Although Emeritus Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., now resides in Atlanta and is no longer present in Milwaukee, his impact is still remembered. Many recall how he edified the Word in Bible Study, pastored, prayed, preached, sang, taught, and showed love not only to CTK members, strangers, and Milwaukee residents, but also to people in Guatemala, Malawi, and around the world. People often ask, “Where would I be without Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., guiding and directing me to Jesus Christ?” Today, as he enjoys retirement, the world honors and salutes him. Happy Birthday, Sir!
Renowned, Remarkable, & Replenished Leadership at Christ The King Baptist Church by Emeritus Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr.
Special Memorable Moments with Emeritus Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr.
Birthday Prayer, Traditional Irish blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
We Pray, In JESUS’ NAME.
All done for you, Emeritus Pastor Mac, by Journalist Jude. All Over The World, we love you!
CTK’s Founder’s Day Celebration began with a Gala Dance on Good Friday, July 18th, at Discovery World, a Five-star dining event comprised of scrumptious food, sincere fellowship & friendship, and sensational speakers and songs. There were no comedians in sight, but the laughter of memories shared from other pulpit ministers about Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., and First Lady Marilynn made the monologues worthwhile and entertaining. Listeners could hear the genuine camaraderie from their recollection of events.
Sunday Morning’s Somber Yet Celebratory Moment as Pastor John Wesley McVicker Preaches His Final Sermon as Pastor of Christ The King Baptist Church.
Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr.. Remembers
“Before I share these few words with you, I want to thank these Pastors who made a shift in their schedule, this is Sunday morning. Thank you so much. We’ve known each other for 40, 30, 25, 15 years. Most of us were not preachers when our paths first crossed, but God so ordained it that He would use us as preachers and pastors, and our friendship has sustained all these years.”
There are a number of CTK members who relocated to other cities and returned to sit in a pew, sang in the choir, spoke on camera, or in front of the congregation.
“We had a grand time on Friday night. It was an amazing event celebrating 40 years of this ministry. Those who worked and attended. We had a sold-out banquet and a waiting list to come to the Gala that is beyond words.”
Pastor McVicker acknowledged his family, children, and grandchildren, who are from out of town. His son, John Wesley McVicker, Jr., performed on the drums at four years old. “He stood up and leaned back on the seat, but he could keep time. He played in grade school, middle school, and high school. His job was being the drummer for all the choirs.”
Let me begin by thanking Marilynn for making tremendous sacrifices as my partner in ministry.
For more detailed information, please click on the link below.
Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr.. Recites
Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., traveled through time commemorating the sermons he preached from the pulpit with the central theme of Jesus Christ.
On Good Friday, July 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., members of Christ The King Baptist Church and supportive clergy from across the city and state joyfully gathered at Discovery World to honor two extraordinary milestones: the church’s 40th Founders’ Celebration and the well-deserved retirement of Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr. The evening radiated with uplifting music, shared meals, and powerful speeches, all centering on a jubilant celebration of Pastor McVicker’s enduring, positive impact on Milwaukee, CTK, and the wider community.
In spirited anticipation of this milestone, CTK members united in a generous outpouring of support and heartfelt appreciation before Pastor McVicker’s cheerful retirement and the joyful installation of Executive Pastor Treyvon Sinclair, Sr. Members who were able gave $1,000 each to help clear the church’s mortgage, demonstrating the event’s spirit of communal generosity and legacy. This spirit permeated all aspects of the celebration.
Souvenir Booklet Ads
To honor this occasion, parishioners, clergy, and businesses contributed souvenir ads celebrating Pastor McVicker, Sr., and First Lady Marilynn. Ad messages reflected gratitude and appreciation, reinforcing the event’s central themes of leadership and legacy. The souvenir book thus became a significant tribute to both the church and its leadership.
Once a buyer sent an email with all required information and payment to Chairperson Vivian King or a committee member, a binding contract was created. Upon acceptance of the ad offer and receipt of payment, the ad was included in the souvenir book. Each member was responsible for purchasing their own ad, regardless of employment status, and no complimentary ads were provided. Furthermore, if any changes to the ad or contract were made by the committee without the buyer’s written consent, the agreement would be considered void.
The Anniversary Committee did not notify buyers about issues or missing materials with their ads, as all necessary items had already been included in the original submission emails. Thus, the confirmed contract and payment ensured the souvenir book accurately reflected the McVicker Family’s positive legacy.
