I remember some years ago now picking up The Afro Newspaper and turning straight to their Faith section where they would have church advertisements and articles. It was on that page that my eyes would be drawn to the advertisement from the First Baptist Church of Guilford. I loved looking at their ad because they didn’t just post when their services were. The other pastors on the page would put their picture, the name of their church, the times of their services, and leave it pretty much at that. But not First Baptist Church of Guilford. No. They would put all of that traditional stuff up there, but what really drew me in was the added message that their pastor, Dr. John L. Wright, would include with their listing. Pastor Wright wouldn’t include any old kind of message…it would be a provocative message…a thought provoking message…a message that was not customary from the clergy in Baltimore who tend to be socially conservative.
Take for instance this message he posted in The Afro on June 9, 2007: “How much impact do the Afro Americans and Black Caucus (Federal & State) have to empower our people?” For him it wasn’t just about trying to get people to visit his church. For him, it was about trying to get people to think. And then based on their thinking – to act.
Given his commitment to clergy activism, his ministerial legacy will be eternally tied to groups like the NAACP, The Baptist Minister’s Conference of Baltimore, and the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland, of which he is a former president who ushered the Convention into a heightened season of organizational and social impact.
On Thursday, January 28, 2010 11:50PM, after nearly 40 years of service to the First Baptist Church of Guilford, God called Pastor John L. Wright from labor to reward. Our prayers go out to his lovely wife, Ida Mitchell Wright, and daughter, Dr. Sheila Wright.
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Rev. Wright was my Pastor. My heart is heavy, but he would not want me to be sad. He would want me to be on my mission of Winning Souls to Christ.
I learned quite a bit from him in the time I grew up in Maryland. Well into a career at a young age; I can thank Pastor Wright for his teachings, and the methods of how he delivered his messages. Sorry I could not say goodbye Pastor, I will see you on the other side.
-Steve J McClurkin
Rest in peace Reverand Wright. You might not have known, but coming to First Baptist Church on Sundays and hearing your messages brought me through many trials and tribulations. My condolences to Mrs. Wright and family. I too would have liked to shake your hand one more time and to tell you thank you. You will be missed. May God bless and keep your soul in heaven.
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15
Pastor Brown, thank you for sharing this about my Pastor. The First Baptist Church, the United Baptist Missionary Conventiom , the city of Baltimore and the nation have lost a true man of God.
I consider myself blessed and honored to be able to attend First Baptist under the guidance of Rev. Wright. I am glad that I was able to speak to him and shake his hand at church one last time when I attended church one weekend when I was home from school. He gave me my first opportunity to play drums in a church and I am forever grateful. My prayers are with First Lady Wright and Ms. Sheila.
-VJ
Pastor Wright will truly be missed and will remain in my heart as a great man of God.
My prayers are with Mrs. Wright, Dr. Sheila Wright and the Wright family.
"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31
Rev. Wright became a part of my life in Baltimore at New Union Baptist Church. He was a great friend to my father Rev. Plennis Randall. He was my Scout leader. Rev. Wright even saved my life once when he gave me first aid after I received a severe cut from an accident.
I reconnected with him again when I was grown and just moved to an apartment on Guilford Road. I was visiting churches in the area and I attended one of his services. I didn't realize he was at First Baptist Church of Guilford. I was delighted to see him again.
I am sure there are many stories like mine that can give tribute to Rev. Wright. I am saddened too, but my fond memories of him over the last 45 years will last a lifetime. Be blessed, Wright family.
Sincerely,
Keith Randall
I thank God for a man of his word, his contributions in my life, the opportunities that he gave, I pray your soul is at rest, no more worries, no cares, only peace now. Thank you, My prayers are wih you Sis. Wright and Sheila, just remember that God keeps His promises. Luv you, Joan Summers
We thank God for a man name "John L. Wright" who shared and cared for many of his disciples, near and far from Baltimore to Phoenix, AZ. We truly miss our FBCOG family and friends, especially our Pastor & friend, since our departure Oct. 2008. We still cannot believe he is no longer with us, but his memories will linger in our hearts. I remember one of his tag lines on Sunday morning, telling the congregation, to smile, take those lemons and make "lemonade" he wanted you to smile, because You Got Up this morning, only God woke you up this morning". Another tag line: "stay in your lane". Pastor Wright enjoy your rest in Jesus Christ! Our prayers of peace is with you Mrs. Wright and Sheila.
I grew up in First Baptist under Rev Wright. I started there when I was 9 and remained there until God moved me to another church in my 30s. But Sheila and I grew up together and will always be one of my dearest friends. I've always considered First Baptist my home. I will always love that church and my former church family. I love you Rev Wright. Thank you for your years spent in God's service. Prayers for Mrs. Wright and Sheila
I will always remember Reverend Wright as one of the greatest pastors. His messages were always so timely that I just knew he had received revelation from Heaven. The last time I heard him speak he had quoted Psalm 139:23. The sound of his voice will remain in my ear forever: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me… and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." My prayers, my love go to Mrs. Wright and Sheila. Reverend Wright spent his life bringing people to Christ. His light will never be extinguished.
I bless God for placing me and my family under the wings of Rev. Wright and FBC of Guilford in 1987. From the moment that I set foot in Guilford and heard Rev. Wright preaching on "Can't see the Forest for the Trees", I knew that this was my church home. Rev. Wright came from a stock of old preachers that are not made anymore, it seems. No foolishnish, in decency and in order, not lazy, Start on Time and Stop on Time, Stay in Your Lane kind of preacher. I loved him and his ways of doing things. When we went to Ghana, Togo and Benin in 2005, I got to know Rev. Wrikght. And guess what, He was the same Rev. Wright that we saw every Sunday. A true, honest and Holy man of God. I miss you Rev. Wright. Mrs. Wright I love you. Sheila, your Dad was "One of a Kind". There will never be another. Be blessed.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pastor John Wright. It was under his leadership that I accepted the call to the gospel ministry and was ordained under him. I spent several years serving under this great man of God. I would not be who I am today without him. May God bless the family.
Rev. Robert J. Butler, pastor First Trinity MBC, Jeffersonville, In
My name is Prince, one of the five adopted son's of Rev John Wright in Ghana West Africa.Umm when I first heard this saddened new's of our beloved dad I just started praying for him and myself.He has been the reason why the five boys are surviving now but we pray that his soul rest in peace.Oh daddy you took us from the street and gave us education and we wish to have completed school before you leaving us.Daddy, was very kind and discipline man and he discipline us when we make wrong move.He was a man who care for the needy and the poor.We know that daddy's soul is resting in perfect peace in the arms of the father.We love you very much daddy.We are with the whole family in prayers and in one spirit.Not forgetting the love of our mum Mrs Wright Ida and our sister sheila..prince
My name is Cameron Miles. I wanted to offer my condolences and prayers to the family of Pastor John Wright. Rev. Wright was a giant in this world. He truly cared about the little guy. Over the years as I tried to organize people to reform the Juvenile system in Maryland, it was Rev. Wright who always made time for me in his office and on the phone. He was truly a mentor to me and will be truly missed. Rev. Wright was a humble man and poured his heart out, his energy, and his ear for all kinds of issues and all kinds of people. I visited his church on many occasions and he preached the "Word" and told you like it was. I am proud to have known Rev. Wright and will never forget all the things he shared with me. This world is a better place because of Rev. John Wright. Thank you to the family for sharing Rev. Wright with all of us.
I WILL MISS YOU REV WRIGHT
Rev Wright may your soul rest in perfect peace