Rev. Clay Evans, Civil Rights Activist And Gospel Singer, Passes at 94

CHICAGO (CelebrityAccess) – Prominent Chicago minister, gospel music singer, and civil rights activist the Rev. Clay Evans has passed away at the age 94.

Evans’ death was confirmed via social media Monday by the Rev. Charles Jenkins, who succeeded Evans as the pastor of Chicago’s Fellowship Baptist Church, which he led for 50 years, according to The Associated Press.

Evans was widely known as an early supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and helped King when he brought his movement to the city in the 1960s, reports the AP. Evans was also responsible for ordaining the Rev. Jesse Jackson and helping him with Operation PUSH (later Rainbow PUSH Coalition), according to the AP.

 

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My Hero Reverend Clay Evans has gone to sleep eternally and is now in the presence of God. Reverend Clay Evans founded Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in 1950 where he served for 50 years. His most famous mantra was “It is no secret what God can do.” We will forever be a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, family patriarch and church father. He was a leading servant of God, a man of great faith, a servants servant, a leaders, leader, a friend to all of mankind. He will forever be known as a civil rights leader (who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King and Reverend Jesse Jackson), gospel music pioneer, civic leader, community staple, and trusted counselor to all including Presidents, Governors, Mayors, and anyone in need of advice. He was a convener, an ecumenical bridge builder, problem solver, and humanitarian. He will be forever be known throughout the world as The Godfather of ministers, preachers, & pastors everywhere. He took his final breath on earth but his legacy will live on forever through his biological family, his friends, his spiritual family, over 100 spiritual sons and daughters, and millions of people around the world who have been touched by his life and work. His contributions are countless, his awards are innumerable, and his impact is immeasurable. His famous words are those of The Gospel Of John 9:4 “Work while it is day for the night comes when no man can work.” “I don’t want to rust out sitting around, I want to wear out working.” He leaves this world empty, leaving our lives and society full of all of the goodness God gave him to give to us. We love him forever! Details and Arrangements are forthcoming.

A post shared by charlesjenkins (@charlesjenkins) on Nov 27, 2019 at 11:25am PST