The Rev. Frederick Lemons Sr., senior pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church on the near North Side, has a saying that is catching on among his congregation.
“Pastor said, ‘We’re gonna love the hell out of everybody,’” said Min. Fredrick Lemons II, associate pastor at St. John M.B. and son of the senior pastor.
Every pastor is supposed to know something about Hell and its dangers, but the Biblical inferno must have special meaning for Lemons and his congregation now.
They did not have to wait for the proverbial “fire next time.” On Feb. 11, 2006, the church, located at 913 N. Garrison Ave., burned to the ground.
Rooted as they are in a faith founded on resurrection, Lemons and St. John M.B. did the only thing a Christian church could do: They rose again.
“We rebuilt right there at the corner of Garrison and Bell, in the same location,” Lemon II said.
“We figure to best serve the community, you need to be inside the community.”
They recently commemorated their triumph with a week of dedication and praise services, May 31- June 7. Community members and church congregants participated in daily, soul-stirring worship services held in the new St. John M.B. sanctuary.
“It went off without a hitch,” Lemons II said. “We had about 600 people in attendance through a week-long service.”
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony and official march into the new sanctuary, guests were treated to a live concert performed by St. Louis-bred gospel favorites, Chris & Kyle.
“They just tore the house down,” Lemons II said. “Their singing was so excellent.”
At the end of “re-birth” week, on June 7, St. John M.B. celebrated its 90th Church Anniversary service with special guest emcee The Radio Angel, Mary Tillman of FOXY 95.5.
“She was so energetic and spiritual,” Lemons II said. “She really connected with the crowd.”
Lemons II said the church family at St. John M.B. was left feeling genuinely rejuvenated.
“We appreciated everyone who attended and made contributions – those who helped to rebuild the church as well,” he said.
“We are just blessed to be there to serve the community – to do what God wants us to do.”
After rebirth, life goes on. For a church in June, that means holding a summer camp for children, in this case ages 5-14. Free food will be provided for all of the children in attendance; call the church at 314-371-1528 for details.
St. John M.B. also is planning Vacation Bible School in July, to keep youth focused on study – and glory.
Looking at the numbers, it would seem that St. John M.B. will soon face another major transition, another rebirth of sorts. The senior pastor just turned 73 on June 10, and his son, the associate pastor, is a youthful 34.
“I’m young – at least for a little while,” Lemons II said.
His father may not be young in terms of flesh, but neither is he slowing down just yet in his spiritual leadership.
Interestingly, given what St. John M.B. has been through in the past few years, Lemons II thinks of his father’s strength of spirit in terms of fire.
“He’ll step down whenever he does – we’re not gonna rush it,” Lemons II said.
“The Lord is still putting fire down through him. We are in no rush on that.”
For more information on St. John Missionary Baptist Church, call 314-371-1528 or visit www.stjohnmissionarybaptiststl.com or www.myspace.com/winninsouls4christ.