Written by Tanya Terry, with photos courtesy of the City of Flint
On Saturday, July 11, community leaders, elected officials, clergy members, and residents gathered at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan to celebrate the honorary renaming of Grant Street to Reverend Doctor Lewis Randolph Street. Rev. Dr. Randolph served as pastor of Antioch for more than 41 years and left a lasting legacy through his commitment to education, healthcare, economic development, youth mentorship, anti-violence efforts, community outreach and spiritual leadership.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley spoke about Rev. Dr. Randolph’s impact on the community, emphasizing his message of unity and the importance of removing hate, envy and greed from hearts and minds. He noted that Rev. Dr. Randolph’s words echoed weekly for four decades and taught that all people are connected regardless of race, wealth or party affiliation.
Rev. Dr. Randolph’s sons, Rodale and Marcus Randolph, expressed gratitude for the street renaming and highlighted their father’s love for Flint, Antioch Church and his belief in the city’s future. They mentioned his food program and scholarship program, now called the Jane Randolph Pryor Scholarship.
At the renaming ceremony, multiple pastors spoke about Reverend Doctor Randolph’s profound influence, including Pastor Derrick Aldridge, Pastor Michael Pettigrew and Pastor Alfred Harris.
Dr. Edward McCree, the new pastor of Antioch, described Randolph as a pastor’s pastor who mentored young preachers, offered wise counsel and ministered to the total person with integrity and humility. Dr. Daniel Moore shared how Rev. Dr. Randloph transformed his life by encouraging him to teach Sunday school, become a deacon, pursue a doctorate in ministry and ultimately become a pastor at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Lawrence E Moon spoke of his close friendship with Reverend Doctor Randolph, noting that the pastor loved Antioch Church and the community deeply.
Councilwoman LaShawn Johnson presented a proclamation from the Flint City Council recognizing Rev. Dr. Randolph’s contributions.
The ceremony concluded with plans to install a QR code at the street sign’s base that will allow people to scan and learn more about Rev. Dr. Randolph’s legacy through video engagement.
Multiple pastors and community members shared testimonies about Rev. Dr. Randolph’s influence with the Courier after the ceremony.
Pastor Stapleton of Grace Missionary Baptist Church credited him with helping him get his start in ministry and staying with him throughout his life.
Edith Walker, Rev. Dr. Randolph’s niece from Bloomfield Hills, spoke about how he prayed for the family and encouraged them.
Melba Young, a former Antioch church member, described how he made her understand the importance of faith and the Lord in life.
Rev. Dr. Green Davidson from Saint James Missionary Baptist Church in Leighton, Alabama shared that he and Rev. Dr. Randolph were co-laborers in gospel ministry for 14 years, with Rev. Dr. Randolph visiting Alabama for preaching and revivals.
Rev. Dr. Ezra L Tillman Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, spoke about how Rev. Dr. Randolph extended opportunities for him to learn and grow through the Great Lakes Baptist District, leading to various leadership positions. He highlighted Rev. Dr. Randolph’s entrepreneurship, including owning a bus line, and his role in bringing influential voices to the city through simultaneous revivals.
Pastor Roy Thomas, a retired pastor from Waggoner’s Grove Baptist Church in Georgia, shared a 20-year friendship with Rev. Dr. Randolph, describing how they met at the National Baptist Convention USA in Dallas, Texas and remained close friends.
Written statements from Rev. John K Pinkney Sr., who serves as pastor of Springfield Baptist Church in Springfield, Georgia and Rev. Keith T. Evans, pastor of Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church and president of the Wisconsin Great General Baptist State Convention, were also shared with the Courier. They emphasized Rev. Dr. Randolph’s investment in young pastors and ministers, his wisdom, wit and distinguished presence and how his faithful life shaped the church, strengthened the city and left a legacy that continues beyond his lifetime.
The street renaming serves as a permanent reminder of his dedication to faith, service and community transformation.
