St. John Baptist Church in Aberdeen will celebrate the Rev. Jimmy L. Gilchrist’s 25th pastoral anniversary for his dedicated leadership Monday, March 15 through Sunday, March 21.

Gilchrist is a native of Fairmont, and presently resides in Lumberton. He graduated from the former Rosenwald High School in 1964, Shaw University in 1968, and Shaw Divinity in 1981.

Gilchrist accepted to responsibility as pastor of St. John Baptist Church in March 1979 at the age of 32. For the past 25 years, he has led St. John in promoting the Christian growth to a higher degree.

Gilchrist was also elected Moderator of the Pee Dee Association in the year 2001 and was elected as president of the Robeson County Black Caucus. In 2003, he was elected to the African American Caucus of Robeson County Democratic Party.

Before coming to St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Gilchrist pastored the Pleasant Grove Church in St. Pauls and Antioch Baptist Church in Proctorville. Gilchrist retired in 1999 as Court Counselor of the 16th Judicial District after thirty years of service. He is the owner and editor of The Tri-County Times, a black newspaper.

He is married to Carolyn Campbell Gilchrist who is employed by Southeastern Regional Medical Center as a hospice worker. They are the proud parents of Miranda Gilchrist who is an 8th grade science teacher at John Griffin Middle School of the Cumberland County Schools.

Speakers include Rev. Harry Bowman, Pastor, Spring Branch Baptist Church, Wagram, NC on Monday, March 15 at 7 pm. The Rev. N.P. Brodie, Pastor, Greater First Baptist Church, Fayettville on Tuesday, March 16 at 7 pm. The Rev. Anna Byrd, Pastor, Marsh Chapel AME Zion, Jackson Springs, Wednesday, March 17 at 7 pm. Dr. Cureton Johnson, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Fayettville, Banquet Speaker, Friday, March 19 at 7 pm. Dr. J.C. Harris, First Baptist Church, Statesville, Sunday, March 21 at 11 am.