The East St. Louis community lost a giant civic and spiritual leader with the passing of the Rev. John H. Rouse on March 12, 2011, after suffering a heart attack. Rouse, 70, was the long-time pastor, since 1975, of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, at 2235 Bond Ave., East St. Louis, IL. He was a resident of Fairview Heights, IL. Mt. Zion holds the largest congregation in East St. Louis.
Known for his deep, bellowing baritone voice, he matched that depth with his compassion and fearless efforts to advocate on behalf of his parishioners as well as the entire East St. Louis community. He was known nationally for his religious and civic leadership and engagements.
He was born July 30, 1940 and was called to the ministry at age 14, and his fervor for justice also began early. He was arrested several times for sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement while living in Nashville, Tenn. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP, Operation PUSH, and the Urban League. He was at the forefront for integration efforts in Clarksville, Tenn. and Henderson, Ky.
His local community engagements were numerous and included serving as chaplain of the Washington Park Village Police Department, civilian supervisor of chaplains of the East St. Louis Police Department, and as a chaplain and commissioned/sworn officer of St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. He was also a 33rd Degree Mason-Masonic Lodge M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. Southern Cross #12.
As full-time pastor for 55 years, he licensed 61 ministers and ordained 51 ministers. Prior to returning to East St. Louis to pastor of Mount Zion, he led First Baptist Church, Henderson, Ky. (1970-1975), and Fifth Ward Baptist Church, Clarksville, Tenn. (1958-1970). He has baptized more than 2,000 adults and children.
He served in many religious capacities that included: president of the Baptist General State Congress of Christian Education; chairman of the Sunday School Publishing Board; trustee of the American Baptist College of the Bible; lecturer in the Administrative Division of the National Congress of the National Baptist Convention; moderator and moderator emeritus of the New Salem District Association in Illinois; member of Constitution Committee of the National Baptist Convention; and member of the Board of One Church One Child adoption recruitment initiative.
Rouse held several honorary doctors of divinity degrees. He had traveled throughout the states and to eight foreign countries. He had received numerous recognitions for his civic and religious contributions.
Rouse said, in writing his own obituary: “I have enjoyed my ministry and I’ve never had a doubt about my calling. I tried to honor and respect the ministry. I tried to give my all as one of God’s preachers. I have always tried to be biblical, and I have never believed that the pulpit was a place for show or to play. I have held to my convictions.”
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Mary Gwendolyn; two sons, Darius John and Walter; daughter Velvet; adopted children, Shameka (Danny) Singleton, Darius Ward and Brandi Rouse; and one granddaughter, Keisha Cotton. His youngest son Ronald preceded him in death.
WESL loses Minister Cotton
WESL PRAIZZE 1490 lost a very faithful member of its staff, Minister Willie Cotton. Minister Cotton had been a part of WESL PRAIZZE 1490 for many years. He started at a very early age as a radio announcer and was dedicated to sharing gospel music with his large list of dedicated followers and huge listening audience.
Dr. Bobby Jones comes to ESL
WESL PRAIZZE 1490 will welcome Dr. Bobby Jones to East St. Louis for showcases to be held at the Greater St. Mark COGIC, 4325 State St. in East St. Louis, and a luncheon on April 9 at The Downtown Hilton Ballpark Hotel. Call Chuck Spearman at 314-46-5381 for info.
A Gospel Skate
New Jerusalem Temple Church of God, 8204 Page Blvd. in Vinita Park, will present A Gospel Skate at the St. Louis Skatium, 120 E. Catalan Ave., at the corner of South Broadway Ave. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 8. Visit http://njtgospelskate.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to purchase tickets.Â