On Friday, February 24, the San Francisco Temple Complex C.A., at 10191 Halls Ferry Road, held the Grand Opening of the Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels, Jr. Memorial Museum. The museum was established in honor of Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels Jr., the founder of San Francisco Temple Complex, C.A. Anyone who knew him would say that he was a man who feared God, a man of integrity, a man of wisdom, a man of faith, a spiritual father, a loving pastor, a true friend and a man of his word with a humble spirit.
“Bishop McDaniels stayed on his knees in prayer. He became a great leader because of his character. He was a man with humility and these things were all wrapped up in LOVE,” said Elder Devon Morris.
“Bishop McDaniels was a visionary. He was a man who loved people. He was a doer of the word, knowing that it is better to give than to receive. So, he gave his time to people.”
During Bishop McDaniels’ 40 years of ministry, he reached the hearts of many; souls were saved, minds delivered and bodies healed through television, radio and worship services.
There is a saying, “Behind every great man there is a great woman.” I believe this is so true. We honor Dr. Marie McDaniels for sharing Bishop McDaniels and working along beside him as he did God’s work. Bishop McDaniels always said, A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold (Proverbs 22:1).
Bishop Luther J. Blackwell Jr. and First Lady Lois Blackwell accepted the torch from Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels Jr. to carry on God’s work and take the ministry to a higher level.
“As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been forever sealed in history for his contribution to the African-American community, Bishop McDaniels is being commemorated not only for what he did at San Francisco Temple C.A., but through San Francisco Temple C.A. to the St. Louis community at large,” said Bishop Blackwell.
“The museum provides a glimpse of a historical cornerstone of our community and displays various accolades, personal affects of Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels Jr., his teaching and preaching the unadulterated Word of God,” said Elder Ronald E. Haynes, museum designer.
“One of the highlighted exhibitions includes his office setting where he did much of his consultation. When you walk through the photo gallery, you will see and feel his love for the people, the church and the community.”
Family, friends and colleagues showed up excited and anxious to honor, respect and observe the legacy of Bishop McDaniels. The museum’s overall look was very inspiring and heartwarming. The colors were bold and vibrant. I was impressed at the amount of thought and attention to detail, which was put into this exhibit. I enjoyed seeing the expressions on the people’s faces who were admiring the museum, laughing and talking about the happy memories they had and collecting souvenirs to take with them.
“Bishop McDaniels was an anointed man of God. When I backslid, I could hear his voice praying, preaching and speaking in tongues, so much that it made me homesick,” said Elder Darryl Battle.
“After three years, I returned to the Lord. I believe God used his voice to pull me back in, every since then, I have never left and have no other mind than to stay.”
Elder Melvin Harris said, “Bishop McDaniels was admired mostly for his devotion to his family, submission to the Holy Spirit, faith and perseverance under adverse circumstances, Bible knowledge, preaching skills and his outreach to others who had various needs. The Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels, Jr. Memorial Museum is a good reminder of how much he gave for the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
People who visit the museum will remember “his life, his legacy,” said Bishop Blackwell.
