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Pastor John H. Boyd,Sr is Gone but Not Forgotten

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Author:

Keba Cairo

BCN – Queens – On Thursday July 12th 2012, Pastor John H. Boyd, Sr passed away and now sits at the feet of our Lord and Savior. Pastor Boyd has been a staple in the Queens community for over 35 years. His annual Gospel tent in Roy Wilkins Park, Queens helped to save many families and young people alike. All that knew him can agree that Pastor Boyd had a passion for saving souls; and we all witness him fulfilling his calling to the end.

The family of Pastor John H Boyd Sr. released this statement to Black Church News™ : “We formally announce the passing of God’s General in the Gospel, Apostle John H. Boyd, Sr. of the New Greater Bethel Ministries. Though our hearts are saddened, we yet rejoice in the legacy that he leaves with us and we say as the Apostle Paul, “to live is Christ, to die is gain!”

For information on the services please go to www.ngbm.org/Celebrationoflife or call (718) 740-4357.

Some Final Words

Help me Lord. My pastor for 28 years today sits in the presence of God… crying… crying… MY GOD… numb. He was my dad…the only father I had left who knew the real me…before I preached for Bishop Jakes I was a flight attendant! He loved me the person, not the ministry!!! I was his daughter!!!!!!! Pray for me….I need it!!! My heart hit the ground in Macy’s department store. I didn’t even realize I had hit the floor…pray for me I need it!!!! Bad!!!!!! This was my dad…..crying….28 years the same pastor!!!! I love him and will miss him deeply. New York has a hole in it. However the hole in my heart today is bigger than the one in New York…..God has spoken !! Amen

Tweeted by Dr. Juanita Bynum – Recording Artist & Author

I learned of the passing of Bishop John H. Boyd, Sr. – Pastor of New Greater Bethel Ministries. – During my days as a community leadership in Queens New York, Reverend Boyd provided wonderful support and inspiration. His work on behalf of the South East Queens community and beyond is one of the greatest testaments of God’s greatness, working through one of his great servant leaders. – I am most fortune to have known him and I am grateful for his guidance in my life. – God Bless You Dr. Boyd – You Will Be Greatly Missed.

Posted on BCN website by Prof. Harvey Elwood, Jr. - New Perspectives Media Orangeburg, South Carolina

About Dr. John H. Boyd, Sr.

He was born July 17, 1926, in Bracey, Virginia, where he was raised on a farm. At the age of 16 he moved to New York City, graduating from George Washington High School. In 1944, Dr. Boyd was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he attained the rank of First Sergeant. After three years of service, he received an honorable discharge.

In 1945, he met Margie Jackson, and on August 16, of 1947 they were united in Holy Matrimony. From this union they were blessed with five children: Geri, Gail, John II, Rubina and Warren, all of whom are working full-time in the ministry.

Dr. Boyd served faithfully for 18 years under the leadership of Pastor Ernest Brown of Macedonia Church of Christ in Brooklyn, New York. During this time, he studied at the Manhattan Bible Institute and worked as a salesman and contractor. God dealt emphatically with him concerning full-time ministry. After much travailing and perseverance, he found his purpose: a vision of a Gospel Tent was conceived in his spirit.

With the blessing of Pastor Brown, Dr. Boyd entered the pastorship in 1972 and Boyd entered the pastorship in 1972 and opened the first Gospel Tent, giving birth to the New Greater Bethel Ministries. In September of the same year, “Little Bethel” became a reality located at 221st Street and Linden Boulevard, in Cambria Heights. On Easter Sunday 1975, Dr. Boyd led the congregation to their new home at 219-09 Linden Boulevard, which was the Old Cambria Heights Movie Theatre.

To this day the vision continues to be a driving force in the life of this remarkable man.

Dr. Boyd received his Doctor of Divinity degree from the United Christian College in Brooklyn. He has been cited many times for his compassion, commitment, and leadership. Among his awards are: a Citation of Honor from Queens Borough President Claire Shulman; recognition from former New York City Mayor, The Honorable David Dinkins; recognition from Presiding Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, Joseph N. Mondello; and he has been cited by Radio Station WWRL for his out-standing leadership and outreach to the community.

Dr. Boyd was awarded the “Man of the Year” by The New York Christian Times, for his outstanding work in the State of New York and his outreach around the world. Both New York Newsday and The Daily News have honored him with a complete profile on him and his work at the New Greater Bethel Ministries, including the Lord’s Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen. Dr. Boyd has received certificates of honor and special recognition from Superintendent Brian Fischer of the Queensboro Correctional Facility for his outstanding work with the Inmate Community Improvement Program.

In 1991 Dr. Boyd authored his first book, Coming Out of Your Grave Clothes, the first in a series he calls his “Coming Out” series. He is currently working on his second book, Coming Out of Your Cave.

Dr. Boyd’s message of salvation and deliverance is seasoned with love

4 Comments

LILLIAN WILLIAMS

July 17, 2012
8:59 am

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I WANTED TO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AS PASTOR BOYD AND I SHARED THE SAME BIRTHDAY MONTH, BUT GOD SAID IT FIRST. I THANK GOD FOR THE BLESSING OF MEETING ONE OF HIS GENERALS. LOVE FROM PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Reply
Gail Hudson

July 17, 2012
2:28 pm

To my beloved Pastor : I thank God for having seen you recently and for letting you know that I love you…I do have very fond memories of you back from Sunday School days.To be absent in the flesh is to be present with the Lord. You will be missed..Thank you for your years of service

Reply
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April 28, 2013
10:08 pm

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