Ernest J. Calhoun, born around 1894 as the fourth child of Joshua and Missouri Calhoun's nine children, found his calling in the ministry. For 24 years, he served as the fourth pastor of Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, where his powerful preaching drew crowds from across the city and state. His dedication to the church was so profound that he remains the only person buried on its grounds.
Early Life and Ministry
Ernest grew up in a family that valued education and achievement. While his siblings pursued various paths including medicine, teaching, and business, Ernest felt called to serve God through preaching. He married Lula Mae Gates, and together they built a life centered on ministry. By the late 1920s, he had established himself as pastor of both Lizzie Chapel and New Zion Baptist Churches, managing multiple congregations with dedication and skill.
His reputation as a compelling speaker grew quickly. People would travel from neighboring communities to hear him preach, whether at regular Sunday services, sunrise prayer meetings at 6:30 a.m., or special revival services. In 1938, during his anniversary celebration as pastor, the programs featured "large crowds enjoying the programs" each night, with instrumental solos, duets, and remarks from various church members, including his nephew Early Calhoun Jr., who served as acting superintendent.
A Preacher in Demand
"A devoted husband, a loving pastor, a profound gospel preacher, a great evangelist, a friend to all. He died at his post."
Rev. Calhoun's preaching style was described as "prolific," and he became known throughout Georgia for his ability to draw crowds wherever he spoke. Whether conducting a sunrise prayer service, leading regular Sunday worship, or speaking at special events, he commanded attention and respect. His involvement with the Baptist Ministers' Brotherhood showed his commitment to supporting fellow clergy. In 1940, he was installed as president of this organization at Macedonia Baptist Church, with the ceremony featuring "a stirring sermon" that "electrified the ministers and their guests."
During World War II, despite the challenges facing the community, Rev. Calhoun continued his dedicated service. In 1944, he maintained regular sunrise prayer services, Sunday school, and special programs, with his brother Dr. E.M. Calhoun serving as a guest speaker, demonstrating how the Calhoun siblings supported each other's work in the community.
The Significance of His Burial
Rev. Ernest J. Calhoun passed away on August 28, 1947. His funeral had to be held at the Macon Auditorium, the only venue large enough to accommodate the hundreds of mourners who came to pay their respects. His burial at Lizzie Chapel carries profound significance. In Baptist tradition, burial on church grounds is an exceptional honor, typically reserved for founding pastors or those whose service was so extraordinary that the congregation could not imagine the church without their presence. That Rev. Calhoun is the sole person buried at Lizzie Chapel speaks volumes about the love and respect his congregation held for him.
