Sons of First A.M.E. Zion Return to Celebrate 60th Church Anniversary

KNOXVILLE, TN – On Sunday, May 27, 2018 (on the birthday of the founder) the pastor, members, friends and sons of First A. M. E. Zion Church, Knoxville, TN gathered at the church to celebrate the 60th Church Anniversary.

The morning message was delivered by the son of the founder, Rev. Alfred Babington-Johnson, an ordained elder at Grace Temple Deliverance Center, St. Paul, MN, who was joined in worship by Rev. Babington-Johnson’s grandson, Bishop Darryl B. Starnes Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Midwest Episcopal District and Missionary Supervisor, Camille Starnes, and one of his Sons in the Ministry, Retired Bishop Warren M. Brown, and Missionary Supervisor Aurelia Brown of Austell, GA. The message was taken from Philippians 2:3-4. The subject, “The Cause to Serve” was taken from the motto of the founder “Non Sibi Sed Alis”– “not for self, but for others.”

Also among those in attendance for morning worship were the daughters, sons and grandchildren of the founder.

On May 18, 1958, being led by the Holy Spirit, founder Rev. Dr. James A. Babington-Johnson and wife, Eleanor along with their family, eighty- four adults and fifty- four youth entered the former Bell Avenue Church to establish a place of worship for the few faithful members desiring to plant a new seed. The congregation grew and remained there for 19 years before the decision was made to build the current edifice under the pastorate of the Late Rev. Marcus L. Walker Sr. and the first worship service was held in the new edifice on February 27, 1977.

We are blessed under the current pastorate of Rev. Michael J. McNair with his dedicated spouse, Angela McNair as we continue to exemplify the motto of the founder by rendering service “not for self, but for others.”

Thanks and appreciation is extended to the Anniversary Committee for a well-planned celebration and it is our prayer that all in attendance were pleased to have shared our wonderful worship experience.