Reverend Ralph E. Johnson, MCS D.Min, Presiding Elder

Ralph Edward Johnson is a son of the parsonage, born to the late Reverend L.W. and Mrs. Lucile Johnson. He has been a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church all his life.  He began singing in the choir at age six and served in his local church as youth choir president, an usher, steward, trustee, Sunday School teacher, president of his local Allen Christian Endeavor, and church custodian.

Dr. Johnson is the first graduate of the Fisk-Vanderbilt Universities’ Dual-Degree Program, with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Fisk University, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.  He obtained a master’s in Christian studies from Union University and a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral leadership from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He retired after 28 years as an electrical engineer from the Tennessee Valley Authority.  He was also employed for 10 years with the Sumner County School System in Tennessee.  He is a life-member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a member of Free and Accepted Masons, and the NAACP.

Presiding Elder Johnson have previously served as pastor of twelve churches in the 13th Episcopal District. He has served in the Kentucky Conference, in the former West Kentucky Conference, and the East Tennessee Conference as a presiding elder. Presently, he is the presiding elder of the North District of the Tennessee Conference.

The Reverend Johnson’s joy is the former Patricia Ann Bender, and together they have gifted the world with their daughter, Kanisha and their son, Lawrence (LeTishia), and grandchildren Langston and Lynnley.