ABOUT REV. B. F. JOHNSON
Rev. Johnson, son of the late Maggie Johnson, was born September 8, 1911 in Ware Shoale, SC. He attended elementary school in Ware Shoale, SC. He along with his mother, his brother, Ben, and his three sisters; Annie, Lydie, and Lillian migrated to Philadelphia, PA in 1926. It was there that he attended Central High School and graduated at the top of his class.
Rev. Johnson attended church services at Morris Chapel upon arrival in Philadelphia. He professed Jesus Christ as his personal saviour and was baptized. He later joined Christian Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of his cousin, the late Rev. Madison Puckett. He received his calling to teach and attended the Philadelphia College of the Bible, graduating in 1947.
In September of 1936, Rev. Johnson met and fell in love with Eva Neely and they were married on March 11, 1937. To this union five children were born; Barbara Johnson Hollis, Marcella Johnson Travaglin, Olin Chester Johnson, Sharon Johnson Savage and Trideena Johnson Dutton.
His desire to start a church became a reality. He started in the back room of his home at 2508 West Diamond Street in 1949. In early 1950, the church moved to the home of Deacon and Mrs. Matthew Shell, Sr. at 2347 West Jefferson Street. In the late 1950s, the church moved to 1808 North 12th Street. Because of the increase in membership, Pastor Johnson purchased the building at 1632-34 North 26th Street. Open Door Baptisth Church continued to grow to well over 2,000 members.
The Lord really blessed Pastor Johnson because of the fruits of his labor of reaching men, women, boys and girls with his daily walks through the streets of Philadelphia. He did a wonderful work while on this earth.