Reverend Harry James Shaw

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith; from now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing....."
II Timothy 4:7-8
Harry James Shaw was born on March 7,1950 as the 14th child of the late Pearl and Wesley Shaw,12 minutes behind his twin brother the late Larry Shaw.
Harry was raised and lived his entire life in Fort Pierce, Fl. At an early age he proved to be a hard worker who was very skilled in carpentry, roofing, and plumbing. In 1968, on a trip to Miami, Harry saw a beautiful young woman coming down the stairs of his soon to be mother-n-law's home, and he fell in love at first sight. On his 20th birthday he married Bulah Mae Ross. Living and loving through every vow, they remained married for 55 years!
Harry started his Christian journey at an early age when he joined Mt. Olive M.B. Church as a teenager. He would serve God as a ministry leader, trustee, and deacon. But the Lord had an even higher calling for him. In 1986 Harry was called into the ministry and October 20th, he preached his trial sermon "I Must Be About My Father's Business" at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Robert Lawrence. He served and preached the gospel at Zion Hope until when he was called to pastor New Shiloh M.B. Church from 1993 - 1994.
Being led by God, on December 18, 1994, Pastor Shaw founded Good News M.B. Church. Pastor Shaw believed not only did God want him to start a church, but that He also desired for him to build a sanctuary. Having great faith and a bank account the size of a mustard seed the new home for Good News M.B. Church was built with Rev. Shaw as the project manager and Mr. Leroy Bennett as the contractor. Pastor Shaw's vision was supported by many business leaders and community members who donated and/or volunteered money, materials, and muscle to erect the edifice. The congregation marched into their new church on November 25, 2006.
Pastor Shaw strongly believed that the ministry of the church extends outside of the building and into the community. His care, compassion, and commitment for the people of God was only surpassed by his passion to preach the Word of God. He continuously collaborated with local and national leaders by supporting all positive efforts to build a strong faith-based community. Mayor Benton appointed Rev. Shaw to serve on the Fort Pierce Utility Authority Advisory Board. He worked with the Ft. Pierce Police Department and became known as "Reverend Task" to stop gang violence and drug trafficking. He also served as member of P.A.L.S to encourage positive lifestyle changes. He co-founded Soldiers Against Crime (S.A.C) where he organized marches to promote safer neighborhoods. He founded Good News R.I.O.T Outreach Ministries, Inc., where he sponsored summer camp programs, back to school events that provided free supplies, clothing and haircuts and toy drives and food distributions during Thanksgiving and Christmas to serve needy families.
Pastor Shaw partnered and found the time to serve alongside many organizations including; the Board of the Democratic Party of St. Lucie County, Afro American Council of Ministers, Hospice of the Treasure Coast Pastoral Committee, St. Lucie County Health Department for HIV/AIDS Prevention, Partners with Haitian and Hispanic Churches for cultural diversity on Christian education, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, Coordinator of the St. Lucie County World Changers Organization's Youth Explosion, Faith in Florida, and the Treasure Coast Food Bank. In 2010, Pastor Shaw was honored with the Religion Award by the NAACP for his Christ-centered contributions to the community.
Of all of Harry's accomplishments, his greatest joy and honor was being a husband, daddy, and grandaddy! He showed his daughters and granddaughters by his actions that they were more precious than rubies and demonstrated the importance of taking care of your family to his sons and grandsons. He loved all his family! Harry enjoyed cooking barbecue ribs and dirty rice for family functions, playing games and watching his favorite teams, the Florida State Seminoles, and the Golden State Warriors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Pearl (Hayes) Shaw; siblings Earl Shaw, Marcus Shaw, Horace Shaw, George Shaw, Calvin Shaw, Herman Shaw, Larry Shaw, Donnel Shaw, Margaret Bates, Flora Shaw, Patricia Shaw, Barbara Shaw Anthony, Betty Shaw, and Miriam Shaw, and grandchildren Tavoris Sumpter, Jameshia Sumpter, Jamarean Shaw King.
He leaves to forever cherish his memories and live out his legacy his wife Bulah Ross Shaw; five children, Chianta Shaw Lindsey, Tikia Sandria Shaw, Miavonti Tiara Scott (Marvin), Herman James Sumpter (Elesea), Sr, and Dwayne Henry Shaw (Jasmine); seventeen grandchildren, Ticorious "TK" Hudson (Korsche), Maurice "Reece" Simmons, II, M'Kenzi Shaw-Hampton, Wytrevous "Tre" Woodson, Xymia "Shug-gal" Woodson, K'Nai "Sunshine" Lindsey, Comariis Davis, Adraya "Babygirl" Durham, Reginald Smith, Akeem Harris, Sade Sumpter, Shabrillia Dixon (Gerald), Javoris Smith, Herman Sumpter, Jr, Jahmiya Sumpter, Shemar Sumpter, Dwayne Henry Shaw, II; and seven great grandchildren; four siblings David Scott (Brenda), Carol Shaw, Charles Shaw (Marie), and Janice Shaw Mensah (Dominic); beloved and lifelong friends Leroy and Mary Bennett, Mike and Nancy Abraham, a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends.