Something For Sunday
By: Michael G. Reel
The text below is an excerpt of a statement being shared at the Macedonia Baptist Church, Los Angeles, this morning in celebration of her 107th church anniversary. My personal admiration is shared as I reflect on the contribution made by the late Rev. Dr. Floyd Massey, Jr., to the life of the Macedonia Baptist Church during his pastorate from 1965 to 1988.
Perhaps, Irving Berlin and Beda Lochner in 1927, captured the essence Dr. Massey ministry for me. As I reflect on my assignment today, I do so knowing – “The song is ended but the melody lingers on – Dr. Massey and his song are gone, but because of his great work at the Macedonia Baptist Church, his melody lingers on.”
To our distinguished guests, Rev. Dr. Freddy Clark, Founder and Pastor of The Shalom Church (City of Peace) of St. Louis, Mo, to Shane Scott, Lead Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Los Angeles, to our celebrated guest worship leader, Kathy Taylor and to my long time friend, sister in Christ and co-chair of this historic celebration, Regina Grant Peterson, I greet each of you with a warm and hearty good morning.
As our beloved church celebrates her 107th anniversary, I am delighted for this unique opportunity to share with you from my personal perspective, the undeniable virtues that are those of the late, Rev. Dr. Floyd Massey, Jr., a compassionate shepherd and Pastor Par Excellence.
Just days ago, I was reminded that I joined and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church at the age of 5 years old. Prior to giving God my heart and the Preacher my hand, I was introduced to Christ in our home, Sunday School and every Sunday morning during the Children’s, Story. As children at Macedonia, we were in awe of Dr. Massey. As teens we were inspired. And as adults, we were encouraged.
It was Dr. Massey’s remarkable humanity, coupled with his visible love for Christ, his love and respect for the members and friends of Macedonia that continues to distinguish his ministry at the Macedonia Baptist Church. I remain a proponent that there has not been a more significant voice from our pulpit during the later portion of the 20th Century and the very early years of the 21st Century, than that of the late Rev. Dr. Floyd Massey, Jr.
It was from Watts that the ministry of Dr. Floyd Massey, Jr. reached the World. Macedonia thrived and blossomed under his leadership and pastorate. Our church community experienced tremendous growth, spiritually and intellectually. Dr. Massey, also mirrored for us the importance of family as he and his loving wife, Ethel Massey, known to us as Sweetie, raised together three sons who too were consament churchmen.
As the members traveled the globe, we shared the Macedonia story. We were proud to say that we were members of Macedonia and that Rev. Dr. Floyd Massey, Jr., was our pastor.
Describe as a fatherly pastor, Dr. Massey, preached sermons that you still remember today, “Jimmy It’s Jesus,” “Kattie Mind The Lights,” and “Footprints.” Because of his masterful storytelling ability, Dr. Massey breathed life into “Footprints” “That one set of Footprints you saw in the sand, those belonged to me. You fell down and fell out long time ago, but I carried you!” And that’s what Dr. Massey did for Macedonia Baptist Church. He carried us. Sunday mornings at Macedonia was a mountain top worship experience. Dr. Massey carried us. He carried us with thoughtful, prayerful, meaningful, lasting and loving leadership. Dr. Massey carried us!
As I hasten to my seat with sincere anticipation to receive the message that God has placed in the heart of Dr. Clark, I can still hear Dr. Massey closing a powerful and poignant message, by lifting the lyrics of R.H. Cornelius – “Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace; On the streets of glory let me lift my voice, cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.
Mind The Lights Macedonia Until Jesus Returns!
