[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF PASTOR I.J. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2018

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Pastor 
Isiah J. Johnson; senior pastor and founder of St. Mark Missionary 
Baptist Church, who, through his ministry, brought hundreds to Christ, 
was one of the longest tenured Pastors in the United States, and served 
as a valued member of the Toledo community.
  Pastor Johnson was born to Mary and Levi Johnson in Troy, Alabama. He 
was one of eleven siblings. He was a graduate of Academy High School in 
Troy and Easonian Baptist Seminary in Birmingham.
  His call to ministry came to him from youth experiences at church 
where his father was a deacon and he looked forward to Sunday services, 
especially listening to the preacher at his family's church. His family 
tells us that at the age of only 12, he felt the spirit had called him 
while playing church with some friends. After that moment, he would 
preach ``to the corn stalks and any siblings who listened to him.''
  After being ordained at the age of 19, he served as a pastor of four 
churches in Alabama before settling in Toledo and founding St. Mark's 
in 1955. Pastor Johnson met the love of his life, Betty Rae Johnson in 
Toledo and they were married on August 26, 1958.
  Pastor Johnson served the Toledo community for many years on various 
committees and boards. He is the past Chairman of the Civic Committee 
(Pastor's Conference--Toledo), President of the Baptist Ministerial 
Alliance, TARTA Board member, founder of the Fairside Community Center, 
Mental Health Board of Toledo member, and a member of the Evangelist 
Board of the National Baptist Convention.
  Pastor Johnson was recognized by Mayor Ford of Tuskegee, Alabama on 
July 20, 1994, who sponsored a resolution that instituted July 20th as 
Rev. I.J. Johnson Day in Tuskegee. He was further recognized by the 
Mayor and City Council of Toledo on June 3, 2008 where Detroit Avenue 
from Fernwood Avenue to Dorr Street was dedicated as Rev. I.J. Johnson 
Way.
  He is survived by his wife of 48 years; daughters Annie Wright, 
Denisee Gaston and Angela Taylor; sons, Jim, Eric, Izear, the Rev. 
Michael, and the Rev. Curley Johnson; brother, Alonzo Johnson; 28 
grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 
daughters Mary Stokes and Darlene Baker.
  Pastor Johnson will be remembered admirably by the many people he 
ministered to, his fellow church and community members, and his family 
and friends. We offer them our prayers and hope that they find comfort 
in the wonderful memories of what Pastor Johnson had meant to each of 
the people who shared in his life. Mentor and friend to many, his 
charismatic leadership will be cherished.

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