Elder John H. Hall Program

The Church at Worship

Reverend Clifton McDowell, Sr., Officiant

Senior Pastor, Church of God East New York

Presiding Elder, National Association of the Church of God

Call to Worship

Hymn of Celebration

Holy Scripture Readings

Old Testament – Psalm 34:1-8

“No, Not One”

Reverend Dr. James Dargan

Pastor Emeritus, Community Church of God, Newark, NJ

New Testament – Ephesians 6:10-13

Prayer of Comfort

Musical Tribute

Reverend Dr. James H. Barnes

Pastor Emeritus, Orient Church of God, Jersey City, NJ

Reverend Warren F. McDowell

Pastor, Prophetic COG, Paterson, NJ

Reverend Lois Key-Alexander

Pastor, Life Abundant Church of God, Trenton, NJ Tributes (2 minutes limit, please)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD

Reverend Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey, Chief Operating and Development Officer

NEW JERSEY STATE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF GOD

Reverend Rufus V. Strother, President

PROPHETIC CHURCH OF GOD

Reverend Warren F. McDowell

UNITED MINISTERS’ WIVES AND MINISTERS’ WIDOWS OF PATERSON AND VICINITY

Sister Rosa Williams, President

ELIZABETH CHURCH OF GOD FAMILY

Reverend Al Murkey

Acknowledgments and Reflections of Life

Minister Jacqueline Jones

Gilmore Memorial Tabernacle Look and Live Ministries, Paterson, NJ

Poem

Minister Scott O. Cumberbatch

Sister Valerie Chestnut, Daughter Sermonic Selection

Associate Minister, Prophetic Church of God & Minister of Music, NACOG

Homily

Military Presentation

Bragg Funeral Home Presentation

Benediction and Recessional

Bishop Timothy J. Clarke

Senior Pastor, First COG, Columbus, OH

Presiding Prelate, Berean Fellowship of Churches

United States Armed Forces

The Clergy Officials & The Family

*Repast will be held for family and invited guests only*

Interment – Monday, October 3, 2022

Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, New Jersey

On December 24, 1932, John Henry Hall was born to Arthur Hall and Roxie (Hall) Josey in Lulaton, Georgia. Soon thereafter, the family migrated to Paterson, New Jersey, where John would spend the rest of his life. John matriculated through the Paterson Public Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1949.

Soon after graduating, John met Mildred Yvonne Lewis, who would become the love of his life and his wife for 71 years. To their union was born two daughters, Yvonne and Valerie. He would also go on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1953, being stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX and Sanford Air Force Base, Geneva, NY. After being honorably discharged from his service, John returned to Paterson, NJ to continue raising his family.

John was an original member of the Prophetic Church of God, and at the time of his passing, he held the honor of being the last original member of the church dating back to its establishment in 1933. He would often tell stories of the church’s humble beginnings on Paterson Street and how they would worship.

Notably, John was also a Golden Gloves boxer in the city of Paterson, well known for his ability to move quickly and throw great punches. His skills gained him many recognitions and awards throughout the years.

In the 1960s, John heeded the call of God on his life, calling him into preaching ministry under the pastorate of his childhood Pastor, Rev. Walter Lee Damon. He continued to serve Prophetic faithfully as an associate minister. After Rev. Damon’s passing and with the blessing of his new Pastor (and Uncle by marriage) Rev. Joseph Copeland, in March 1964, the Lord led him to Elizabeth, New Jersey to plant a church there. He roamed the city and finally found an old bridal shop. He envisioned a nice, small meeting place, and from there, began to put the wheels in motion. He, along with his lifetime friend and buddy, Harry Harris, went daily and worked faithfully to prepare the new meeting place.

On June 14, 1964, the dream became a reality, and Elder Hall began the first service at 9:30 AM with their daughters and nieces in tow, along with families from the community. There were nearly fifty (50) people present for the initial service. By 1969, the church had outgrown that location and they were blessed to move to Livingston Street, which would be their home for 50 years.

During its existence and under the leadership of Pastor Hall, the Elizabeth Church of God many families were blessed through worship services, Bible Studies, soup kitchens and food pantries, the SHARE program, and annual Vacation Bible School assemblies. With no concern or hesitation, Elder Hall would travel from Paterson to Elizabeth multiple times per week, and if any member needed transportation, he was sure to pick them up and get them to the church on time.

Along with Elder Hall’s matriculation through Passaic County Community College and New York Bible Institute, he was bestowed an honorary doctorate from New Wine School of the Bible (Dennison, TX) in acknowledgement of over fifty (50) years of ministry.

To everything there is a season, a time, and a purpose under Heaven…

Professionally, Elder Hall was always known for his leadership abilities, and this was evident in all the positions he held for various corporations, leading up to his final secular position as Warehouse Manager for Tawil Associates of Carteret, New Jersey, from which he retired in the mid 1990s.

These skills were also manifested in all the positions he held within the State and National assemblies of the Church of God. Elder Hall served the New Jersey State Ministerial Conference of the Church of God as a two-time chairman, secretary, and treasurer. He also served as Chairman and lead teacher for the Evangelistic Christian Bible Institute. He also served as Campground Manager, Homeowners’ Association president, and Senior advisor for the National Association of the Church of God at West Middlesex, PA.

After fifty-five (55) years of service to the saints in Elizabeth, in September 2019, Pastor Hall made the decision to shutter the doors of the church and to return to his home church, Prophetic Church of God – now under the pastorate of his former Sunday School student, Pastor Warren F. McDowell. While not wanting to be an active associate minister, in honor of his years in ministry, Elder Hall was given the title of Elder Statesman at PCOG, which solidified his paternal role and leadership in ministry. Though no longer holding the role of Senior Pastor, he was an active example of leadership, offering sage advice and suggestions where and when necessary.

On Monday, September 19, 2022, just after 3:00 PM, Elder John Henry Hall traded time for eternity, bidding this world of sorrow goodbye. While his earthly presence will be missed, we know that he is at eternal rest in the arms of the Savior He preached and taught about.

Elder Hall was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings – Willie Hall, Arthur Hall, Albert Josey, and Mary Macedon.

Left to cherish his memory and his legacy are: his wife of seventy-one (71) years, Mildred Yvonne Lewis Hall; two daughters, Yvonne (David) and Valerie (Felix); five grandchildren, John J. (Brigett), David, Tameika, Jonathan (Tasha), and Tanea; ten great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Henrietta Josey; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, the Prophetic Church of God, the New Jersey State Ministerial Association, and the National Association of the Church of God families.

O, when I come to the end of my journey, Weary of life and the battle is won, Carrying the staff and the cross of redemption, He’ll understand and say, “Well done!”

We knew one day we would have to do this, but now, you’ve really left us. We had great times. Our family laughed together and made noise like there were 25 people when there only 4. Our hair always had to be neat, so we went to school with pigtails so tight, we couldn’t move our heads. (We both wear wigs now, so no need for bows and ribbons). Val would always take your good pens apart to see how they worked, and she always knew she would be in trouble.

I can recall a time I went out one night with your approval, came home on time, and you were asleep on the couch waiting. I didn’t try to wake you up; I just went to bed. (Sorry I never told you I was home). Well, we are now Seniors and all we are (with God’s guidance) is because of you and Mom. Your grands and great-grands have been and will be blessed because of you!