HOUSTON – Family, friends and the community is mourning the loss of Pastor Manson B. Johnson, of Holman Street Baptist Church, who died Sunday after suffering complications due to COVD-19. He was 71.
The church released the following statement about the man everyone affectionately called “The Shepherd.”
“It is with a heavy heart but faith in God to report Shepherd Teacher Manson B. Johnson has transitioned to his Heavenly home this morning. Our Shepherd Teacher loved serving God and God’s people. We find strength in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with God.
At this time please keep our beautiful First Lady, his children, family, Holman Street Baptist Church family, and the entire Houston community in your prayers. More details are coming soon. In the words of our Shepherd Teacher, “Stay on TOP! Winners are always at the top! Reach for the stars. Remember losing is a choice that you make!”
Since 1977 the Holman Street Baptist Church has been under the dynamic leadership of the illustrious Manson B. Johnson. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee and reared in Starkville, Mississippi. His father, a pastor, and his mother, a schoolteacher. He left Starkville after graduating from high school and went to Houston, Texas in pursuit of a college degree. Pastor Johnson earned a Bachelors degree in History and Government from Texas Southern University and a certified degree in mathematics from Prairie View A & M University.
After earning his degree, Pastor Johnson went into the field of education and began teaching at Cullen Middle School in the Houston Independent School District. There he served as head of the Mathematics department. He quickly earned the reputation of a no nonsense teacher who was committed to raising the performance of his students in math. Many of his students have come back to tell about the powerful influence he has had on their lives. Others are now faithful members of Holman Street Baptist Church.
During his college years, Pastor Johnson united with Holman Street Baptist Church, a thriving church in the inner City of Houston, located between Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. College students flocked to the church on Sunday mornings to hear powerful preaching and singing. He became an active member of the choir, mission, and Sunday School.
He accepted his calling to preach and was later named youth pastor. He worked diligently with the youth programs, developing and expanding that ministry to draw young people into Christian service. Pastor Johnson’s leadership at Holman Street Baptist Church caused the church to grow in membership and become a dynamic force in the Third Ward Community. His ministry has moved this area of the city into a prominent position politically and economically. Because of his commitment to the revitalization of the Third Ward Community, the face of the community has changed and it challenges the city officials to no longer dismiss this area as stagnant and unproductive.
On September 20, 1998, Holman Street Baptist Church moved into a new worship center under the leadership and direction of Shepherd Johnson.
Pastor Johnson’s preaching was par excellent. His ability to communicate the Bible and make relevant to everyday life was certainly a gift from God. He was a sought after speaker and conducted revivals throughout the country yearly. In addition to being a dynamic preacher, Pastor Johnson possessed an extraordinary gift of teaching. Pastor Johnson also conducted various seminars from Financial Stewardship to Church Development.
Pastor Johnson did phenomenal things in the many years of his ministry. Both his religious ministry and his community involvement speak of a man who has devoted his life to his Lord and to the body of the people he served.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
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Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