Here is an example to view:
Commentary Note:
Anniversary Committees should note that if an ad contract is not properly negotiated and confirmed by both the buyer and the seller, any party—including the local church and its Anniversary Committee Members—may be held liable for breach of contract, fraud, or negligence. Once both parties have signed the contract and payment has been made, the agreement becomes legally binding. Additionally, any uncorrected errors in the ad could void the agreement due to breach of contract.
A diverse array of ads filled the souvenir book, unified by admiration for Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., and First Lady Marilynn. In turn, their Retirement Celebration gathered the community, highlighting the far-reaching influence Pastor McVicker had throughout his service, a true reflection of the event’s significance.
A wide array of esteemed clergy and churches from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and across the nation contributed ads to the souvenir book, each honoring Pastor and First Lady McVicker’s legacy and reflecting the deep bonds within the faith community.
Welcoming
As guests joyfully enjoyed their meals, an atmosphere of celebration filled the room with uplifting melodies and heartfelt congratulations for Pastor McVicker’s retirement, further strengthening the focus on honoring his cherished ministry and the church’s remarkable milestone. This celebratory mood carried through the remainder of the evening.
Sensational speeches followed, culminating in a final toast to Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., which seamlessly transitioned into personal reflections and tributes from his peers
“Pastor taught you how to keep a woman,” said Pastor Eldridge Sims.
Although at the crowning moment, Pastor allowed his brothers in the ministry to give him his flowers. This gesture underscored the significance of the collective contributions to his journey.
Two leading clergy who were unable to attend the finale still placed an ad in the book, ensuring their participation was felt.
Excused for illness: Dr. Archie Ivy (New Hope Missionary Baptist Church), His son, Rev. Reginald Ivy, came for support.
Excused for work: Pastor, Dr. Joe Albert Bush, Sr..
After the speeches and supper, guests joyfully commemorated the night with photos, capturing memories filled with laughter and affection. The celebration then concluded upstairs with spirited dancing led by the DJ, bringing the evening to a joyous and unforgettable close.
On Sunday, July 6th—Communion and Baptismal Sunday—Rev. Keith Evans from Greater Mount Eagle delivered the morning message in honor of his mentor, Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr. He reflected on Pastor McVicker’s influence and legacy at CTK during this service, which commemorated the 40th anniversary of Pastor McVicker’s retirement farewell and celebrated his decades of leadership and impact on the church.
Church Worship
Church Welcoming Prayer by Rev. Keith Evans
Father, we thank you for this time and gathering together for worship. For every element and component of today’s worship. For our time together in prayer and praise. For the baptism and the Communion, we will share. And we bow today, Lord, to say thank you for 40 years of pastoral leadership. We thank you, God, for our founding shepherd. The Angel of the house that you have set in place, both he and his companion, and their faithful service for 40 years. Today, God, we pause to also acknowledge your hand of grace upon the following pastor. Executive Pastor, pastor elect. We pray God, your continued love upon him as he serves in succession, and we pray God, as the Bible has shown us the example of Elijah and Elisha, bless him, God, with a double portion. to serve and be faithful in your kingdom. Thank you today, God, for Christ the King Church, its music ministry, the music staff, the deacons, the hospitality team, and the church staff, for every measure and component of this work. God, we give you thanks. Now, for this preaching moment, we pray God that it will honor you and that it will yield fruit in your kingdom, that it will encourage the servant pastor. We give you praise in Jesus’ Name. Let the church say AMEN.
By Rev. Keith Evans
Church Witness from Rev. Evans
“We thank God for you, Pastor. You prayed for us when we couldn’t pray for ourselves and watched over our souls, keeping the ground fertile for us to grow. We’re grateful for you and your wonderful companion, Mama Marilynn—birthday greetings and beyond. Together, you are a dynamic duo. I sit up straighter around Mama, as educators have that effect. She inspires us to speak well and mind our manners, and we thank God for that.”
“Help me salute Pastor-elect and my nephew, Treyvon Sinclair, Sr. There are two here today, looking like twins—both fine young men. I met Pastor Treyvon as a faithful young lad, like David tending sheep. God’s hand has been on him all his life. He is a preaching machine. As a freshman, he preached so powerfully at Greater Mount Eagle that it drew envy from others, even sparking unfounded accusations. Despite this, he excelled and stood out. I had to say, “Man, sit down and be quiet.”
I want to acknowledge the best part of me! Sister Evans. There she is! and the best part of us, Michaiah, our baby girl. She is a graduate in the class of 2025 from Grambling State University. So we praise God for her and all that He’s doing in her life.
