By Sis. Shirley Tarpley, NDG Religion Editor
Pastor Robert E. Price, leader of New Mount Zion Baptist Church of Dallas, TX, Inc for more than 40 years, died Saturday, July 14, 2012 at his home at the age of 80.
During the more than 42 years that Dr. Price served as pastor of New Mount Zion Church of Dallas, Inc. his congregation grew from less than one hundred members to over 2,000 members. The church, New Mount Zion, was a direct reflection of his ambition, values and vision. The church now boasts 25 religious, educational, business and technological ministries to meet the needs of all its members. His inspiration compelled between 15-20 ministers to aid the pastor in ministering to those in need.
More than 30 years ago, Dr. Price started the church’s day care center that now serves 110 families.
In 2000, his dream of having a credit union was achieved when the New Mount Zion Baptist Church Credit Union was chartered. The credit union serves close to 700 members of New Mount Zion and the surrounding community.
Dr. Price was a community leader for over 50 years. To this end, the Hamilton Park Post Office was re-named in his honor in 2007.
In June 2008, Dr. Price hosted the 102nd National Baptist Congress. This convention brought thousands of attendees from across the United States to Dallas and generated $8-10 million of income for the city and local businesses, and was covered extensively by North Dallas Gazette.
He worked 28 years for the Lomas and Nettleton Mortgage Banking Corporation and retired as Vice President. He was a resident of the Hamilton Park community for over 40 years and was an integral part of the Hamilton Park Pacesetter School and the overall Richardson and the Dallas Independent School Districts. He had an allegiance to or held office in:
· Hamilton Park Civic League
· Presbyterian Village North Board of Directors
· Greater Rising Star District Association
· Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas
· National Missionary Baptist Convention of America
· Greater Dallas Council of Churches
· Dallas Ministers’ Alliance
· Board of Directors of the Dallas Museum of Arts
· Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
· Interdenominational Ministers Alliance
· Dallas Urban League
· N.A.A.C.P.
· Prairie View A&M National Alumni Association
· North Dallas Denton Collin Chapter of the Prairie View A&M Alumni Association
Dr. Price graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 1954 with a degree in Agriculture and Mathematics. He also attended Bishop College in Dallas, Texas for training in the field of Theology. He received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Saint Thomas Christian College in November 2003.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Deloris Brashear Price, their three children, three grandsons and three great-grandchildren. He was known to be a man of true benevolence and will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit.
His home going services will be held at New Mount Zion Baptist Church on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21.
Home-going Service Information for Pastor R.E. Price
Viewing:
Friday, July 20
4-6 p.m.
New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Inc.
9550 Shepherd Road, Dallas, 75243
214-341-6459
Wake:
Friday, July 20
7-9 p.m.
New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Inc.
9550 Shepherd Road, Dallas, 75243
214-341-6459
Home going Celebration:
Saturday, July 21
11 a.m.
New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Inc.
9550 Shepherd Road, Dallas, 75243
214-341-6459
Hello im am the son of Debra Murphy, I am sorry for the loss off Rev. Price, i knew him ever since i was a baby, my mother and i look at him as a Father figure in my life, he will truly be missed from the Murphy family
Pastor Price was like a father and he was definitely a teacher. I thank God for him being in our life. I have been a member of New Mt. Zion for over 10 years and I chose this church not for the denomination, but because of his leadership. He married my husband and I last May and made sure we counseled before taking our vows. He was a man of love, integrity, ingenuity and humor, who never knew a stranger. I will forever hold him in my heart and we love his family so much. I know he is looking down upon us and finally getting some rest. Thank you pastor for all you have done and for touching our life.
Mr. and Mrs. William and Erica Wise
Words cannot express my sincere thanks and appreciation for Pastor Price. My family and I traveled from
Shreveport, La for the viewing because he made such an impact on our lives while we lived in Dallas. I can remember his teachings and how much he loved my son Dominique. He blessed my son so you would have thought he was his grandson. My heart goes out to his family, yet I am so thankful to God and Mrs. Price (with her quiet spirit ) for sharing him with so many of us. God bless you all and may peace, love and grace be with you always!! Shreveport, LA
I am adding Pastor Price to my list of love ones that I can still talk to at any time. The list includes my father Frank Lloyd Crockett, Sr. who left this earth at the age of 66 in 1972, my mother Mercedes “Mercy Dee” Kelly Crockett who left us at the age of 85 in 2002, ,brother Donald Quincy Crockett who left us at the age of 56 in 2003, my first wife Billye Ann Shepherd Crockett who left us at the age of 64 in 2006 and my sister Twila Mae Thompson who left us in 2011 at the age of 84.
Pastor Price was always there. So just like all of the family members in the above paragraph his presence will forever be felt in my life.
Thanks to his family for sharing Pastor Price with all of us.
The Church Families across the US is sadden by Pastor Price’s departure for his Heavenly Home. When I lived in Dallas, I had the privilege on many occasions to come hear some “Real Old School Teaching” the kind of teaching that came from a Village Leader. Pastor Price, wasn’t caught up in the many, many accomplishments he had made in life, nor did the titles impress him. He was a man after God’s heart. He loved the Lord, and it showed through the way he treated people. He could shake your hand, and hug you in a way, that no matter what was going on, no matter how bad you thought it was, after that hand shake and hug; It was alright! My daughter who is now 28, went to the daycare at New Mt. Zion, and she always felt the love, nor did I ever worry abt. her well-being. Pastor Price, the angels must be rejoicing, and the Lord is pleased! Although we will not physically see you on earth, You left us with so much, your presences will be felt for years and years to come. Thank you Pastor Price for all the lives, families, friends you touched. Price Family, Thank you for sharing your love one with so many, and for so long.
Take your rest Pastor Price….
First, I acknowledge the North Dallas Gazette for articulating and publishing the gist of my dear dad’s ministry at New Mount Zion. Next, on behalf of the family, we want to recognize each individual who has walked through the doors of New Mount Zion long enough to hear, feel, and witness a compassionate servant who loved preaching and teaching. As the years went on he grew more in love with his calling. His calling was not to be hid under a bushel. His lamp was always filled with oil. He stretched his rod of faith as he began to build edifice after edifice. When at first he didn’t succeed he kept on trying. His heart was much bigger than any man made cathedral. He was energized and enthused by reading the word and passing that love on to everyone he met. I hope and trust that every individual reading this comment will realize you are to continue to carry the message of hope, faith, and love to everyone.
His heartfelt desire was to win souls into the “Kingdom of God”.
Continue to be a kingdom builder
You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to share this message of encouragement with our readers.
Rev and Mrs. Price were so kind to Meaghan and I when we were members of New Mt. Zion. He provided strong spiritual leadership for us. I know that Rev. Price has made heaven his home. I pray for the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit on all family and loved ones.
What a beautiful article. I was one of the Ministers of Music a few years back, working by the leadership of Pastor Price. He was one of the best! His great sence of humor, loving attitude towards humanity and his Warrior Sprirt for the Lord are the things that I will never forget about him.
Got Bless The Family of the Home, as well as the Church Family. I know that Pastor Price is sorely missed.
Helen Holder, Minister of Music.