Custodian Robert Ferguson, now 91, recalls a time when he worshipped at the historic Calvary Baptist Church in Chester alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., writes Wakisha Bailey for CBS News Philadelphia.
The congregants were led for 41 years by the late Rev. J. Pius Barbour.
In that time, Rev. Barbour mentored several young pastors, including Dr. King, who attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester.
At a small brick home near the church, Rev. Barbour and King would share breakfast on Sundays around 8 AM before service.
Ferguson, known by his church community as “Big Bob,” came to the church in 1963, and remembers King’s sermons, but as a teenager, he wasn’t that interested.
“As I got older, I realized what he was talking about,” Ferguson said.
He did remember the young preacher’s appearance when he stepped behind the podium.
Ferguson said even back then, he knew King was special.
Ferguson has been attending Calvary for more than 60 years. Serving as custodian, he still arrives every Sunday morning around 10, opening the doors before service. He also drives the church van around Chester to pick up congregants.
Find out more about the man who worshipped with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and about Calvary Baptist in Chester at CBS News Philadelphia.