Christ The King, I love you. Yah been really good to me. Kind. And, I’m like Michael Jackson, don’t stop until you get enough. Keep on.
Minister Daphne, God bless you. You blessed Greater Mount Eagle last Sunday.
Church, Word of God, Proclamation from Rev. Evans
Next, Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., shares words of appreciation and thanksgiving to Rev. Evans and extends an invitation to discipleship
“Now Isaiah had said, ‘Let them take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil, that he may recover’ (Isaiah 38:21). Like the Prophet Isaiah, Dr. Howell continued to offer wise advice until the end of her life. Please keep the CTK family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
On Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, Christ The King Baptist Church Celebrated Youth Month with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Sipho Mhlanga. A magnitude of events took place during morning worship. Brother Gordon Mathews retired from the Youth Ministry after 35 years, and grateful Mhlanga rewarded little Jacob for graciously introducing him, without knowing him, before his sermon. Tune in below for a recap of Sunday’s events.
Announcement Reminders
A Review of Sunday’s Service
Invocation Prayer: A Prayer Before Service
Youth Video Appreciation by Youth Director Lawrence Bell
“It’s so hard to say Goodbye to Yesterday”-Gordon Matthew Retires!
Altar Prayer
Jacob Introduces & Welcomes Rev. Dr. Mhlanga to the Pulpit
Prayer of Protection plus “I will show you faith by my works,” James 2: 18.
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:10, King James Version.
Sermon entitled: Stronger
“I am stronger because of God’s perpetual presence.” “My present pain sets me up for an eternal gain.”
“The affliction is momentary, The glory is eternal.”
“These trials are small potatoes. These bills are small potatoes,” Mhlanga added.
Mhlanga said, “Thank you, Bishop Timothy Wright. “I’m so glad trouble don’t last always. Weeping may endure for a night. Keep the faith it will be alright!”
“I’m stronger because what you thought would break me built me.”
“What you thought would make me fold, and lose my mind was the very thing that set me up to be better than I have ever been.”
“Thank you for how you treated me!” “Thank you for how you neglected me!”
For more detailed information, could one please go to Christ The King Baptist Church’s website or YouTube Channel to view the entire service?
On Sunday, May 18th, 2025, Founders Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., and First Lady Marilynn McVicker celebrated with Executive Pastor Treyvon Sinclair, members of the pulpit, CTK’s parishioners, and guest speaker of the hour, Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler accompanied by his wife Attorney Butler all reminiscing collectively of how Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr, First Lady Marilynn McVicker, and CTK labored in love for 40 consecutive years at home and overseas. The Theme stemmed from the acronym ACTS.
A- Aligned with the Acts Church, C-Captured the Vision, T-Traveling Life’s Better Way S-Seeking & Following JESUS.
At the beginning of service, Founding members received silver crystal decorative plaques from the Administration and distributed by both the Office Manager, Mrs. Nicole Elms, and the Director of Ministry and Program Development, Mrs. Cynthia Stewart for the founders’ steadfastness, unmovable and unwavering faith in the ministry.
Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler’s Response to those Contributing Members who have Passed on to Eternity
“Thank you, God. I have sensed beloved the spirits of the ancestors are with us now. Those who toiled and labored in this work and they have entered into the rest of God.”
“There’s that passage in the book of Hebrew that says, “And they without us will not be made perfect.”
“And over 40 years, Pastor McVicker has stood at this dispatch box and declared the Good Word over the fallen frames of faithful servants, and we dare not celebrate today without thanking God for their contributions to this work of ministry.”
“You know their names, and they sat right next to you. They were your prayer partners. They volunteered in the work of ministry alongside you and today, they are leaning over the battlements of glory, telling you to run on to see what the end will be. (Rev) Brenda Sheets, (Deacon) Marvin Bell, and Deacon Croft, Michael McVicker. Call their names. You know them, and today, we thank God for what the hymn writer says that we share with them a Mystic Communion.”
Deacon Marvin BellDeacon D. CroftMichael McVicker
Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler’s Response to Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr.
“But thanks to God for His keeping power. God’s preservation of this congregation that stands not just in this city but across this country stands as an Exemplar of Innovation and Vibrancy in Christian Ministry, and that would not be possible except God gave you through the personality of a man who stands a cut above the rest. One whose spirit is both capacious and magnanimous. Whose heart has been devoted solely to the work of our God and of his Christ and whose hands have advanced that commitment through the work that we now behold. I’m talking about the inimitable and the indomitable John Wesley McVicker, Sr. God be praised for him. God Be Praise! Yes, Lord!”
Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler’s Response to First Lady Marilynn McVicker
“And he does not stand alone. There is a quiet storm behind him, and she knows how to control the fire. And over these four decades, she has been a shining example of one whose purity of spirit coupled with ebony, beauty, and dignity unquestioned has provided for him the kind of shelter in the time of storm.”
Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler’s Response to Attorney La Keisha Butler, his Wife, Joining Him for CTK’s 40 Birthday Party Celebration
“La Keisha usually lets me travel alone, but she made sure that she was here today so that together we might express publicly–our gratitude and our appreciation for them! When God gives you gifts, you, spiritual parents, people who will share with you freely out of their experiences, both successes and failures, and who will not try to shape you in their image but will call you to hear the voice of God for yourself! That’s a special thing! All of us here today are immensely blessed because God thought enough of us to place them (Pastor McVicker & First Lady Marilynn) in our lives. Amen.”
Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler’s Response to Executive Pastor Treyvon Sinclair
“Let me say this word about our Pastor Elect with whom I share two beloved alma matas. You are doubly blessed because God did not leave you with one who is unprepared for the task. Amen.”
I am reminded at the opening of the Book of Joshua, As God says to Pastor Elect Sinclair, “As I have been with Pastor McVicker, so I will be with you.”
Acts 5:17 Unstoppable!
“Forty years later, you’re still on the wall. You’re still doing the work. You’re still lifting high the name of Jesus. Forty years later still, giving scholarships. 40 years later still, still convening health ministries. Forty years later, still empowering women and children. 40 years later, still bringing men together to lift their hands before the Lord. 40 years later! Time will tell, and time will talk,” said Butler.
Butler added, ” Gamaliel said, If it is not of God, it will come to nothing. But, if it is of God, sometimes you have to shut your mouth and let God do the talking on your behalf. And won’t he do it? Won’t He show your enemies how favor He’s given you? Won’t he open a door that no man can shut? Won’t he shut doors that no man can open? Won’t he make crooked places straight and rough places smooth? Won’t the Glory of God be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” “Won’t He do it! Didn’t He do it? Hasn’t He done it? And guess what, He’ll do it again!”
Butler connected, “Oh, praise his name. Oh, praise his name. Oh, praise his name. Can you open your mouth and thank God for forty years of Victory? Forty years of success in ministry. Forty years of opening the doors of the church. Forty years of Serving Disciples. Forty years of preaching the Good News, and He ain’t done yet!” Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!”
“For Forty years, I’ve only asked people to bring their unchurched friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors, and they did it, and we outgrew the space. We were six months as a congregation, and we had already outgrown the space. The late Dr. H. Matthew Beecham, Pastor at the Cannan Baptist Church, was a good friend, and he called me late at night, as some of you know.”
Rev. H. Matthew Beecham became Pastor of Cannan Baptist Church in 1956.
“Dr. Beecham.” “Doc, I know where there is a building.” He told me about the property on Leon Terrance. A few of us went there and toured the building, and they were saying,
“They can’t get that building-they ain’t been around long enough to get the building.” “And I asked the congregation to say, “We got to raise some money put down on this building,” and so we raised our part!
“And, North Milwaukee State Bank was our bank, and Ken Little, he was a loan officer, and we were six months old, and he wrote up the paperwork believed in us. I asked the people to raise the money because we were new, so they wanted us to put a good get in a lot. The people saved it, and we bought the building.
We marched from the Vel Phillips. We got in our little cars and drove down Capitol Drive and came around there on Leon Terrace, and we outgrew that, and while we were growing, I said, “We need to get rid of this mortgage.” I just asked. You saw the picture. We burned the mortgage, and we kept growing. We had two services. People were parking all around Fond du Lac and all up by Shiloh trying to get to that church. We didn’t know where to park. We didn’t know where they were parking, and if you didn’t get there first, you had to sit around a corner and watch the service on television, and there was no screen like that it was a TV.
“We marched from the Vel Phillips. We got in our little cars and drove down Capitol Drive and came around there on Leon Terrace, and we outgrew that, and while we were growing, I said, “We need to get rid of this mortgage.” I just asked. You saw the picture. We burned the mortgage, and we kept growing. We had two services. People were parking all around Fond du Lac and all up by Shiloh trying to get to that church. We didn’t know where to park. We didn’t know where they were parking, and if you didn’t get there first, you had to sit around a corner and watch the service on television, and there was no screen like that it was a TV.”
