A Tribute to Preacher Jack Roe

From "The Messenger" - January, 2003

Magnolia Street Baptist Church has had some great pastors in the past, whose ministry was appreciated while it was here, and whose influence was felt long after they left the church. Early in the church’s history, there were a series of short pastorates of less than five years. Later on, men stayed longer and helped the church to grow.

But no one stayed as long as Jack Roe. When he came to Magnolia in September 1952, he intended to stay until God called him elsewhere. God never did, although some church members may have from time to time.

Jack was known as "Preacher" to those who loved him. Most will remember the unique personal nature of Jack’s ministry style, expressed clearly in his style of frequent inspirational correspondence and telephone calls.

He was infamous for his appearance as Greensboro’s best-dressed man, which made many jealous and just downright confused others. "Can a preacher be best-dressed?" It was a gift he shared with others.

Under Jack Roe, Magnolia Street Baptist Church experienced its hey-day. Greensboro was starting to grow north, and Magnolia was in the way. The current sanctuary was opened in July 1953, with the education building to follow in September 1959. Pastor Roe moved into the new Pastorium in April 1962. With young Pastor Roe’s work ethic and persistence, the church grew steadily. From 1952 to 1964, over 600 new members were added. Every ten days a new member was added by baptism. A common report is that the isles were filled with folding chairs to accommodate the huge crowds. Mission expenditures skyrocketed from $2500 to almost $20,000 per year.

When Moses Cone Hospital went up, Jack Roe went out. He was there conducting a Sunday Morning service for patients of all faiths from 1954 until the mid 1980’s. How many people did he help through this effort?

Jack believed in the importance of marriage between one man and one woman for life. He would not conduct weddings for divorced people, so deep was his belief. He told me to hang on to Kim as to life itself, for she was the only Kim I would ever have.

It is impossible to recount how important Pastor Roe was to many people. Many report that he was there for them in times of crisis and sorrow, and that his unconditional acceptance and love for all people gave many hope. He was a firm believer in the power of smiles and hugs.

It is a shame that other pastors and church members did not care to imitate the finer points of Jacks ministry style. Some choose to see a conflict between truth and love even when there is not one. This aspect of Jack Roe’s legacy is something we all can learn. We should be slow to judge, slow to anger, quick to understand.

Near his retirement, Jack was honored with his home on Cleburne Street. On this occasion a resolution was drawn that stated, "Whereas Pastor Roe has continually up to the present time lovingly and devotionally served the members of this congregation and the citizens of this community . . . the members wish to show their great love and affection for the many acts of loving kindness during the years he has served this congregation and the community in which he lives."

It was hard for Pastor Roe to retire in February 1988 after 36 years of ministry and a few days after his 65 birthday. I remember one day he came to pick me up for lunch in that huge car of his, and he forced himself to come inside to his old office he had left ten years before. He looked like he had seen a ghost.

Preacher Roe told a friend that for him heaven would be in a state of perpetual autumn, where the leaves will always be brightly colored with red, orange, yellow and purple. Oh, and one more thing, there will be a place there in which he can preach.

Paul wrote that he was anxious for all the churches. Jack was anxious for his church, too. He wanted more involvement, deeper commitment, greater love. As we reflect on the life of Preacher Roe, may his example lead us to a similar concern.

Happy because of Jesus,

Pastor James W. Jordan

Rev. James W. Jordan was pastor of Magnolia Street Baptist Church from January, 1998 through July, 2004