Reverend Robert R. Johnson, Sr. is a native of Glenarden, Maryland where he was raised by his parents, the late Reverend John and Jeannette Johnson, along with six brothers and two sisters. He attended school in Prince George’s County and was graduated from Fairmount Heights Senior High School. Reverend Johnson earned a subsequent degree from the Washington Baptist Seminary. In 1961, he joined the ranks of other brave men of our Country by enlisting in the United States Army. Reverend Johnson proudly served in this branch of the armed forces for two years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. It became evident to him soon thereafter that God had another army He’d called him to serve.
Reverend Johnson was no stranger to the house of the Lord. Having been baptized at an early age, he returned to the First Baptist Church of Glenarden to work alongside his father and pastor. His love for Christ and desire to please Him were evident in everything he became a part of. Reverend Johnson taught Sunday School and served as a member and officer of several auxiliaries in the Church. It came as no surprise when the Lord moved him from the deacon board to the pulpit in 1972. Reverend Johnson responded to his call and was licensed to preach the gospel in December of the same year. He was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Glenarden on February 1, 1975 and was later appointed as the assistant to his pastor.
In the summer of 1977, Reverend Johnson was called to pastor The New Mount Nebo Baptist Church. On February 26, 1978, he was officially installed and has faithfully led the people of God in this capacity for more than 30 years. His strength and commitment to do the Lord’s will have been instrumental in building this House of Zion in countless ways. His dedication to the ministry and love for all people are evidenced by the way he supports the Church, his family and the community at large.
Reverend Johnson has not traveled this journey alone. He was joined in holy matrimony to his lovely wife, Marjorie Ruth Thomas of North Brentwood, Maryland on May 21, 1967. God blessed them to parent two sons, Reverend Robert Johnson, Jr. and Marcus Torrey Johnson. After 39 wonderful years of marriage, the Lord called First Lady Johnson home in March 2006. Her spirit lives on through her children and the hundreds of young minds and hearts she touched throughout her lifetime.
Through the merger of The New Mount Nebo Baptist Church and the Living Testimony Baptist Church, God brought father and son together to advance His Kingdom. Reverend Robert Johnson, Sr. now serves as the senior pastor of New Mount Nebo, while Reverend Johnson, Jr. was accepted as pastor on December 31, 2010. The foundation of the Church has been layered by the obedience, wisdom and experience of these, two pastors.
Romans 1:16 was the text Reverend Johnson used in his initial sermon. This scripture remains near and dear to his heart, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” His life’s goal is to do God’s will and to serve his fellowman.
