In Tribute: The Right Rev. Reginald Thomas Jackson

When I think about my good friend and brother, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, I think about a man who was intentional about living out the gospel and helping others become fully liberated and uplifted.

Saint Matthew AME Church, in Orange, New Jersey, where Bishop Jackson served as senior pastor, was a solid church where the gospel was preached and the Holy Spirit was emphasized. Pastor Jackson had one hand in social justice, and the other hand on the pulse of the church. Later in his tenure, as he moved towards the Bishopric, it gave him a wider expanse with which to minister.

So much is spoken about Bishop Jackson’s work with the New Jersey Governor as he fought against racial profiling as practiced by the NJ State Police. But it also needs to be shared that Bishop Jackson was a passionate preacher and a sincere, committed churchman. He was not only active in social justice, but spiritual renewal. He grew his church, he preached the gospel, and he lived the Christian life.

Bishop Jackson was also a faithful family man, a faithful husband, and a faithful father. His children rise up and call him blessed, as do the children he so influenced as a pastor. I knew Reggie as a friend. Hehe, Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries, Dr. William Watley, and myself would gather monthly and break bread. Yearly, we would have a worship service with all four of our churches together at the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.

Bishop Reginald Jackson’s sudden loss left us stunned. He was young and had so much to give. Reggie is there now in that land where Job declared in Job 3:17, “There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest.” It’s over on this side for him. His body is at rest; his soul is at peace and rejoicing in the God of His salvation.

The Bible says, “Write henceforth, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Indeed, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson’s works continue to speak for him.

I am glad I knew him; New Jersey is a better state and the African American Episcopal Church is strongera stronger because of the life, light and legacy of Bishop Reginald Jackson.

May he rest in peace. And I end this tribute with the words of Shakespeare in Macbeth, May flights of angels sing thee to your rest.”