The Reverend Dr. Elijah Collins

The Reverend Dr. Elijah A. Collins, born to Will. H. Collins and Elton Ann Collins, on January 2nd, 1935. The Rev. Dr. Collins grew up on a farm in Concordia, Missouri with his 13 siblings. Although there were challenges during those times for African Americans, the Collins family championed every challenge by grit and the Grace of God. After finishing high school he, along with his twin brother Albert Collins, came to Kansas City, Kansas on a Friday and began working at Wilson’s Packing House that following Monday. He and his brother, Albert, joined Calvary Baptist in KCK, under the leadership of Rev. H. W. Bowen. Soon afterwards, Pastor Collins enrolled in Ministry Studies at Western Baptist Seminary where he received his Bachelor’s of Theology. In 2007, Pastor Collins received an Honorary Doctorate from Oklahoma Baptist Seminary. In a few years, to he and his entire family’s and community’s delight, preached his “First Sermon” at 8th St. Baptist Church. Two years later, he was called to Pastor Slater Baptist Church in Slater, Missouri, where he pastored more than five years until being called to pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in KCK. Pastor Collins was responsible for much membership and growth at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church as well as in the community. Pastor Collins served as the Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church for 27 years.

Pastor Collins Served As:

- President of the Northeast Parent Teachers Association

- President of Kaw Valley District Ministers Counsel

- President of Kansas City, Kansas Baptist Ministers Union

- Vice-President of Missionary Baptist State Convention of Kansas Ministers Council

- Board Member of the Martin Luther King Annual Celebration of Kansas City, Kansas

- Board Member of Douglas/Sumner Development Corporation

Before retiring from Mount Calvary Baptist Church, he joined Forest Grove Baptist Church KCK. Pastor Collins assisted his son, Dr. Lamb, in the Ministry of Forest Grove Baptist Church, up until two weeks before his demise. Even when Pastor Collins couldn’t be at church, he sent his TITHES and any other offerings requested by the church. This dynamic duo preached and prayed with power and persistency for more than 35 years together. Pastor Collins was a leader full of energy. He loved praying and ministering to his community, as well as walking, talking and fishing with friends and pastors, especially Dr. Lamb whom he referred to as “Son.” Pastor Collins and Pastor Lamb had a bond that was unshakeable and unbreakable, even Satan himself couldn’t destroy their bond. Pastor Lamb had no reservations with telling the world that “Pastor Elijah A. Collins is his Sun, his Moon, and all of his Stars.”

In recent days as he began experiencing great health challenges, that exacerbated rapidly after the passing of his beloved wife Fredelle Collins. Pastor Collins took his last physical walk last week on May 21st with “Son” Dr. Lamb, and then made his final walk and transition journey on Wednesday morning, May 25th, 2022 , with “Son” Dr. Lamb at his bedside, holding his hands as he assured Dr. Lamb, “He was ready to go,” and “It won’t be long, so go tell my two sisters,” Esther C. McGill and Baby Sis. Virginia Sewing, “I’m gone, Will see you later.”

He leaves to mourn his passing, sisters Esther C. McGill and Virginia Sewing of Overland Park, Kansas. One son, Curtis Collins of Kansas City, Kansas, step-son Timothy Edwards of the home, and 59 nieces, nephews and cousins from various parts of the U.S. and Europe. His beloved “Son” Dr. Lamb along with Members of Forest Grove Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mr. & Mrs. Will and Elton Collins, his twin brother Albert Collins, Archie Collins, Allen Collins, James Collins, Alonzo Collins, Marian Collins, Fox Collins, twin brothers Daniel and Donnell Collins. And sisters Ada Andrews and Mary Cavil.

Pastor Collins was loved by his sisters and his nieces and nephews, here’s a few expressions from the family:

Niece Edith: Uncle Preach was the best uncle in the world. he was highly educated in Theology. He was a spirit filled, Man of God, a teacher of the word, kind-hearted, a friend to the friendless, down to earth, and he will give you the shirt off of his back. He may be gone, but not forgotten. He will always live in our hearts.

Love Skeedy, niece and Dwight, nephew from San Diego, California