Historic Tacony Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon celebrated former Pastor Arthur Johnson Jr. during an event at Georgine’s restaurant in Bristol.
Johnson – now pastor emeritus – was honored for 39 years of service and dedication to the church as well as the Tacony community.
City Councilman Mike Driscoll presented Johnson – known as “The Rev” – with a citation for his service to God, humanity and the community for almost four decades.
“Tacony will never be able to repay the gratitude we have for you,” Driscoll said.
Among those in attendance were Johnson’s wife, Etheria, and other family members; the Rev. Evelyn Barnes, the current pastor; the Rev. Hubert Barnes, pastor of Star of Hope Baptist Church of Tacony; and the Rev. Darren Umble, pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg.
Hubert Barnes described Johnson and his wife as “a power couple in the Lord.” The retired pastor regularly gave folks rides to the hospital or doctor’s office, Barnes said. Spend five minutes with Johnson, Barnes said, and you’ll feel you are in the presence of God. Today, Johnson continues to shepherd his flock on Sundays as a member of Tacony Baptist.
“Thank God for Pastor Johnson,” Barnes said.
Johnson and his wife have three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was installed as Tacony Baptist’s full-time pastor in 1981.
During the celebration, he sang How Great Thou Art.
The celebration also included a silent auction.
Tacony Baptist Church is at 4715 Disston St. Worship is every Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday school meets weekly from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. There is Bible study and prayer every Monday at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Call 215-437-7232 or visit www.taconybaptist.org. ••
