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Our Retired Associate, Fr. Emmanuel Johnson is preaching today while the Rector is away. Fr. Johnson was born and raised in Liberia, West Africa. He was ordained to the deaconate in February of 1968, and to the Priesthood in February of 1970.

From 1965-1973, he served as the superintendent of the Consolidated Public School System of Monrovia, Liberia. Between the years of 1974-1980, he served as President of Cuttington College, Liberia. And from 1982-1990 he was the Dean of the Cathedral in Monrovia, Liberia.

On Christmas Eve, 1989 Monrovia errupted in Civil War. Fr. Johnson maintained the Cathedral’s ministry for five months, living in central Monrovia, in the midst of the conflict.

Soon it was too dangerous to keep the Cathedral open. He moved the congregation to the Mamba Point near the American Embassy. He held service underground, out of concern that the singing of the congregation could lead rebel forces to attack.

Eventually the chaplain of the peace-keeping forces advised Fr. Johnson that he flee to Ghana. His life had been threatened.

He left Monrovia and entered Ghana where he continued to preach and conduct services in the diocese of Accla, Ghana. Ultimately he joined the Liberan exodus to the United States. Shortly thereafter he was appointed Dean of Academic Support Services and Chaplain of Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina.

Upon his retirement June 30, 2003, he was granted the status of Chaplain Emeritus.

Today he serves our parish at the pleasure of the Rector. The Rector deeply values his wisdom and his strength of character. Fr. Johnson fears no man. He has a clear understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is ever ready to stand beside anyone who stands alone. Anytime. Any place.

An example of this is his great interest in our Bromley Mission Team and our efforts to support the Bromley Mission School in Liberia.

The civil war in Liberia left this school for girls devastated. As Liberia struggles to overcome economic collapse, Fr. Johnson encourages our Bromley Mission Team to stand beside the orphaned girls of the Bromley Mission.

Periodically the Rector explores with Fr. Johnson his interest in continuing to serve our parish.

“How long,” the Rector asks. “Do you plan on serving?”

Fr. Johnson’s strong and unambiguous response:

“As long as the Lord gives me breath!”

Fr. Johnson’s journey has given him tales of sorrow, joy and praise. Jesus has been his Lord and safeguard all these years.

In the face of fear, life endangerment, persecution and prejudice, the Lord has always been present.

We are truly blessed by his ministry among us.