Rev. Charles H. Ryans

 Rev. Charles H. Ryans became Pastor of Salem Gilfield Baptist Church on April 21, 1981, and was formally installed on Sunday, June 14, 1981. During his time at Salem Gilfield, he established the Workers’ Council to provide a Bible study class for all teachers and officials of the Sunday School, B. T. U., and other auxiliaries of the Church. He also created a training class for Young Associate Deacons to instruct them on the significant responsibilities of a Deacon before they were installed and confirmed. Additionally, Rev. Ryans set up the Tape Ministry for sick, shut-in, and aged church members. In 1986, he led the congregation in successfully paying off the church mortgage, which was celebrated with a mortgage-burning ceremony. The Charles H. Ryan Sr. Community Service Award was established in honor of his faithful service and various accomplishments. This award is presented annually during the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Memorial Service to a member of Salem Gilfield and a member of the Memphis community who has made significant contributions to community service. Rev.

     Ryans was ordained as the minister of the Gospel on June 27, 1976, at Metropolitan Baptist Church by Dr. Fred C. Lofton, Pastor Emeritus. During his time at Metropolitan Baptist Church, he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, General Director of the Baptist Training Union, and Director of Christian Education. He was also the president of the Memphis Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress for 15 years.

     A native of Greensboro, Alabama, and a veteran of World War II, Rev. Ryans served for two years and attained the rank of Sergeant. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical industries in 1950 from Tuskegee University with a major in building construction. After graduating, he worked for E. H. Davis & Sons, a Black construction firm in Memphis, TN. He was a skilled engineer who worked on and supervised the construction of many homes and businesses in the Memphis area. He even designed the current pulpit and choir stand at Salem Gilfield Baptist Church. Rev. Ryans furthered his studies at the University of Memphis, where he earned his Master’s degree in 1984. He also studied at Memphis Theological Seminary.

     Rev. Ryans was involved in various organizations including Phi Delta Kappa, Memphis Baptist Minister’s Alliance, Tennessee B. M. & E. Convention, West Tennessee B. M. & E. Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Memphis Christian Ministries Conference. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of RAP (Responsible Adolescence Parenting), an associate member of Shelby County Interfaith, and a lifetime member of the NAACP. He held several roles such as Chaplain of the Memphis and Shelby County Retired Teachers Association, Director of Doctrine of the Memphis Baptist Ministers’ Alliance, President Emeritus of the Memphis Baptist Congress of Christian Education, and Vice President of the Tennessee Progressive Baptist Council.

     Rev. Ryans enjoyed photography. After retiring from Salem Gilfield in December 1996, he returned to Metropolitan, where he continued to serve in various capacities despite his failing health.

          Rev. Ryans passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2001.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United

Washington, DC, USA – 29 June 2020: Close-up of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on a Sunny Day

States that commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It falls on the third Monday of January each year, which is close to King’s actual birthday on January 15th. The campaign for a federal holiday in Dr. King’s honor began shortly after his assassination in 1968. The King Center, founded by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, turned to corporate and public support to make it happen. Musician Stevie Wonder’s release of the “Happy Birthday” song in 1980 helped popularize the campaign, and in 1981, a Rally for Peace Press Conference was held. A petition to Congress requesting the law was also signed by six million people.