Wally Jackson Day: A Special Tribute

CALUMET PARK, IL (May 29, 2000) - Wally Jackson couldn't hear all the good things being said during a dinner honoring him because his hearing has deteriorated lately. However, the hugs were a dead giveaway that he is loved by those around him.

Jackson is easy to spot at Community Covenant Church on Chicago's southside because he's the lone Caucasian attending the 500-member African-American church. But, he's proven to be more than just a friendly white face, as witnessed by the more than 250 people who paid tribute to Jackson's faithfulness at the recent Wally Jackson Day celebration at the church.

Besides receiving three hours of verbal affirmation by those packed into the church fellowship hall, Community Covenant renamed its library in Jackson's honor and the long-time member was given a number of gifts, including a portrait that will be hung in the church.

The 72-year-old former United Parcel Service employee was also presented with a citation of appreciation from the president of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), Glenn R. Palmberg, honoring his 25 years of faithful service as an active member of the church.

Jackson was touched by the sentiments and gifts, calling it "the single most honored experience I've had in my life. I really feel like I've been honored today," Jackson said. "I never did this good, even at Christmas."

For those in attendance, it seemed the tribute couldn't begin to adequately reflect Jackson's impact at Community Covenant. The ECC has focused on racial reconciliation and affirmation of ethnic diversity in recent years - Jackson models that commitment by his presence at the Calumet Park church, finding numerous ways to serve both young and old.

Many of those who gave tribute to Jackson described him as a rare jewel and an angel for his faithfulness in such tasks as ushering, opening the church for events and supporting others as godfather, mentor, and food pantry volunteer.

"When I walked into the church, he was my angel," said long-time friend Margaret Davenport as she paid tribute to Jackson during the program. "If I had a thousand tongues, I couldn't say enough about Wally."

Others spoke of his quiet, but poignant leadership on a variety of church boards. "He's not a man of a lot of words, but what he says carries a lot of weight," said Arthur Bolton, a friend who served on trustee boards with Jackson.

Jackson has lived near the church for years, having graduated from Chicago Vocation School and staying near his parents as their health failed. A former member of Mission Covenant Church (now Trinity Covenant Church), Jackson moved his membership to Community Covenant in 1975 in part because former pastor Paul Theorell spent much time ministering to Jackson's sick mother.

When Community Covenant's racial composition began to change, Jackson continued to serve stating, "I stayed because the new black members accepted me and I enjoyed being with these new folks."

As the church evolved into one of the largest churches in the Central Conference under pastor Don Davenport, Jackson made a positive impact as financial secretary, trustee board member, Sunday school treasurer, and senior usher. Davenport called Jackson "a doorman of God" in describing his welcoming spirit. Noted in the program were these words about his service: "You could always find him making coffee, collecting and counting the offerings, working in the food pantry, folding bulletins, or just unlocking the door for different groups and organizations. We could call Wally any time to come and open the door, and he would be Johnny on the spot."

During recent months, Jackson's service at the church has been limited due to hearing problems. He was hospitalized for a time and some in the congregation had heard that he was feeling down. The celebration was a way to let Jackson know he was missed.

"We live in a society that's constantly changing, but Wally never changed," said Debbie Blue, director of Adult Ministries for the ECC's Department of Christian Education and Discipleship, who praised Jackson's unconditional love. "I never saw him as being white," she added. "He is one of us."

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