Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ

In Memory of Superintendent Emeritus Earnest Johnson

 

Superintendent Emeritus Earnest Joseph Johnson was born on August 11, 1927 to the late Jessie Johnson, Sr. and the late Maggie Ella Brock Johnson in Crystal Springs, MS. The midwife who delivered him prophesied that he was destined for greatness as he would become a preacher. His family later moved to Bogue Chitto, MS. Their next move was to Bolton, MS.,  where he spent most of his childhood delivering water to farmers who worked the fields of Gaddis Farms. As he grew older, he began working in the fields planting, chopping and picking cotton for twenty-five cents a day. The Lord called him from labor to reward on January 28, 2016 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS, surrounded by his family and members of his church family.

 

Superintendent Johnson recieved his education from Mt. Zion Community School in Bolton. Because he was the oldest son in his family, he often was unable to attend school as he had to work in the fields to provide for his mother and his siblings. Therefore, he was unable to complete his high school education during his teenage years. However, after serving in the army from 1952 - 1954, he recieved his high school diploma from Jim Hill High School with assistance from the G.I. Bill. He later matriculated through the Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges and recieved a diploma in pastoral theology in 1978. He was a man full of wisdom and knowledge, which he was always eager to share with others.

 

On October 12, 1946, Emeritus Superintendent Johnson married his childhood sweetheart, Joe Mary Johnson, who preceded him in death. To this union were born two sons: Earnest Micheal Johnson and David Earl Johnson. In the year of his wife’s death (2011), the couple would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Their love and devotion to each other was a true testament to the institution of marriage.

 

Emeritus Superintendent Johnson was extremely hardworking and industrious. Prior to going into ministry fulltime, he worked for C. H. Roper, Orgill Brothers and Adams Egg Company as a truck driver. He also was the first black man hired by A. C. Quality Farms as a maintenance worker. Although the manager of A. C. Quality Farms was at first reluctant to hire him because of his race, he received a glowing recommendation from one of Emeritus Superintendent Johnson’s former employers, C. H. Roper. The manager then decided to take a chance on him. Emeritus Superintendent Johnson often shared with his family that he did twice as much work as his counterparts and his manager was obviously impressed with him. Because of his character and strong work ethic, his new manager asked him to recommend others to work for the company.   As a result, scores of other black persons were hired. When A. C. Quality Farms closed, he was one of the last employees to leave the company. Coincidentally, the plant manager told him to keep his keys because he had been such an integral part of the company’s success.

 

As prophesied by the midwife who delivered him, Superintendent Johnson received his call into the ministry while in the army in 1952. He was stationed in Blackstone, Virginia. His first sermon was based on the 9th chapter of Acts and was entitled, “Saul, Saul, Why Persecutest Thou Me?” To the amazement of most people, his first sermon was recorded on a 45 record.  

 

After returning home from the army, Superintendent Johnson became the pastor of Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ in the Tabb Bottom Community in Jackson. In 1963 he was appointed pastor of his home church in Bolton, MS which was then named, Polk Hill Sanctified Church. He later changed the name of the church to Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ and served faithfully and dutifully for over 52 years. His ministry was one that was truly ordained by God as he ministered to thousands and preached the unadulterated gospel. Countless individuals were saved and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost through his ministry. He was a unique and peculiar man of God. Through his prayers, many people were healed and delivered from illnesses that doctors could not cure with medicine. He also possessed a unique gift of discernment as the Lord would reveal information to him about people through a handshake. Therefore, many people shied away from him as they did not want any hidden secrets to be revealed.

 

The indelible impact of his ministry was experienced in several cities and towns in Mississippi. Because of poor health of the pastor, he assisted the late Elder Steve Coleman at Bethel Church of God in Christ in Edwards, MS. He later relinquished this role for younger ministers. He also served as pastor of Mt. Moriah Church of God in Christ in Mendenhall and St. Mary Church of God in Christ in New Hebron, MS.

 

In recognition of his loyalty and faithfulness to the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, he was appointed Superintendent of District #10 by the late Bishop Theo Davis in 1984. In 1993, he was appointed Superintendent of District #7 and served in this capacity until his retirement in 2013.  Bishop Hollis Musgrove also appointed him as First Administrative Assistant in 1992. He served faithfully in this position until his retirement in 2013. He also served for numerous years as Chairman of the Board of Superintendents. He was bestowed the honor of Emeritus Superintendent in 2014 by Bishop Hollis Musgrove.

 

In addition to possessing many spiritual gifts, Superintendent Johnson possessed countless natural gifts. Without having any formal training, he was a master carpenter, auto mechanic, plumber, electrician, and brick mason. He acquired skills in these trades by simply watching and working with others who were skilled in these disciplines. For many years he operated a gas station and an auto repair shop on Wiggins Road in Subdivision #2 in Jackson.  Many people would request his services because they knew he was going to perform quality work and he would always charge a reasonable price. As a bonded and licensed contractor, he renovated and constructed many houses and churches throughout the state of Mississippi. He was most proud of his construction of St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Vicksburg and Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ in Bolton. He would often revel at the fact that he didn’t hire an architect to design and draw the blueprint for Zion Chapel. He acknowledged that the Lord gave him the blueprint for the building. And it now stands as a testament of the talents and skills of this most gifted contractor.

 

While Superintendent Johnson’s passing leaves a tremendous void in his family, local church, district and jurisdiction, his legacy will live on through the many lives he impacted over his 88 years on earth. He was truly a spiritual giant in the gospel ministry who was admired, trusted, respected and revered by all who encountered him.