African American Fellowship President Edwards characterized as ‘quiet giant’

Updated: 6/08/07

African American Fellowship President
Edwards characterized as ‘quiet giant’

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Ronald Edwards, president of the African American Fellowship of Texas and pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in Goliad, died May 31 due to complications from an infection caused by a spider bite. He was 45.

Leaders of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the African American Fellowship, Guadalupe Baptist Association and the Goliad Ministerial Alliance were among the crowd who who filled Minnehulla Baptist Church to overflowing at a June 6 memorial service for Edwards.

At the service, Charlie Singleton, director of BGCT African-American ministries, characterized Edwards as a “quiet giant” and a man of vision. He lauded Edwards’ commitment to Texas Baptists and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Edwards became pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in 1990. The congregation started the first African-American cowboy church last year.

In addition to serving as president of the African American Fel-lowship of Texas since 2005, Edwards also had served the group as vice president two years and secretary four years.

He was moderator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Texas and a regional consultant for BGCT African-American ministries

Michael Evans, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield and former director of BGCT African-American ministries, recalled how Edwards was known to give of his own resources to care for people in need—particularly children.

BGCT Executive Di-rector Charles Wade praised Edwards as “an effective and generous-hearted leader.”

“He had a sense of humor that eased tension and a spirit that always pointed us to the future. Texas Baptists have lost an important leader,” Wade said.

Edwards is survived by his mother, four brothers, three sisters and four aunts.