Dr. Johnnie Colemon, founder of Christ Universal Temple, remembered at memorial

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A memorial service Monday remembered the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon, founder of Christ Universal Temple on the city's South Side.

Some called Dr. Colemon the first lady of American religion. She was the kind of minister who inspired other ministers.

"Some way or other, Johnnie touched our lives," said Rev. Clay Evans, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. "Thank God that she came this way."

Dr. Colemon motivated worshippers to live better lives and left those listening with memorable slogans.

"'There's a power within you that is always greater than the condition before you.' Johnnie Colemon," said Rev. Jim Lee, Unity Worldwide Ministries.

Her megachurch occasionally made room for politicians, like in 2005 for then-Senator Barack Obama.

Christ Universal Temple began in 1956 with eight members and opened on 119th Street with 7,000.

A charter school and recreational center opened, and since then other developers and retailers have been drawn to the Far South Side neighborhood.

Dr. Colemon did not have designs on being a minister, but when she was diagnosed with six months to live in 1952, she began a spiritual journey that led her to being ordained and ultimately good health for decades more.

"Yes, she was a first, and there will never be another like her," said Rev. Helen Carry, Christ Universal Temple. "She's the first and the last.

Rev. Colemon breathed new life into the Morgan Park neighborhood and into so many who crossed her path.

She passed away just two days before Christmas. She was 94.