Leaders & Trailblazers

Rev. Deon Johnson Leads Progressive Parish

Deon K. Johnson, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brighton, brings flexibility and new goals to the congregation.

The Rev. Deon K. Johnson, originally from Barbados, has made Brighton his home and the community at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church his family since 2006. He is one of the modern-day community leaders and trailblazers whom Patch is highlighting in recognition of Black History Month. Johnson, who worked as a priest in Ohio, read about St. Paul’s and was intrigued by their programs, like adopting families through LACASA, and openness. “They were welcoming to anybody – gay, lesbian, whether you were conservative or not,” he said. Johnson is changing the face of his congregation by including youth and adding flexibility. His and the parish's openness allows for flexibility on issues that some may think are set in stone, like Sunday service. “Is …

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Historic Downtown Brighton Church Gets City Approval for Site Expansion

St Paul's Episcopal Church will keep its original 1881 structure.

It's been a long time since the entire St. Paul's Episcopal Church congregation could all worship in one room at the same time, according to St. Paul's Pastor, Rev. Deon Johnson. After working on site plans for an expansion for two years, the church has finally come up with a solution. It will preserve the historical 1881 portion of the building and demolish the L-shaped structure that was added in 1992. Brighton City Council members unanimously approved the church's expansion plans, and thanked them for choosing to remain in the city. Jeff Smith, an architect with Professional Engineering Associations (PEA) in Howell explained to council that the current building is undersized and has problems with the foundation and roofing. The church's…

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