failed again and again, you may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call “failure” is not the falling down, but the staying down.
——Mary Pickford

I wish all who have arrived at this day the best. Perhaps we all from time to time need to be encouraged. In every position in life we are learning. If you have failed and you feel you gave your best don’t stop trying. We have a God who has promised never to leave us even in our down moments of failure. Today I remind you and myself, get up thank God for the chance to begin anew.

Dr. Timothy J. Winters

by Robert Earl Houston

One of the most influential pastors in my lifetime has passed away – the Reverend Dr. Timothy James Winters, the retired pastor/builder of the Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego, California, went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, March 15, 2014.

I had known of Dr. Winters for years as a young preacher when he would come to Portland, Oregon to preach for the late Dr. O.B. Williams. Little did I know then that I would have the privilege of being a colleague of his and sharing pulpits with him.

In the 1970s there were a group of “young guns” in the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. – Dr. E.K. Bailey, Dr. Stephen John Thurston, Dr. S.J. Gilbert, Sr., Dr. Melvin Von Wade, Sr., Dr. A. Bernard Devers, Dr. E. Edward Jones, and of course, Dr. Winters. These “young guns” were sought out for their preaching and pastoral excellence. They came to the convention and you would see them transpose the length and breadth of the convention in various settings. Each one of them would rise denominationally and as individuals. Dr. Winters did rise.

He was called to a small congregation, the Bayview Baptist Church, in San Diego in the 1970s. He was a police officer who was called to preach and he pursued education. He wanted to be on the cutting edge and not just a preacher, but an effective communicator and visionary.

Bayview grew exponentially. It was the fastest growing congregation in San Diego for years. He went on to serve not only Bayview, but he sat on too many boards and committees and commissions to name here. He was the President of the Baptist Ministers United of San Diego and Vicinity, the Vice Moderator of the Progressive District Baptist Association, the Vice President of the California Missionary Baptist State Convention, the Educational Board Chairman of the National Baptist Convention  of America, Inc.

He started the Christian Growth Ministries because of his desire to share what he knew with other pastors and ministers. Sadly, he just hosted a training session less than 30 days ago – his last session.

Dr. Winters embraced technology. When I came to San Diego, Churches on the internet were rare and I was one of the voices in that realm of the black Baptist Church. He not only embraced it but he took Bayview into it with sermons, videos, teaching, and etc.

Dr. Winters’ trademark was that seaman’s captain hat that he wore across the nation. He loved the ocean and in his latter years, he and his wife Betty moved near the sea and had a view of it every day.

Dr. Winters was a friend to preachers and had an open pulpit. If you had a preacher in town he would bring him in. When Dr. Winters invited you, you were assured to be blessed spiritually, financially and of course, he and Sister Betty would make sure you were fed well.  They were one of the best role models of Christian marriage I ever witnessed.

Dr. Winters often took controversial stands and helped those who were in troubles because he understood that the job of the church is not to kill it’s wounded but to help restore them. He believed in redemption as an act of grace that should be modeled.

I preached in his pulpit for years – from 1995 until as recent as a few years ago. He would call me in the middle of the night and say great things – i.e., “Houston, listen – go get a blender, get you some kale and some fruit. You’ll thank me for that.”

I’m sure that when the services will be announced, no church in the city will be able to accommodate the crowd. He was a friend of preachers and my friend.

For that, I thank you Dr. Winters.

(From the obituary):

Dr. Lafayette Fernandez Chaney, Sr. was born on March 27, 1917, the second child of three children born to Adell and Tom W. Chaney of Waco, Texas.

He was educated in the public schools of Waco and La Vega Independent School Districts. He graduated from Moore High School in Waco. He received both his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity Degrees from Paul Quinn College. He received his Master of Arts Degree from Texas Southern University  and furthered his studies in the doctoral program at Baylor University. He received his doctoral degree in Higher Education from Texas Southern University.

He taught mathematics and science at his former High School for twelve years and was principal of Oakwood Elementary School in Waco for eleven years. He also taught mathematics and psychology at Waltrip Senior High School in Houston. During the same period he was an adjunct professor of mathematics and psychology at Houston Community College.

Dr. Chaney’s professional membership and honors include: Past President of Waco Classroom Teachers Association, Waco Administrators Association and the Central Texas District Teachers Association. In 1965 he was nominated for “Who’s Who” among professional men in Texas. He was a member of the American Association of University Professors, Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternities.

Dr. Chaney pastored the following churches: Little Tehuacana Baptist Church, Waco; Sweethome Baptist Church, Mexia, Texas; First Baptist Church, Thornton, Texas; Second Baptist Church, Itasca, Texas; Shiloh Baptist Church, Madisonville, Texas; and served as Senior Pastor at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, Texas for over 50 years. The complete funeral program may be viewed by clicking the link below:

Rev._Dr._L.F._Chaney_Funeral_Program[1]

(From the obituary)

Rev. Crawford W. Kimble, Sr. was born March 24, 1918 in Elgin, Texas to the late Reverend and Mrs. George W. Kimble. He attended Moore High School in Waco, Texas.

He later attended Prairie View A & M University, Lincoln University School of Journalism, and the Union Baptist Theological Seminary in Houston. He served in World War II as a corporal and clerk in the 115th Trucking Battalion in French North Africa and Rome, Italy, and then went on to become managing editor of the Informer chain of newspapers, the Houston Call, and the Dallas Call newspapers.

Reverend Kimble was 33 years old when he began preaching the gospel, and united with Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in 1951 . . . .

To read the obituary, please click on the link below:

Rev._Crawford_Kimble_Funeral_Program

From the American Baptist Newspaper, Madison, Indiana

Broadway Baptist Church, a small congregation in Madison, Indiana, is seeking applicants for the position of Pastor. Interested applicants should be a licensed and ordained (at the time of taking the position) Baptist Minister, who is gifted in preaching, teaching and possesses strong leadership abilities. Resumes must be received by Monday, March 31, 2014 to be considered. The church will not be responsible for travel expenses, interested candidates should send a resume to:

Broadway Baptist Church
615 N. Broadway
Madison, IN 47250-3309
Attn: Pulpit Committee

or email – broadwaybaptistchurch@cinergymetro.net

To view the Victory Celebration program for Dr. Winters, click on the link below:
TIMOTHY WINTERS PROGRAM