I was driving one day to Northridge when Northridge was still somewhere to go because we had been looking all around for land- Archdiocese was selling their property, and we kind of didn’t want that because it wasn’t- you know? There is a difference between form and function and the forms would not function for our traditions, and we have exhausted every opportunity. We didn’t know what we were going to do, and I was going to Northridge, and I came up to 60th Street.
I drove past this property. Julietta Henry was working for the city at that time, and I called her. You know that’s when we had like when your cell phone was in a bag. Some of you all like in a bag? But some of you all know. When I called Julietta, I said,
“I just came past this vacant lot. Can you see who owns this?”
She told me it belonged to another church-I knew the Pastor and so the Lord told me to ask him for it.
I said, “Lord, I can’t ask that man for his property.” Sitting in my office late one night, about 10 pm, and I called him. After all the Salutations, “Hey, What’s happening?” “How are you doing? “Hey, John, How.”
The Lord was like, “Ask!” And I said, “Man, you know that land you own on 60th and Port? I’ve never heard of Port before.” He said, “Yeah.” And just like I’m quiet, I was because I was trying to get it out. I said, “I need that land.” “And he didn’t say anything.”
“I thought he was going to cuss like, “Man, what the hell are you talking about? You know something like, you know, I don’t know what he was going to say, but this is what he said,”
“John, you don’t know how timely this call is because I’m in Texas, and our church has already met, and we’re going to put a sign For Sale sign on that when I get back because we found another building that we’re going to buy.”
The Memorial Service, although short in length, is deep in depth. Remembering may help others to push toward the mark and finish the race. Don’t give up, and don’t give in. Aim for the prize, so one day, the common goal is to hear the following:
All are welcome to attend this Memorial Service. Membership is not a requirement. If one has a deceased loved one, come, pray, and remember.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the personal impact of Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., of Christ The King Baptist Church. He has been an exceptional Pastor, Preacher, Prayer Warrior, Singer, and Teacher. His teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have not only kept the parishioners on the path of faith but also made each parishioner feel valued and appreciated, from a simple hello, greetings at the door, counseling sessions, writing letters of recommendation, or listening to problems over the telephone. His influence has kept many connected to their spiritual roots, steadfast in the church’s mission and ministry, and a better Christian leader, parishoner, in the church, at work, and home.
His selfless dedication to the service of others is truly inspiring. No one can deny the labor of love he has taught us through his teachings in Bible Study or from the pulpit. Forty years of precise, profound, and prophetic teachings from the Books of the Bible that made each Christian hunger and quest for more knowledge to be able to tell the Gospel, but also live it therein. From church to church, from city to city, no one can preach the Gospel like Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr. For that, we, members of Christ The King Baptist Church, are grateful to Jesus Christ for allowing him to quit the Milwaukee Fire Department and preach the Gospel. He saved lives from burning buildings, but he also redirected souls from going to a burning Hell, for that we are thankful.
We also thank First Lady Marilynn McVicker for agreeing to stay in Milwaukee back in the day around the kitchen table and supporting Pastor in his vision. She was a pillar for her husband by being Director of the Youth Program, starting Kings Academy, working with the choir, and more.
Choir Director, Irene Hamdlin
We are also grateful for Irene Hamdlin, aka Inky, for saying a long time ago at that kitchen table with only him, First Lady Marilynn McVicker, and herself, hearing of Pastor’s vision to leave the fire department and build a church. Irene said, “What are you gonna do?” This question sparked a conversation that led to a collective vision and a shared mission for our church.
At that moment, Pastor decided to remain in Milwaukee and preach the Gospel. Inky said, “We’re going to have the best choir.”
Three phenomenal teachers were on a mission, ordained by JESUS CHRIST, to fulfill their calling. Christ The King Baptist Church is better because they fulfilled their calling as teachers. As you read about their lives, take a moment to look introspectively and see how JESUS CHRIST is calling you. What does he want you to do with the gifts and talents He has given you? This reflection is crucial for our personal growth and the growth of our church community.
He, referring to Jesus Christ, has no hands, but we, the members of Christ The King Baptist Church, have hands. We are the instruments of His work on earth. He has no feet, but we have feet. Surrender your life to JESUS CHRIST like Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., did with others and allow him to take hold of you.
I heard a preacher say this long ago while I was getting my hair done at Maranatha Beauty Salon. I loved it when the late Ernestine Tucker listened to sermons in the shop. The preacher said, “You let that man use you. He used you and still left you. Now, let the Lord use you. He knows just how to use you!”
Reporter Jude 