One family, one faith for all generations – that’s the theme of the McAfee 17th Annual Generational Revival, which runs from 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, through Friday, Oct. 27, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 2272 Townline Road, Benton Harbor.

More than 45 pastors and preachers from Minnesota, Tennessee, Louisiana and throughout Michigan will gather at New Bethel, and celebrate 200 years of the McAfee family’s legacy of preaching and teaching the word of God.

“Our thing has already been the goodness of God, from generation to generation,” said Rev. Maurice McAfee, who has been chosen to continue the legacy at New Bethel Baptist Church. “For us, the McAfee revival is just a time of reflection, where generations of McAfees, who are pastors and preachers come together, to share in the Lord’s blessings of what He has been able to do for us, from generation to generation.” 

The week-long revival also offers extended opportunities for fellowship for the various family members, as well.

“About 17 years ago, we decided that we wanted to spend some time together,” Maurice said. “Through the course of that time, we have lost one senior statesman already – which was my father, Milton P. McAfee. So, it’s just a time for us to get together, and share God’s blessings with each other and with different communities and congregations across the United States of America.”

The four McAfee blood brothers – the sons of Henry and Alberta McAfee – have preached the Gospel for over 200 years, with over 47 pastors and preachers in one family.

They include the Rev. John Lee McAfee, preaching for 63 years; the late Pastor Milton McAfee, 59 years; Pastor Willard McAfee, 57 years; and Pastor Fletcher Eugene, 44 years. In 1975, the brothers began convening revivals throughout the nation, with one purpose: to preach and teach the uncompromising word of God.

“We hail from everywhere – of course, our headquarters is Macedonia Community Church in Eau Claire, Michigan,” states Rev. Maurice McAfee. 

The following are a list of the growing McAfee preaching generation: 

• Legend Rev. John McAfee: Includes his son Rev. Tracy McAfee;

• Legend Pastor Milton P. McAfee:  Includes his sons:; Rev. Don McAfee, Rev. Steve McAfee, and Rev. Maurice L. McAfee, and son-in-law, Rev. Paul Oberholtzer.

• Legend Pastor Fletcher McAfee:  Includes his sons Pastor Jerry McAfee, and Pastor Willie McAfee, and son-in-law Pastor Kevin Mitchell;

• Legend Pastor Willard McAfee

• Bobbie McAfee-Wright: Includes her sons Rev. Elijah Wright (coming from Minnesota) and Rev. John Wright;

• Faye McAfee-Wright:  Includes her son Rev. Joe Wright (coming from Louisiana);

• Mildred McAfee-Adams:  Includes her son, Pastor Terry Adams (coming from Grand Rapids);

• Also, attending is Rev. Charles McAfee, coming from Tennessee

The McAfees came to Eau Claire from Saxton, Missouri, along with their parents, and eight other siblings.

As adults, they purchased land, built homes and raised families on “McAfee Hill.”  They have all pastored churches in Benton Harbor, as well as its surrounding areas. The McAfee brothers have not only preached the word, but have been active in the civil rights movement, and played an instrumental role in desegregating Eau Claire and Benton Harbor.

The McAfees have long understood the importance of agriculture and have owned farms that harvest food for their families, as well as shared their harvest with surrounding neighbors and any person in need of food.

The McAfees have always believed that another man’s pain is also their burden. They saw this principle demonstrated by their father, who was a strong fighter for family and equal rights. They have instilled in each generation responsibility to the family and the broader community.

Asked what has inspired the brothers and the family to continue their work, for as long as they have, Maurice responded, “I think it’s two simple things that we’ve always been taught: love God, and love people.”

It’s not often that so many are gifted with so much word in one family, but the McAfee brothers and sons have long labored to spread the gospel around the world, Maurice said, comparing his family to Biblical figures that cared for the tabernacle in ancient Israel.

“This is one of the best preaching families I know and I have been around a long time.  They preach the Gospel.  And, they have also been very active in making wrong right in our community. They do not sit on the sidelines, their unselfish love for God and community have strengthened our community in many ways, and they have been a blessing to our community,” said Wilce L. Cooke, former mayor of the City of Benton Harbor.

For more information about the revival, contact New Bethel Baptist Church at (269) 927-3902.