Rev. James Meeks, founder and senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church, retiring after 38 years of ministry
CHICAGO (CBS) – Rev. James Meeks will retire after ministering to Chicago and the world for 38 years
After 38 years, Salem Baptist Church pastor and founder James Meeks is retiring.
At his final service Sunday morning at 109th and Cottage Grove, which he called bittersweet, there were tears of sadness and tears of joy.
Rev. Meeks is well known for his activism. His projects include helping to close dozens of liquor stores in Roseland and making sure every prisoner in Illinois has a Bible on cassette.
He said it's been "marvelous" to help so many people.
At Sunday morning's service, he officially transitioned church leadership to Pastor Charlie E. Dates.
It was also announced Sunday that Baylor University in Texas plans to archive all of Meeks' sermons to make them part of history.
Under his leadership, Salem Baptist has been recognized as one of the nation's fastest-growing mega-churches.
He says he's looking forward to working at a slower pace while still shepherding his hope center foundation - the Philanthropic Arm of Salem Baptist.
Meeks has baptised 20,000 children over the years.
He also held a state senate seat for a decade.