Reverend Hagins

On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, Reverend Paul L. Hagins triumphantly entered eternal peace. The second of nine children, he was born on August 11, 1925 in Camden, South Carolina to the late Isaac and Rose Hagins.

Paul began his religious training at the Brown Chapel AME Church in South Carolina. Moving to Philadelphia with his family, he continued that training at the Resurrection Baptist Church where his mother was a faithful member. His scholastic training was through the Philadelphia public school system.

In 1945, Paul married the late and former Inez McCann. Into this union three children were born: Paul, Jr; Audrey Maria; and Denise Gail. He also produced a son Morris with the late Grace Williams.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Paul served with distinction on the USS Hopewell (DD 681) during World War II. For his service on board the Hopewell, he was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, which is now known as the American Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Paul accepted Christ in February of 1949 and united with Tenth Memorial Baptist Church and was baptized by the late Rev. Allen T. Dixon. He was ordained as a deacon on December 19, 1954. On February 24, 1980, Paul preached his Initial Sermon at Tenth Memorial and was later ordained a minister. Not only did Paul minister and serve the members at Tenth Memorial, he also served as Associate Pastor at the Golden Gate Baptist Church during the illness of its Senior Pastor. He also had an affiliation with the Redeemer Tabernacle Baptist Church, Inc.

In January of 1969, Paul married the late and former Vermell Kelly. From this union, two children were born: Mark Donovan and Romona Valda.

With an infectious smile and spiritual heart, Rev. Hagins would willingly minister and visit the sick members of any congregation with whom he worshipped. His baritone voice and fiery tone would fill up a room and ignite heartfelt responses from anyone within earshot when he preached or prayed. God allowed Rev. Hagins to find a to way bless and soothe the soul when he prayed, which sometimes would be as long as a sermon. Not only would he visit the sick, he was also a mentor and spiritual advisor to numerous church groups and anyone who sought his guidance. In the North Philly neighborhood where he resided, he was highly respected and affectionately known as ‘Reverend Paul’ or ‘The Rev’.

For decades, Rev. Hagins worked as a unionized butcher (United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 152) for Cross Brothers Meat Packing Company and Colonial Beef until his retirement in 1987.

A man of great spiritual, mental, and physical strength, his nearly ten-years battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s ended with Rev. Hagins still fighting to be independent and do for himself. He was highly favored.

Preceding him in death: his wife, Vermell Hagins; sons Paul Hagins, Jr, and Morris ‘Reds’ Williams; and daughter Romona V. Johnson.

Paul leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his life his children: Evangelist Audrey Thomas of Wilmington, DE (Claude), Denise Hagins, and Mark Donovan Hagins of Philadelphia; Sister: Ella Mae Fredricks of Philadelphia (Gene); 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws; and countless friends.