Deacons Conference Of Baltimore

Wall Of Faith

Hebrews chapter eleven identifies some of the saints who achieved a level of faithfulness that God deemed fit for Spiritual recognition. In Verse 32 it is noted that the list of those worthy to be mentioned in this acknowledgment of the faithful is incomplete as time would not permit a more comprehensive list. In verse 39 we learn that the members of this elect grouped "obtained a good report through faith"

In the book of Joshua, chapter four, after the Children of Israel had passed over the Jordan, The Lord instructed Joshua, to take twelve men and gather twelve stones from the Jordan, from the very place where the "priests' feet stood firmly". Then The Lord gave instructions as to how the stones were to be positioned. As The Lord instructed Joshua, so Joshua, instructed the children of Israel that these stones, "may be a sign unto you".

In verse six and seven, Joshua, informed the people, that "When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?' then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan, were cut off before The Ark of The Covenant ofThe Lord. .... So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever".

It is in the context of these Scriptures and under the leadership of God, that we The Deacons Conference of Baltimore seek to establish a virtual Wall of Faith. And even though time, ability, and space may prohibit us from identifying every stone that would stand as a building block in the foundation upon which stand, we seek to select some stones from our Jordan past to help remind us, and our children of what God has done through them, for us. In addition to recognizing some of our trailblazing giants of the past, we trust that God, will enable us to capture some of our rich history.

2017 Inductee: Deacon Sydney Johnson
Our first inductee on our "Wall of Faith" is the stone, our first President, Deacon Sydney Johnson.
On October 20, 2017 The Deacons Conference inducted Deacon Sydney Johnson as the Inaugural Member of our Wall of Faith.
Deacon Sydney Johnson severed as president until 1977.
President Sydnw\ey Johnson, served as quintessential prototype for the Deacons in the Twentieth Century. For those of us he touched, he remains the standard for Deacons, in the Twenty-First Century. As a result the Deacons Conference of Baltimore named it's first first award after President, Sydney Johnson.
May we with gratitude remember his contribution to the upbuilding of God's, kingdom here on earth.

2018 Inductee: Deaconess Arrie Long
Deaconess Arrie Mae Long was a native of Aiken, South Carolina. She is the second daughter of six. She received her elementary and secondary education in the public schools of Bonwell County, South Carolina. Deaconess Long married the late Rev. Northern Long Sr. and to that union seven children were born. She and her husband also had room in their home to raise two nephews. She is the grandmother of ten and the great-grandmother of many. She was baptized at an earlier age of 12 at her home church of Saint Luke Baptist Church.

The Long family moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1950. Immediately upon coming to Baltimore, the family joined Concord Baptist Church. Subsequently, the family moved their membership to Central Baptist Church in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Montague J. Brackett.

Deaconess Arrie Mae Long was a faithful member of the Central Baptist Church serving in many of its ministries such as the Sanctuary Choir, the Adult Sunday School Class and the Unity Day Committee as well as serving as President of the Deaconess Board for 24 years.

Deaconess Arrie Long was a member of the Deacons Conference of Baltimore since 1972 and served for several years as President. She also served as Women’s Auxiliary President to the National Baptist Deacons Convention of America and its Auxiliaries, Inc. from 1997 to 2000.

Deaconess Long was a seamstress, like Dorcas she has made many fine garments for herself, her family and friends. One of her favorite expressions was “To God Be The Glory.”

2018 Deacon J Martin Capehart
James Martin Capehart was a native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina and later moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools. He served in the United States Army and upon his discharge graduated from Howell’s Barbering School. Martin joined the United States Naval Academy’s barbering staff in 1951 and retired as Head of the Department of Barbering and Cosmetology in 1982.
Deacon Capehart was blessed to attend the Morris College School of Religion and the Mount Royal Bible College. In June 1979, he received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Baltimore College of Bible. In March 1992, he received a second honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Virginia Seminary College in Lynchburg, Virginia.
J. Martin Capehart joined Timothy Baptist Church in 1957. In 1962, he was elected to the diaconate ministry and ordained a year later. In 1968, he was elected to the position of Chairman of Deacon Board and Department Head Council at Timothy Baptist. Deacon Capehart joined the Baptist Deacons’ Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity in 1976 and became its president in 1977. He held that office for 25 years. In 1988, he was elected as President of the National Baptist Deacons’ Convention of America and Auxiliaries.
Deacon Capehart was and exemplary leader and shared those talents with numerous organizations. In addition to his leadership of the deacons’ conferences, he held the following positions: Sunday School and Adult Bible Class Teacher, U.S. Naval Academy Speaker for Midshipmen and Chapter Guild Society, Coordinator of Prison Ministry at Jessup Correctional Institution, Co-Chairperson for UNCF Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon for Maryland and Church Committee Chairperson for the same, Coordinator of Feeding Program “Zone 23 Survival”, Coordinator and Conductor of Ordinations (Nationwide). He also received numerous church and civic awards.
J. Martin was married to Edith Brown Capehart for 41 years. After she went home to be with the Lord, Martin was blessed with a second bride, Betty Boone-Capehart. In 2003, this energetic servant went to reside with his Lord and Savior.
Martin was a self-taught man who, by example, taught others how to live right. He lived life by his integrity and his intelligence but had a wonderful sense of humor. J. Martin spoke with a gentle, yet deep and rich voice. He was an influential speaker in churches of varying denominations throughout the east coast and was noted for his eloquent sermons. Deacon Capehart is often referred to as “The Deacon of Deacon’s”. He ended every conversation with “Be good to yourself!!!”

