Bishop Roy R. McKinney

Bishop Roy Roosevelt McKinney heard the call of his name, from labor to eternal rest on Thursday, August 3, 2023. Bishop Roy R. McKinney was born in Lewisburg, Alabama on October 28, 1934 to the late Frank and Lucinda McKinney. He was the fifth of eleven children, all preceded him in death except for his brother Eddie McKinney. He received his early education in the public schools of Alabama. Though he earned no advanced degrees, Bishop McKinney studied as he had privilege at various institutions. They included Miles College in Burmingham, Alabama. The Baltimore School of the Bible and The Washington Bible College. He was also privileged to study at the Johns Hopkins University. On June 29, 1957, Roy married Margarite and the were blessed with six children; Cynthia, Darlene, Teresa, Diane, Roy Jr., and Lisa. In his personal life, Bishop was a private person, but he let us know that he was proud of the efforts and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was extremely thankful for Diane, who with the help of his granddaughter Sharita, great-grandson Antonio and son-in-law Deacon Franklyn Murray, moved him in and took care of him until the Lord called him home. The Lord blessed him to eulogize two of his children, Darlene and Cynthia; a grandson, Antonio; and a great-granddaughter, Lianna. Although Bishop was a thin man, he enjoyed food, mainly fish; desserts like banana pudding, sweet potato and apple pies, cakes and snacks (chips and donuts). Before starting his employment at Johns Hopkins University, Bishop was bus driver for the MTA. He left that position because it interfered with Sunday worship services and his studying. He worked at Johns Hopkins for over fifty years. Bishop Roy R. McKinney accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized by the late Bishop James Randle. The call to preach in October 1950. His initial sermon was “When Fire Burned Water,” coming from I Kings 18:36-39. He was ordained in 1958 by the United American Free Will Baptist Conference. In 1947, Bishop McKinney joined Saint Paul Peace and Harmony Free Will Baptist Church. After the death of Pastor Hodges, he became their pastor in 1960. He served as pastor until God had him to move on to higher heights. In August 1964, several churches from the old United American Conference met at Sweet Hope Free Will Baptist Church to organize a new conference; thus the birth of the Progressive Free Will Baptist Conference. His first position in this new organization was recording secretary. He was the last surviving writer of The Book of Discipline for the conference. In October 1987 he was consecrated to the office of Bishop in the Progressive Conference. Until his retirement, he was very active in the up building of God’s Kingdom and this group of committed servants to Christ. Offices that he held were that of Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Chairman of the Advisory Council and Recording Secretary. On July 10, 1966, with a “Vision” from the Lord and a group of dedicated individuals, Bishop Roy R. McKinney founded Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church. The name was founded on Matthew 1:23, “…God is with Us”. He once said that the transitioning from St. Paul to Emmanuel was “very inspirational, spiritually up-lifting and rewarding” for him. Under his dedication and commitment to our Lord and Savior, Bishop started Emmanuel at 918 E. Preston Street; in seven years moved to our present location, 1901 Druid Hill Avenue; in seven years burned the mortgage; and pastored 54 years until his full retirement in April 2020. He taught that Christians were Christ-like all day, every day. He encouraged us to seek God for every decision; and even when it was a wait or no, we give God the praise! In spite of our different personalities, we were in the family of God. We were to love, help and encourage each other in the Lord as we journeyed through life and moved to “higher heights and deeper depths in the Lord”. He took his time when writing out his sermons. He wanted to be sure that the words delivered would bless the people of God and grow them in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. That God would be pleased with his work. His final sermon was “How Much Do You Love God?” in February 2020. He had the opportunity to meet, bless and encourage the new pastor of Emmanuel, Bishop Kevin L. Gibson, Sr. Facebook allowed him to worship with the church on a few Sunday mornings and send words of encouragement through the phone. Bishop desired to please God, to do His will and to glorify the Son, therefore shied away from accolades. Bishop Roy McKinney was a man chosen by God and ordained by man to lead a congregation by the preaching, teaching and edification of and by the Word of God. He led his congregation example (I Peter5:2-3); with strength, wisdom and a quiet gentle spirit. He baptized, christened, married and buried several generations in a family, which we made a very special and “loved”. Because of his commitment to God and His people, he made many sacrifices down through the years, for which we are forever grateful. As a Shepherd, he believed that every pastor has to realize that they should… “trust God and be prepared in their messages; feed the faith of and inspire the body of Christ; and understand that he or she is a priest. nurturing God's people".

Tributes

Bishop Roy R. McKinney

October 28, 1934 - August 3, 2023