Rev. J.T. McHan
FROM A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE written by Judith Celmer in February 1983 For a man who's been a pastor at Smyrna's Sharon Baptist Church for the past 24 years, the Rev. JT McHan retired from his ministry on an ironic note. About 30 years ago, McHan recalls, he held his first revival in Austin Avenue Baptist Church in Marietta. Last Sunday night, after his last day 'on the job' at Sharon Baptist, Rev. McHan wrapped up a 3-day revival -- at Austin Avenue Baptist Church. For McHan, however, retirement carries with it a whole new shade of meaning. "I don't think you ever really retire from the ministry," he said. adding that his plans for the future include ministerial work such as conducting revivals and Bible Conferences. McHan's path to ministry was a roundabout one, begun with a feeling more than anything else. "I felt The Call," he said. He was a Marine in World War II, undecided about his future, but he had an early premonition of the ministry. "I just felt the Lord wanted me there." After his stint in the army, McHan took a job at the Atlantic Metal Casket Company, where he worked as plant manager for 22 years. He talks of feeling a 'tumoil' in his life ten, knowing what he felt, and also knowing that "I was not in the Will of God". McHan said he answered The Call at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Macland Road, assisting Pastor Hovie Lister for four years. It was there, in 1958, that he was ordained as a minister. At the same time, McHan was pastoring part-time at Sharon Baptist Church on South Cobb Drive in Smyrna. McHan later left the Atlanta-based casket company and took a job with an insurance company, working out of JL Couch Funeral Home in the Bolton area. The travel involved with insurance sales easily combined with ministering, and McHan worked a duo-occupation for about a year before being asked to come on as full-time pastor of Sharon. Accepting that offer, McHan recalls, was one step closer to the goal. "I felt it was The Will of God. It was not a hard decision." In a word, the transition from the secular to the pastoral was 'frightening'. McHan recalls, the one hardest adjustment was a decrease in salary. For the son of a minister, the adjustment didn't really prove to be too difficult. On of his major goals as a minister, McHan said, "Was to establish a local church here -- and build the facilites to take care of it." And he did. McHan today says he can recall as a high point, the Sunday back in June of 1965, when he and his congregation marched as a group from the original, little white church into the newly constructed sanctuary. A larger church, he said "was a necessity. The church started growing, and we simply needed more room." Along with a new church came other new 'buildings'. Five years later, a 3 story educational building was completed, and three houses were bought by the church, being used for youth and senior citizen activities, and as lodging for visiting ministers. McHan's retirement is enhanced by the freedom of knowing that "everything's paid for, " he said. In addition, funds are set aside to continue the church's mission work when the new pastor steps on board, "and that's great!" McHan exclaimed. Rev. W.R. (Billy) Rabern, Jr., who is current pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church, will take over sometime this month, related McHan. Through their Pioneer Mission work, Sharon Baptist Church is extending itself to Ohio and Wisconsin. "The Bible teaches us to evangelize and 'Preach The Word'. We believe we start here, take care of our people and our families, but then 'spread out.' McHan explained. Over 20 ministers have come out of Sharon Baptist Church since Rev. McHan has been pastor. He -- and his wife of 40 years, Brooke -- have seen a church 'family' of 60 grow into a congregation of about 900 in the span of 24 years. Looking back over his near quarter-century at Sharon, Rev. Mac, as he is called, talks with pride about a church and congregation that has become such an integral part of his life. He recalls a bond program the church instituted for the needed sanctuary in which every bond was sold to church members. He also tells of 91 year old James B. Barron - the oldest member of Sharon Church- who still drives himself to Morning Worship every week. Asked about the most memprable event in his career, Rev. McHan answers with out pause, "It's a continual thing. When someone accepts Christ, it's a miraculous thing. Their life is changed." Looking at the changes over the years, McHan sees a paradox in trends. One on hand, during McHan's first years in ministry, "People cared more about their faith. People were more church-going then," he said. Today, with stores, bars and entertainment facilities open on Sunday, there's a tremendous breakdown in morals." On the other hand, and on a more positive note, McHan sees more of a "spiritual hunger, or, if you will, a 'need' for God. I really couldn't say why, unless it's the recession, or loss of jobs." The Rev. J.T. McHan says he is 'from the conservsative, fundamental school". and as a leader in the Southern Baptist Faith, holds the Bible as literally true. He re-emphasizes his plans to stay active in the ministry saying, "I do have some plans for revival services this Spring." As a post-script, McHan was honored this past Sunday, February 27, with a surprise party called, "This Is Your Life" given in honor by the congregation at Sharon Baptist. "I've never been so surprised in my life!" McHan exclaimed. There were close to 700 people who attended that celebration. "They brought people in from my childhood; one of my old school teachers; people I used to work with. The church was packed down with hundreds of friends and family. I almost went into shock. I felt very loved that day." And he is. Not only by his natural family, but by his "church family", as well. Proof of that was when McHan was given the high distinction of being named Pastor Emeritus of Sharon Baptist Church. It's safe to say that you've not seen the last of "Preacher Mac" at Sharon Baptist, or in Cobb County. And THAT is a blessing, in itself.
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