Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church recently held a program of dedication to rename the church fellowship hall in honor of a former pastor, the Rev. Japan Holmes. Holmes served as lead pastor of Miller Grove Church from February 1979 through December 2000. 

During his 21 years of tenure at Miller Grove, Holmes spoke to the congregation from what is now the fellowship hall. 

“God blessed us to build a new sanctuary, and we were able to turn the old church into our fellowship social hall,” said Geraldine Tremble, wife of Miller Grove’s current pastor, the Rev. Harry J. Tremble, Jr. “This is the building where Rev. Holmes preached so many soul-stirring sermons, and we as a congregation would like to remember and honor his legacy by renaming our fellowship social hall in his name.”

The hall was renamed “The Rev. Japan and Sister Carrie Holmes Social Hall.”

Holmes and his wife are both deceased. The couple’s three sons and their wives were in attendance for the honorary program. 

Japan Holmes Jr. and wife Patricia; Bernard and Deborah Holmes, and Calvin and Loraine Holmes sat on the front pew and smiled in remembrance as several church members spoke of their beloved former pastor. 

“He came in with a warm heart,” said Betty Tremble. “The church began to grow, and we had so much going on, we had to remodel and add on.”

Deacon Russell Moore said, “I always credit Rev. Holmes with teaching us how to love each other. He left love here.”

The Rev. Clinton Raymond continued that sentiment and said, “We honor and respect him because he’s still within the walls of Miller Grove. He still lives in our hearts. He planted seeds and now his words are bearing fruit in those he taught. 

“He called us his children,” said Johnnie Sue Fye.  

During the time of worship, the choir and congregation sang some of Holmes’ favorite songs, like “He’s a Battle Axe.” 

When asked about his father’s passion for Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Japan Holmes Jr. said, “My father had an uncanny way of looking at people for who they could become rather than who they are. And for this, he felt that love was always the key to opening up to people. He always felt that with love, people are more apt to listen to you, to do what you ask of them and to return that love.”

Holmes Jr. also said, “My father always taught us to be the best we can be, despite our circumstances and conditions. He always reminded us that although some people may judge you based on the way you look, that in the end, more people will judge you based on the work that you do.”

The oldest of the three sons said he treasured and appreciated the fact that his father worked hard to assure provisions for the family. 

“What I treasured most is how he was able to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table during a time when injustices among black people were running rampant. And through all of this, he still maintained his integrity and his dignity,” he said. 

Calvin Holmes also spoke of his dad’s work ethic. 

“In addition to being pastor to as many as five churches at one time in Savannah and Statesboro, his main job was as a plant worker at a paper plant. Twenty-five years and never missed a day. And he worked part time for a real-estate agent, too. His faith in God and his willingness to do whatever it took to feed his family are values that I use to this day,” he said.

Holmes’ family members were presented with a paper copy of the plaque that will hang in the fellowship hall, dedicating the fellowship and social hall to their parents in recognition of 21 years of service at Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church.