Member Since: 25/12/2006
Band Members: Rev. Charles H. Nicks, Jr., was called as the fifth pastor of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in April, 1972. He was the son the late Rev. Dr. Charles and Mrs. Alliece Nicks, Sr. He had one sister, Beverley Nicks, of Los Angeles, California. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Lucille Monroe on April 23, 1977. Before he was called to be the Pastor, Rev. Nicks was an accompanist for the Young Adult Choir from 1957 until 1960 and Minister of Music from 1963 until 1972. Rev. Nicks’ educational background included Cass Technical High School, Detroit Institute of Musical Art, the University of Detroit and Wayne State University. The following achievements for the Lord were realized under the pastorship of Rev. Nicks:1) Complete renovation and remodeling of the church edifice in 1975 at a cost of over $225,000.00
2) An increase in church membership from approximately 1,000 to 3,000 persons
3) Institution of a 7:30 a.m. Sunday service to accommodate the increased membership.
4) The establishment of an evening Radio Ministry on WGPR 107.5 FM and KIRL, AM in St. Louis, Mo.
5) Major promotion and spiritual growth of the annual Thanksgiving week concert, “O Give Thanksâ€
6) Establishment of New Member Orientation Classes
7) Establishment of the St. James Tutorial Program
8) Establishment of Wednesday 12:00 Noon Prayer and Bible Study Classes
9) Re-organization of the Youth Department and the appointment of Sister Oddie Anderson. Director
10) Purchase of a parsonage located in Palmer Woods subdivision, Detroit
11) Re-organization of the Board of Christian Education to include the programmed Baptist Training Union called "Christians Under Construction" directed by Deaconess Lucille Nicks
12) Establishment of an annual Christmas Concert for the Allegro Choir which he had previously organized.
13) Purchase and renovation of several parcels of land and houses in the area surrounding the church
14) Construction of a parking lot on Meldrum @ Pulford
15) Purchase of church vans to provide transportation for the Sunday School Department
16)Organization of the annual Leadership Institute
17) Establishment of the Claudia Knight Richardson Library
18) Establishment of several new auxiliaries, namely:(The J. L. Frazier Mission League, 1 and 2.
The Pastor's Aide Auxiliary
The Young Men's Usher Board
The St. James Bowling League
The Ministers Board.)- Founding of the Assembly of Free Spirit Churchs
- Leader of the National Baptist Church Music Department
- Artist for countless musical recordings
- Facilitator for may nationally televised productions
- Vice President and leader for the Gospel Music Workshop of America
- Leader of many other local and national organizations to numerous to be counted.:Under Rev Nicks’ administration, the Lord saw fit to call many persons to the Ministry and a number were licensed at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. They were as follows: Rev. Gordon Washington, Rev. Michael Kimble, Rev. Lucelle Trammer, Rev. Roger Brown, Rev. Harold Duncan, Rev. Rufus Pope, Rev. Andre Woods, Rev. Reatha Glover, Rev. Gerald Love, Rev. Isaiah McCray and Rev. Nathaniel Cotton. Rev. Nicks was given the vision of the need for a larger sanctuary. In obedience to the Lord, he led the church to establish a building fund, the accumulation of which was used as seed money for later purchase of the present sanctuary.The renowned Adult Choir, anointed by the Lord to do a great ministry under Rev. Charles Nicks’ leadership was recognized as one of the finest recording church choirs in this country. They recorded numerous albums and traveled extensively across this country rendering concerts. They are known for their Annual Concert "O Give Thanks" which was primarily held at Ford Auditorium and always was blessed with full capacity audiences. The Adult Choir also performed civic functions such as singing for the 1977 NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner, the Southern Christian Leadership Council's January, 1978 celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday; yearly Christmas services at the LaSalle Nursing Home and the Butzel Family Center; the 1979 opening of Hart Plaza, the 1979 Inauguration of Gov. William Milliken and the September, 1979 Pastoral Visit of the Pope John Paul II.Rev. Charles Nicks, Jr. was a world class leader, Pastor Extraordinaire, Ebullient Saint, Friend of everyone from royalty to the downtrodden. He wore the mantel of civic and national leader comfortably and humbly. While he was one of the great preachers in Detroit and was sought after for his spirited delivery that almost always set the stage for the outward manifestation of the Holy Spirit to visit the congregation, he never presented and arrogant or proud demeanor. As a result, he was seen as a friend and spiritual leader to all whether you were a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church or a storefront church.This affable legacy of leadership followed him throughout life and he was revered in the city of Detroit, Michigan the nation and indeed the world as a phenomenal spiritual leader. His touch that emanated through us heartfelt sermons, ebullient singing, friendly smile, reassuring hug and focused leadership resulted in thousands of persons being blessed and indeed thousands more being led to make a decision for Christ.Rev. Charles H. Nicks, Jr. made his transition from earthly labor to heavenly reward on July 28, 1988. His homegoing celebration was a nationally televised event attended by and administered by Christian leaders from around the country. The celebration of a phenomenal life well lived was a mute testimony to the awesome spiritual power and contribution of this wonderful man of God. His awesome legacy of ecumenical outreach was evident in the huge interdenominational showing at his transition services. First the services were held in the Apostolic Greater Grace Temple Church, not just because of the fact it could accommodate the 4000+ attendance, but because it symbolized his wonderful friendship and fellowship with the late Bishop David Ellis. The friendship, which continued in death, was a beacon to all the world of the importance and beauty of true ecumenical outreach and fellowship. Secondly, his ecumenical outreach was evident from the many leaders of all faiths that attended to give testimony to the great work he has done with their respective congregations and religious organizations. This outreach continues as his music is published in several hymnals for many faiths, from Baptist and Catholic to Presbyterian.The legacy of this powerful church leadership and firm ecumenical outreach exists today in many offshoots of this relationship, such as the Full Gospel Baptist Church fellowship, etc. The congregation was blessed to have the ministry of St. James Missionary Baptist Church maintained in a victorious manner under the auspices of the various associate pastors and ministers until the Lord sent the next pastor. In the meantime, the real keeping power for St. James Missionary Baptist church was that it was ordained of the Lord to be in existence as a beacon of salvation to a world of lost souls.Rev Charles Nicks served the Lord well as leader of a phenomenal ministry that was to continue until today. If History repeats itself, Rev. Charles Nicks, Jr. will be there to be a force for positive change and soul saving leadership in the Christian world. Truly Rev. Charles H. Nicks, Jr.’s journey through this world was a life well lived. His memory continues to live on through his wonderful legacy, his recordings, the ecumenical work of church members including his wife, Mrs. Lucille Nicks, his publications and the many lives he touched that are forever changed. Indeed he is appropriately enshrined in the “Legends of Detroit Gospel Virtual Exhibit†website so his legacy can be shared with the whole world in perpetuity. Rev. Charles H. Nicks “Really Loved the Lord.â€
Record Label: unsigned
Type of Label: Indie