Standing tall on Ramey Avenue, the Johnson Street Christ Holy Sanctified Church is a beacon of faith and community in Dallas, Texas. It wasn’t always a church, though. Imagine walking down the street, catching a glimpse of a storefront, with the bright welcoming sign reading “Caf?”. That was how it all began. Bishop W.T. Smith, a man who had no doubt about his calling from God, established the church in 1958, choosing a small cafe as his first sanctuary in the city. He wasn’t alone. He brought along his mother, the late Mother Rosie Lee Mack, his wife, Mother Earnestine Smith, and a trusty guitar. He would sing, play, read scripture, and share the word of God. Then, one night, during a revival service, a drunken man walked in, cursed at the preacher, and walked out, threatening to get his gun! The preacher kept preaching, and the saints kept praising God.
The Johnson Street Christ Holy Sanctified Church grew, but it did face challenges. It was important to remember the lessons of the early days. The church had been subject to persecution and a sense of being different. The Johnson Street congregation was also challenged by the need to have the faith to keep going. The offerings sometimes reached just $2.25, with 75 cents going to Sunday school and $1.50 to morning worship. It was not always easy but they continued believing in God’s plan. The members were determined to have a church of their own and they would work tirelessly for it. Thankfully, the church eventually moved from the cafe to a new building on Ramey Avenue, where you stand now, surrounded by a community of faith.
Today, the Johnson Street Christ Holy Sanctified Church stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of collective action. The church continues to flourish, providing a community of support and spiritual guidance for its members. Its history is a source of inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, faith can move mountains. Take a moment, listen to the quiet of the heart, and let the spirit of the Johnson Street Christ Holy Sanctified Church surround you.