Memorials

Reverend Dr. Clay Evans

(1925 – 2019)

Ordained as a Baptist Minister in 1950, this illustrious Founding Pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois, is received internationally as a pioneer, church father, and ministerial pacesetter. His work has earned him countless citations, accolades, and honors, including many Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degrees from various institutions of higher learning throughout the country.

Reverend Dr. Clay Evans has been responsible for launching the ministerial careers of ninety-three people, including Mother Consuella York, the first female to be ordained in the Baptist Denomination in Chicago. He has been a leader in the Civil Rights Movement since 1965. He is the Founding National Board Chairman of the Rainbow (PUSH) Coalition (Founded by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.), holding this position for five years (1971-1976.)

He was the Founding President of the Broadcast Ministers’ Alliance of Chicago (BMA), Founding President and Chairman of the African American Religious Connection (AARC) (1989 to 2006), board member of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc., and Founding Board Member of the National Baptist Convention Housing Program. Reverend Clay Evans believed in supporting young people seeking a college education. Therefore, in May of 1975, The Clay Evans Scholarship Fund, presently known as The Clay Evans Scholarship Foundation (CE$F) was organized. CE$F was developed to provide awards and financial aid for average students with a GPA (grade point average) of 2.0.

Dr. Evans’ unmistakable voice has been heard on many albums with the award-winning Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Combined Choirs, and Recording Choir of the African American Religious Connection (AARC.)

Dr. Evans was an accomplished author who penned several books which provide authentic wisdom and spiritual inspiration. Some of them include: From Plough Handle to Pulpit, A Chat with the Elder, Gateway to an Abundant Life, and a book of Inspirational Sermons entitled “It Is No Secret What God Can Do.”

Reverend Evans was a convener, an ecumenical bridge builder, problem solver, and a humanitarian. He will be forever known throughout the world as The Godfather of ministers, preachers and pastors everywhere.