2019 Inductee: Deacon Paul Hinton
Deacon Paul Hinton was an interesting, energetic and influential leader. His legacy extends beyond his family to The Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Baltimore County, the State of Maryland, the Baptist Deacons’ Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity and Its Auxiliaries, as well as to the National Baptist Deacons Convention of America, Inc.

            He was born in York County, South Carolina, and as a young man became a member of the Nazarene Baptist Church. He united with the New Zion Hill Baptist Church where he was appointed Associate Leader of the Vocal Choir. Later Brother Hinton relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina where he united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church on his Christian experience. At Ebenezer, Brother Hinton became the Class leader of the Sunday School.

            In 1936, Brother Hinton moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he united with The Mount Moriah Baptist Church. In 1937, the Church installed Brother Hinton as the Sunday School Assistant Superintendent. On July 24, 1939, he married the love of his life, the former Miss Catherine Bunn. God blessed this union with four wonderful children.

            The fast-moving Bible scholar became Superintendent of the Sunday School in 1940, but he had to leave this position to serve in World War II. In 1945, Brother Hinton received an honorable discharge, and God returned him to his family and Church family.

            Under the leadership of our Founder and first Pastor – the late Reverend William L. Green, Mount Moriah ordained Brother Paul Hinton a Deacon on January 20, 1946. Within the same year, the Church elected Deacon Hinton to serve as its Chairman. He served in this capacity from 1946 until 1986.

            During his tenure as Chairman, Deacon Hinton faced many challenges. Deacon Hinton was a pillar in the Church relocation from South Baltimore to our current edifice in Walbrook Junction. He had to take on a greater role during the sickness of Reverend Green. Then, Chairman Hinton was thrust into the leadership role at the passing of the Founder. Under Chairman Hinton and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, the Church remained together pending the call of the second Pastor – the Late Reverend Boykins Jesse.

            This dynamic duo led the Church in paying off its mortgage at an accelerated pace. But the challenges did not stop there. In 1976, God called Pastor Jessie from labor to reward, and the Church leaned on Chairman Hinton one more time. Again, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, Chairman Hinton held the Church together, until God sent the third Pastor – the Late Reverend Arthur J. Benn.
            But this is only a portion of the story. In 1948, Chairman Hinton took time to help establish a Sunday School in Jessup Maryland. Chairman Hinton became its first Superintendent. This Sunday School became the Community Church Inc. of Waterloo, Maryland. Later, the Church became known as Community Baptist Church, Jessup, Maryland.

            But there is more! Deacon Hinton was a pillar of what was formerly the “Deacons’ Union!” He rose to the position of First Vice President and was instrumental in transitioning the Deacons Union to the Baptist Deacons Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity, and Its Auxiliaries. He helped to write and he was one of the signatories on the Conference Constitution and Bylaws. Further, he was a supporter of the National Baptist Deacons Convention. Deacon Hinton was a perennial speaker on the once famous Deacons’ Panel Discussion circuit, where selected Deacons would discuss various issues as they related to the Family, Community, and the Church.

            Chairman Hinton took time to train Deacons whenever possible, and he introduced multiple generations of Deacons, Deaconess, and church leaders to the Deacons Union, the Conference, and the Convention. Chairman Hinton was a Bible scholar, teacher, leader, and administrator. He took pride in enriching and equipping the lives of others.

Therefore,
By authority of the Deacons Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity & Its Auxiliaries, on this 18th day of October 2019, we hereby induct posthumously FIRST VICE PRESIDENT – DEACON PAUL E. HINTON as a distinguished member of our Wall of Faith. May we forever appreciate and remember Deacon Paul Hinton’s rich contribution to this Conference and to Christian living.