Rev. William H. Johnson III Celebrates his Fifth Pastoral Anniversary

By Timothy Cox

WESTMINSTER, MD -- Bright sunshine and blue skies accompanied what would be the celebration of Pastor William Henry Johnson III's fifth pastoral anniversary affair.

Revelers from several area churches joined spiritual forces in congratulating Pastor Johnson on his significant anniversary. Pastor Johnson is the spiritual leader of Union Memorial Baptist Church - the red-brick structure which lies in the heart of South Center Street, just off the historical district of Main Street in Westminster, Maryland.

The 3 pm service was held on Sunday, July 19th at the church which is officially located at 160 South Center Street.

Guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. R.B. Nicks, pastor of New Saint Mark Baptist Church in Baltimore. Accompanying Rev. Nicks was his gospel choir, their drummer, choir director and pianist. Other guest musicians also helped provide musical selections during the ceremonial program.

The service was dubbed "Come Before The Lord."

A highlight of the service, in addition to Rev. Nick's spirit-filled sermon, was when the entire congregation united to perform the Edwin Hawkins 1969 gospel classic, "Oh Happy Day." The song is still considered by many gospel music historians as the tune that propelled the contemporary gospel movement now utilized by artists like Kirk Franklin, The Winans, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and countless others.

Following pastor Nick's sermon, congregants were offered delectable dishes in the church's recently renovated basement and family dining center.

Pastor Johnson and his wife, First Lady Cathy Johnson, offered thanks for the wonderful turnout - and welcomed the parishioners to join them each Sunday morning, for their 11 am services.

(ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Timothy Cox is a veteran journalist and a member of Union Memorial Baptist Church. He can be reached at teacawks2@gmail.com)