[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E587-E588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 60TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY OF REVEREND & MRS. I.J. 
                                JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2016

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Reverend I. J. Johnson 
and his wife, First Lady Betty Johnson as they celebrate their Diamond 
Anniversary of sixty years in pastoral service. The congregation of St. 
Mark's Missionary Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio celebrates the 
milestone this month. Incredibly, I stood in this chamber ten years ago 
to recognize Pastor and First Lady Johnson's fiftieth jubilee.
  As I noted then, born in Troy Alabama, one of eleven children of Mary 
and Levi Johnson, ``Reverend Johnson entered the ministry at age 
twelve. By nineteen, he began pastoring in his home state of Alabama. 
He received his Bachelor of Theology degree from Easonian Baptist 
Seminary in Birmingham Alabama, and served four churches until coming 
to Ohio in 1955. In July of that year, he was invited by Dr. Israel 
Walker to conduct a revival at St. Mary's Baptist Church. During this 
visit he met the woman who would become his wife. On August 26, 1958, 
Reverend Johnson and Mother Betty Rae Johnson were married. Together 
they raised four children: Reverend C.L. Johnson, Reverend Michael 
Johnson, Denisee Williams and Angela Taylor. In October of 1955, Pastor 
Johnson founded and organized St. Mark's Missionary Baptist Church. 
Started with just three members, the church grew over the half-century 
to more than 2,000 souls.''
  Pastor Johnson is a man devoted to the Gospel. In addition to his 
spiritual leadership at St. Mark's, Reverend Roberts has conducted 
revivals throughout the Eastern half of the United States. Many have 
been called to Christ through him and he has given wise counsel to 
countless people. His legacy continues through his sons, both called to 
preach in their own right.
  A leader in our community as well, Pastor Johnson has served the 
Baptist Ministers Conference, the Fairside Community Organization,

[[Page E588]]

Northwestern Ohio Missionary Baptist Association, Lucas County Mental 
Health Board, Interracial Interfaith Committee, Evangelical Board of 
the National Baptist Convention, and NAACP.
  A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor, 
Reverend Johnson has been a guiding light in our community for 
generations. Always alongside him, First Lady Johnson has been a 
nurturing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and confidant. 
Their union is a dynamic partnership which has been a beautiful example 
to all.
  Together, Pastor and First Lady Johnson have turned hearts toward 
Jesus Christ and his message of Love. They exemplify the words of 
Thessalonians 1:3, ``We remember before our God and Father your work 
produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance 
inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.'' The congregation of St. 
Mark's, their family and our community celebrate Rev. I.J. and Mrs. 
Betty Johnson in their life's work. We congratulate you, reminisce with 
you, and look toward the future together.

                          ____________________