Our Pastor

Biography of Rev. Johnny L. Nichols, Jr.
Rev. Johnny Lee Nichols, Jr. is the oldest of 11
children born to the late Rev. J. L. Nichols, Sr. and
Zora Winters Nichols in Sunflower, Mississippi. He
accepted Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized
at Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in
Sunflower, MS. Little Johnny grew up in the church
and was often called on by his dad to sing at
church services, revivals, etc. Later he was in a
gospel group called the Four Stars and traveled
across the State of Mississippi singing at churches
and community events.
Rev. Nichols was appointed Assistant Pastor under
the leadership of Rev. David L. Stewart at the
Historic Mt. Emory Baptist Church on February 27,
2016, . In December 2020, Rev. Nichols was elected to serve as interim pastor after the
retirement of Rev. David. Stewart. On February 7, 2021 the members voted unanimously to
elect Rev. Johnny L. Nichols as Pastor. He has continued to share his ministry and gifts to
elevate the Kingdom of God and is always reaching out to absent members, visiting the sick
and shut-in, and various other duties in and around the church. Rev. Nichols has a favorite
scripture; 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal the land," and a favorite song, "By The Grace Of
The Lord, I've Come A Long Way."
Rev. Nichols is a recently retired employee of Reynolds Corporation after being employed for 35
years. He serves on the Board of the Jacksonville NAACP. In his spare time he enjoys watching
wrestling, old TV shows like Gunsmoke, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Andy Griffith Show, and his
favorite sports team, the Dallas Cowboys.
His wife of 26 years, Regina, is a Regional Administrative Support for Birth to Five Illinois in
Jacksonville, IL Together they have four adult children (Lerelcus, Lekedrick, Ashley, and
Meyonna) and a host of grandchildren