ORDER OF SERVICE
A Shepherd’s Journey
IN HONOR OF REV. DR. ROBERT L. BURGESS
He heard the call—not loud, but clear,
A whisper wrapped in scripture near.
From borrowed rooms and sacred halls,
He built a place where mercy calls.
With faith not measured brick by stone,
He dreamed a church that felt like home.
Grace Community—by name and deed,
A house of healing, born from need.
He pastored hearts, not just the pews,
He lifted burdens, preached good news.
From Wyandanch to Amityville,
His voice spoke peace, his hands stayed still.
He stood for justice, spoke with fire,
Challenged banks to do what’s right, not higher.
He saw the walls that blocked the door,
And fought so churches could do more.
He sowed his sermons deep in soil—
Not just in pulpits, but through toil:
In gardens tended week by week,
In courtrooms where he dared to speak,
In daughters strong, in those he taught—
A living word, not just a thought.
And when the time to pass the flame,
He did it humbly, not for fame.
To his own seed, strong and wise,
He gave the church he planted, and stepped aside.
Yet even then, he did not rest,
He mentored still, he gave his best.
A father, pastor, civic guide,
A humble giant dignified.
Now heaven gains a voice, a song,
But here on Earth, his works live on.
The last of many, yet still the seed—
He sowed in love, he met the need.
We rise in honor, not in grief—
For such a life is not so brief.
It echoes still in grace and truth,
In how we love, in what we do.
This shepherd’s journey is now complete—
He leads no more, but lies in sleep.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...
it is the gift of God.
EPHESIANS 2:8
Chapter 1
The Beginning
Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess was born October 11, 1926, in Belhaven, North Carolina. He was the first son and the second of four children born to James and Georgia Burgess. He attended and graduated from the local schools in his hometown. During World War II, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946, stationed in Fürth, Germany.
Following his honorable discharge, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. While there, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Beta Rho Chapter), the University Chorale Society, and the Veterans Club. He graduated in 1951. Shortly afterward, he moved to New York City and married his college sweetheart, Jacqueline Church, in August 1953. Over the next twelve years, they relocated from Harlem to St. Albans, Queens, eventually settling in Amityville, New York.
Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess began his professional career as a Laboratory Bacteriologist and later served in the New York City Department of Health as a Health Inspector for over 30 years. During that period, he also pursued studies at Syracuse University through the Department of Continuing Education.
As a young homeowner in North Amityville, he became an advocate for civil rights and equal opportunity. As president of the Darrynane Civic Association, he led efforts that included legal battles against the Town of Babylon, challenging discriminatory down-zoning practices. His efforts ultimately took him to the New York State Supreme Court in pursuit of justice for his community.
In 1966, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess and his wife joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in Copiague, New York. There, he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, and Church Steward. In 1974, he accepted the call to ministry, a decision that would become the defining journey of his life.
He prepared for ministry through studies at New York Theological Seminary and the First District Institute of the A.M.E. Church. He was ordained an A.M.E. Minister by Bishop Allen Hilderbrand and served under Rev. Simon P. Bouie, later becoming Associate Pastor under Rev. Floyd Black.
In February of 1984, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess founded Grace Community Church in Amityville alongside a dedicated core of founding members. The church worshipped in various locations—including Wyandanch Daycare Center, Ace Community Center, Goode Funeral Home, and Bethesda Seventh Day Adventist Church—before breaking ground on its own church building. The groundbreaking service was officiated by Bishop Frank O. White.
Under Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess's leadership, Grace Community Church flourished. The church grew in membership and became a beacon of faith, compassion, and outreach, ministering to the sick, the poor, the bereaved, and the imprisoned.
Chapter 2
College & Meeting His Bride
Chapter 3
Work & Early Civic Involvement
Chapter 4
Early Ministry Years
Chapter 5
Pastoral Years & Civic Impact
During this time, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess served on the African American Advisory Board of Suffolk County under County Executives Robert Gaffney and Steve Levy. He also founded the Ad Hoc Committee to challenge discriminatory lending practices by banks toward churches, particularly those with predominantly African American congregations. His advocacy helped bring greater access to financial support for many churches.
On October 24, 2015, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess passed the mantle of pastoral leadership to his daughter, Rev. Alexia Burgess Huart, and was elevated to the esteemed office of Overseer. Overseer Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess continued to teach, preach, and mentor with grace and wisdom in his later years.
Overseer Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess lived life with a passion for learning, travel, and creativity. He traveled extensively, visiting Ghana, South Korea, France, England, Spain, Italy, and numerous Caribbean islands.
His love for photography began during college, where he served as yearbook photo editor. That passion carried through his life as he captured countless family moments through photos and home videos. He was also an avid gardener, often tending to his yard on Saturday mornings.
His greatest recreational joy, however, was fishing. He cherished his time on the Atlantic Ocean with his fishing buddies, where laughter, reflection, and companionship filled many peaceful days.
Overseer Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 71 years, Jacqueline. Together, they raised three daughters: Pastor Alexia Burgess, Rev. Robyn L. Walton (Jeffrey), and Mrs. Cheryl A. Johnson (Derek).
He is the cherished grandfather of eight: Lavelle Evans (predeceased), Yandrea, Michelle, Jeffrey, Derek, Jordan, Deryca, and Desrae (Colin); and the great-grandfather of five: Jayden, Sélah, Joni, Kaysen, and Railynn.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and all his siblings. With his passing, a chapter closes—a patriarch and cornerstone of the Burgess family. His life spanned nearly a century, carrying with it the stories, sacrifices, and strength of those who came before. Overseer Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burgess's legacy lives on in every life he touched, every sermon he preached, and every seed of justice he sowed. His was a life well lived, to the glory of God.
Chapter 6
The Hobbyist
Chapter 7
The Final Chapter
We chose to tell his story in chapters because God was present in every part guiding, shaping, and sustaining him along the way. A faithful life doesn't just happen; it's lived on purpose, with grace in each season.
We all have a story-may we live ours in a way that honors the Author.
Monetary Love Gifts
CHECKS: C/O OF JAQUELINE BURGESS CASHAPP: $RLBMEMORIAL
HUSBAND. FATHER. GRANDFATHER . POP-POP . SERVANT . LEADER . MENTOR . ADVOCATE . FRIEND .
SCROLL TO SHARE IN OUR MOMENTS AND MEMORIES
SEVENTH & LANE is proud to honor the life and legacy of a General, Overseer Robert L. Burgess.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burgess and Huart family and the Grace Community Church.
This digital program will be accessible until 8/26