On Feb. 7, a man known for his humility and behind-the-scenes work had a rare moment in the spotlight.
John McKnight, seated, greets well-wishers at a book signing on Feb. 7.John C. McKnight Sr. was honored for his years of Christian service at a reception at Beaverdam Baptist Association in Seneca. McKnight was recently published in the book “From My Heart to Yours: Inspirational Messages from Ministers of the Gospel,” which is a compilation by Patti Hummel of devotional entries from pastors and chaplains around the world.
McKnight wrote three entries: “Four Generations of Ministers,” “Always Right to Obey,” and “Asking for Additional Duty.” The reception was also a book signing for readers to get their copy signed by McKnight.
McKnight received several accolades, including a letter from Gov. Mark Sanford and a proclamation from the city of Westminster that declared Feb. 6 “John C. McKnight Sr. Day.”
Fred Astin, the director of missions from Beaverdam, gave a short speech complimenting McKnight on his years of service and humility. “It’s impossible to know how many lives he’s touched and how much work he has done behind the scenes.”
McKnight also received a letter from the CEO of Oconee Medical Center, praising McKnight for his work as a chaplain and “for being a blessing and a source of hope to patients.” McKnight has served as chaplain since 2000.
Also honored was McKnight’s wife of 55 years, Eva.
McKnight has served several churches in Beaverdam Baptist Association. He started his ministry career by serving as a bi-vocational minister at Welcome Baptist Church while working as a plant manager at Jantzen Westminster. He served there for more than 16 years and then became the full-time minister for Faith Baptist Church, where he was pastor for 11 years.
After serving at Faith Baptist, he retired, but his retirement lasted only six months before he was called to be interim pastor at Long Creek Baptist Church. He pastored there for five years before becoming the interim for Holly Springs Baptist Church, where he worked for a little over a year. During that time, he was also a voting member of the Oconee County School Board. He was on the school board for a total of eight years.
McKnight is 74 years old and is the pastor emeritus at Welcome Baptist, where he speaks frequently. He has five children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. McKnight said he was “awestruck and honored” by the reception. “I feel humbled. I was not expecting all of this, but I really do appreciate it,” he said.
“From My Heart to Yours” will be in Christian bookstores soon and can be ordered from amazon.com, Christianbook.com, or directly from the publisher at thebenchmarkgroupllc.com.