By Javar Juarez
Columbia, S.C. (CUBNSC)- Saint John Baptist Church in Columbia, SC, hosted the installation of Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham as the 18th president of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention. The church, located in the historic Booker Washington Heights community, has long been a beacon of hope and support for African Americans. The area, rich in history, faces ongoing challenges like poverty and crime, but institutions like Saint John Baptist Church continue to lead the charge in community outreach and support.
A Historic Gathering in Columbia South Carolina
The Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina (BEMCSC), founded in 1877 by a group of visionary Black leaders, has a storied history of enhancing the quality of life in churches and addressing the educational needs of African Americans. Dr. Isaac P. Brockenton, a pioneer who organized Macedonia Baptist Church in Darlington, SC, served as the Convention's first president, establishing a legacy of leadership and community empowerment. Dr. Brockenton was also a trial justice, county commissioner and represented Darlington County in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Today, BEMCSC stands as the largest organization of African Americans in South Carolina, representing over 100,000 individuals and 4,000 churches.
The Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina (BEMCSC) and Morris College have consistently produced reputable and diligent leaders dedicated to humanitarian work worldwide. Dr. Graham joins the ranks of distinguished individuals such as Professor Henry Hannibal Butler, who became President of Morris College, Dr. Graham's alma mater, in 1946 and served as the BEMCSC President from 1933-1948.
Professor Butler was said to be an esteemed educator, minister and community leader that also served as National Grand Director of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF), An African American fraternal society, which established a district in South Carolina in the late 1880's. In 1903, the SCGUOOF incorporated District No. 13 where Professor Butler served from 1909-1948. He conducted business from his office at the First Colored Presbyterian Church (Mount Pisgah Presbyterian Church) in Hartsville, SC. Thousands of documents related to SCGUOOF and the Household of Ruth have been recovered from his office, including membership applications, certificates, beneficiary payouts, rosters, correspondence, and more.
The South Carolina Humanities organization awarded a Major Grant to the Hartsville Museum to digitize these historical documents, focusing on African American history in Hartsville, particularly Professor Butler's contributions. The South Carolina State Library has partnered with the Hartsville Museum and Mr. Shawn Cannon, District Grand Master of District Grand Lodge No. 13, to provide access to these digitized records, supporting South Carolina African American genealogy and history
A New Chapter in BEMCSC Family History
Rev. Dr. Graham's Distinguished Background
Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham, a native of Andrews, SC, has a notable educational and professional background. He graduated at the top of his class from Morris College in Sumter, SC, with a Bachelor's degree in History and a teaching certificate in Social Studies. His leadership roles during his college years included serving as a student representative to the Board of Trustees and as President of the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society.
Dr. Graham has been the pastor of Saint John Baptist Church for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the church has initiated numerous community support programs, including a food pantry and the Manna Ville Ministry. His previous roles include serving as the seventh pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Darlington, SC, and as moderator of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Association. Dr. Graham has also been an active member of the NAACP and served on the advisory board of the South Carolina Community Bank.
Missionary Baptist churches emphasize Christian evangelism, promote missions both locally and globally, encourage Christian education, advocate for social justice and community involvement, and publish and distribute Sunday school materials and other Christian literature. Dr. Graham upholds these core principles and beliefs of Missionary Baptists. In July 2019, he expanded the ministry of Saint John Baptist Church in Mulanje, Malawi, just before the global spread of COVID-19. A dramatic second wave of COVID-19 in Malawi, fueled by a new variant first discovered in neighboring South Africa, overwhelmed much of the country's health infrastructure. This crisis forced many families into difficult decisions and highlighted the severe inequalities in vaccine distribution. Mulanje, formerly known as Mlanje, is a town in the Southern Region of Malawi, near the border with Mozambique to the east.
Installation Ceremony Highlights
The installation ceremony was attended by a distinguished delegation of Baptist leaders from across the state and country. Notable speakers included Reverend Dr. Joe Albert Bush, CEO and Founder of So Send I You Incorporated, Reverend Dr. James Blassingame, the 16th president of BEMCSC, and Reverend Dr. Benjamin Snoddy, the 15th president of BEMCSC. The guest speaker for the event was Reverend Dr. David Peoples of Lexington, Kentucky.
Baptists know how to do things with style and grace, and the installation of Dr. Graham was no exception. The care and attention to detail were evident at Saint John Baptist Church. The service itself was a unifying moment for members across the entire convention, as highlighted by Dr. David Peoples in his opening remarks. Beyond pride and prestige, the event celebrated the institution of the church, the freedom to worship, and the continued legacy of African Americans coming together within their organizations to do good, honor God, and demonstrate strength, resilience, and love. The installation service of Dr. Graham was a reminder of the joy of fellowship as believers in Jesus Christ and members of His body dedicated to missionary work.
The Blue and Gold reception was certainly not to be overlooked. The carved watermelons and custom trays were both beautiful and delicious, showcasing genuine hospitality to all attendees while congratulating Dr. Graham.
The Saint John Baptist Church choir ignited a fervent atmosphere of worship with their singing, prompting Dr. Graham to leave his seat and join in the worship. Dr. Graham exemplifies humility and compassion, showing himself to be a willing worker and servant leader among his congregation. He embodies the kind of leadership that is essential for today.
A Vision for the Future
Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham steps into his role as president of the BEMCSC at a critical time. The influence of the church in addressing societal issues affecting marginalized communities is more important than ever. Dr. Graham's leadership promises to harness the collective power of the church to tackle these challenges, fostering a spirit of unity and purpose.
Congratulations to Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham on his installation as the president of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. To God be the glory for the great things He has done and will continue to do through this esteemed organization.
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