Washington (Rns) Eugene Allen served eight presidents as a White House butler, and his legendary career is the inspiration for “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” a film starring Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda and a host of A-list Hollywood talent.
But members of The Greater First Baptist Church knew the man who died in 2010 by other titles: usher, trustee, and a humble man of quiet faith.
“The attributes that made him a great butler made him a great usher,” said Denise Johnson, an usher at the predominantly black D.C. church where Allen was a member for six decades.
Those qualities were both external — black suits and white gloves — and internal — a dignified, soft-spoken manner.
On a recent Sunday, parishioners recalled Allen as a peacemaker, someone who never raised his voice.
His devotion to service extended far beyond the public and private rooms of the White House to the doorways and kitchen of his church.
But members of The Greater First Baptist Church knew the man who died in 2010 by other titles: usher, trustee, and a humble man of quiet faith.
“The attributes that made him a great butler made him a great usher,” said Denise Johnson, an usher at the predominantly black D.C. church where Allen was a member for six decades.
Those qualities were both external — black suits and white gloves — and internal — a dignified, soft-spoken manner.
On a recent Sunday, parishioners recalled Allen as a peacemaker, someone who never raised his voice.
His devotion to service extended far beyond the public and private rooms of the White House to the doorways and kitchen of his church.
- 8/15/2013
- by Religion News Service
- Huffington Post
New pictures have been released today showing EastEnders and Coronation Street's special Children In Need crossover. As announced last week, stars from both soaps recently teamed up to film a one-off mini-episode which sees residents of Weatherfield descend on Walford and vice versa. Scenes include Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) taking a place behind the bar at the Queen Vic, Gail Platt (Helen Worth) and Denise Johnson (Diane Parish) meeting at Kathy's café, and Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) losing her temper with Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh). Speaking of the charity special, Beverley Callard commented: "I've visited the EastEnders set many years ago but this is the first time I've worked on it and it was great. We've had a great time and the script is so funny. It's so good." Diane Parish (more)...
- 11/17/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Lindsey Coulson has revealed that she wants her character Carol Jackson to develop more friendships on Albert Square. In recent days, viewers have seen the troubled mum left devastated following the shock death of her beloved son Billie, who passed away after his booze-fuelled birthday party. Speaking to Inside Soap, Coulson admitted that she is keen to see Carol strike up bonds with Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and Denise Johnson (Diane Parish) in the aftermath of the tragedy. Coulson commented: "Wouldn't it be great to see Carol get friendly (more)...
- 10/14/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Lacey Turner has been nominated for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards for the fifth year running. The actress - who plays market stall worker Stacey Branning in the BBC One show - has been shortlisted for the exclusive gong once again in the 2010 TV ceremony which will take place in September. Last year's winner Lacey - who is set to leave Albert Square later this year - is up against her 'EastEnders' co-stars Nina Wadia (Zainab Masood) and Diane Parish (Denise Johnson) and nine other soap beauties for the award. She has also been named as one of the hopefuls ..
- 7/13/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
The nominations for the 15th annual Inside Soap Awards have been announced. Readers have the chance to vote in 15 categories from today, to determine a shortlist which will be announced in September. New gongs this year include the 'Best Daytime' category, 'Best Wedding' and 'Best Stunt'. EastEnders star Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning) is in the running to scoop 'Best Actress' for the fifth year in a row. She faces competition from fellow Walford stars Nina Wadia (Zainab Masood) and Diane Parish (Denise Johnson). Coronation Street is represented by Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster), Alison King (Carla Connor) and Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald). Amanda Donohoe (Natasha Wylde) and Carley Stenson (Steph Cunningham) are among those nominated from Emmerdale and Hollyoaks respectively. Last year's victor, Coronation (more)...
- 7/13/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Diane Parish thinks it will be a ''miracle'' if her 'EastEnders' character isn't murdered by her husband. The actress - who portrays Denise Johnson in the BBC One soap - admits her alter-ego has troublesome times ahead, after her murderer spouse Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet) takes her hostage in his car and tells her he killed his ex-wife and her ex-husband. She said: ''Lucas is so calm that it's eerie. He tells her that today is a special day and she's going to be baptised. Denise has always struggled with his religious fervour, but tries to play along because he really could do ..
- 6/29/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Denise Johnson is set to make a horrific discovery in 'EastEnders'. The preacher's wife, played by Diane Parish, is bundled into a car and taken to a mysterious flat by her serial-killer husband Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet) when she confronts him about after finding make-up on his shirt and a condom in his pocket. Diane, who has played the shop assistant for four years, said: ''She's very uneasy, and reluctant to get into the car with him. But he wants her to see what's behind his suspicious behaviour, so she has no choice except to go with him for answers.'' Little does Denise know, ..
- 6/11/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
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