Johnson memorial to be held Monday

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Johnson memorial to be held Monday

The memorial service for former Hillsdale pastor, counselor, and teacher Charles “Chuck” Johnson will be held at College Baptist Church on Monday at 11 a.m., with visitation Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Johnson died Jan. 22 in the Nursing Facility of Hillsdale Hospital after more than 40 years of pastoral and professorial care for the town and the college.

“Because Pastor Johnson had such an influence at both the church and college, faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to attend either the visitation on Sunday or the service on Monday,” College Baptist pastor Ben Cuthbert said. “We realize it may be easier for professors and students to make their way from campus. Madelyn will be there on Sunday to greet people as they pay their respects to Dr. Johnson’s life.”

Johnson and his wife, Madelyn, moved to Hillsdale in 1986 to co-pastor College Baptist. Two years later, he was hired by the college, where he lectured in sociology, served as a counselor, and co-taught a course with his wife about marriage.

Johnson cared for his congregation down to fine details, according to Cuthbert.

“Dr. Johnson made it easy for us — his family found a yellow folder that said ‘My Memorial Service’ after he passed,” Cuthbert said. “He had chosen his favorite hymns, Scripture readings, and times of reflection from important people in his life from the college and his family.”

Johnson selected classic hymns including “Children of the Heavenly Father,” “To God Be the Glory,” and “Jesus Led Me All the Way,” and Scripture passages from Romans 8 and Philippians 3.

Johnson’s pastoral leadership will continue through College Baptist’s current minister.

“I’ve only been at College Baptist since June, but in that short time, he and Madelyn were so welcoming to me and my family, and I had some special conversations with him in the last few weeks of his life,” Cuthbert said. “That could be kind of daunting, working with someone who has pastored this congregation in the past, but it was helpful to get his perspective. From the start, he just saw me as a partner in the gospel ministry, which was affirming and refreshing.”

Johnson’s friendship was a comfort to the end, said Carmen Wyatt-Hayes, who met Johnson 28 years ago when she joined the Hillsdale College staff as a Spanish professor. She and Johnson bonded over their shared love of pets. When both Johnson and his wife fell ill, she volunteered to feed the cats.

“The day Chuck died, I was over at the house tending his beloved cats, and I was feeling very sad,” Wyatt-Hayes said. “I spotted a slip of paper on the fridge that said ‘A Note of Encouragement.’ It was from Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, and it was a Bible verse that described Chuck perfectly: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ — that’s Romans 15:13. Overflowing with hope: That was Chuck.”

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Johnson’s wife, Madelyn, at 79 E. Fayette St., Hillsdale, MI, 49242. A lunch will follow Monday’s service, and all are welcome to attend.