BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

Curtis D. Morris, Senior Pastor Teacher

 

Curtis D. Morris

Senior Pastor

 Pastor Curtis D. Morris has served Bethany Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania as its Senior Pastor and Teacher since February 11, 2004. Under his leadership, Bethany Baptist Church thrives and strives to meet the spiritual needs of its congregation and community through ministries designed to “reach, teach and worship.” 
Pastor Morris places a strong emphasis on spiritual growth and leadership development among the ministerial staff and congregation. In an effort to address the spiritual needs of a diverse and growing congregation, new ministries were formed under his leadership such as the Marriage Matters, Special Events, Sunrise and Wellness ministries. The Men’s and Women’s Discipleship classes were formed to provide an opportunity for group fellowships and to address the educational and spiritual needs of the church. The Youth Church was expanded to include youth choirs, dance and mime ministries with the addition of the Kingdom Kids, Praise in Motion and Silent Praise. Semi-annual leadership development workshops are provided for the church leadership.
Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Morris, Bethany Baptist Church continues its outreach to the local community. It is in the spirit of evangelism that the “We Are Family” festivals and “Back to School” events are hosted to engage the community in a fun, fellowship, and worship. 

Pastor Morris actively ministers to students attending Widener University and serves as an associate chaplain at the WU Interfaith Center. His love of God and His people shows through his undying passion to the ministry of mentoring and sharing what a difference it is to have God in your life. 
Prior to joining Bethany Baptist Church, Pastor Morris served as Pastor of Evangelism and Missions at Sharon Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA; an associate minister at 19th Street Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA and as Chaplain at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
 
Pastor Morris is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest son of the late Lem and Emma Morris.  He attended Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Political Science as an undergraduate student and Administration as a graduate student. He has a Masters of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary.
Pastor Morris is married to the former Kim D. Harris of Philadelphia; they are the proud parents of two children, Gabrielle Elise and Matthew Emanuel.


Rev. Dr. William Rocky Brown 3rd Pastor of Community Engagement

Personal Motto: "Join Today to Change Tomorrow"
 The Honorable Reverend Dr.William Lewis Rocky, 3rd, a public, preacher, motivationalist, counselor, and consultant was born in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late District Justice, William Lewis Brown Jr. and Gwendolyn Carraway Brown. He has one sibling, a sister, Tracy M. Brown-Womack and three daughters, Catrina, Robin and Janee’ as well as a granddaughter, Sinai. 
 
Education Dr. Brown graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He also holds a Masters Degree in Religion from the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Jameson Christian College. He has also pursued graduate studies in the field of Adult Education at Cheyney University, received training in non-violent direct action from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia and is a graduate of the University of the Virgin Island’s Institute for the Treatment of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction and The F.B.I. Citizens Academy, Philadelphia Division. 
 
Pastoral & Professional Endeavors Rocky is President and CEO of Brown and Associates, LTD, a comprehensive government and public relations firm. He is also a State Certified Drug / Alcohol and Gambling Addiction Counselor and was recently voted by his peers and colleagues as Employee of the Year of Crozer-Keystone Health System's Community Hospital. 
 
A preacher by calling, yet a political activist by choice, Rocky is an ordained Baptist Minister of 31 years. He has spent six of these years as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bernardtown in South Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He is presently the Pastor of Youth and Community of the Bethany Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania, and an International Certified Christian Chaplain. Rocky is a prolific writer who has been published in various mediums. He also has a weekly religious column that appears in Scoop USA. 
 
Since 1986, Rocky has been traveling around the country motivating youngsters to stay in school and to say no to drugs and violence. Rocky’s motivational assemblies consist of a unique technique of raps, chants, and audience participation. Thus, he is affectionately known as the “Rappin Rev.” 
 
As a former member of the City Council of Chester, Pennsylvania, Rocky was  a strong voice for the people. Before being elected to council he spent 16 months in the U.S. Virgin Islands where he served with the Governor’s Drug and Crime Prevention Program as Special Assistant to the Drug Czar. Rocky was also elected and served two consecutive four-year terms as City Controller of Chester, Pennsylvania. Prior to being elected City Controller, he served as Legislative Aide to former Pennsylvania State Representative Robert C. Wright of the 159 Legislative District. In 2010 he was a candidate for State Representative. 
 
Affiliations & Memberships Rocky has been actively involved in numerous community and civic organizations over the years. Brown is a former member and Vice-President of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. He presently serves as Chairman of the Delaware County Millions More Movement, Ambassador for the Philadelphia Division of the F.B.I., member of The F.B.I. Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee and The FBI Step Up Speak Up Program, 1st Vice President of Choices Inc., Deputy Senior Chaplain of the Chester City Police Chaplain Corp, Senior Chaplain for Marcus Hook Police Department, Chaplain for the Chester Township Police and Fire Department, Chairman-Law Enforcement Chaplains of Delaware County as well as the PA. Representative for The International Conference of Police Chaplains and a member of the Widener Partnership Charter School Board of Trustees. 
 
Prince Hall Fraternalism has been a part of his family heritage for three generations. He was raised to the degree of a Master Mason in 1985 at Franklin Lodge #58. He is presently a Past Master, having served as Worshipful Master 2000-2001. He is a member of Omega Chapter #12, Holy Royal Arch Masons; Leon H. Johnson Council #8, Royal and Select Masters; Imperial Council #12, Knights of Templar; Charles E. Gordon Consistory #65, Grand Inspector General 33degree, Minaret Temple #174, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. serving as Illustrious Potentate in 2005. He served as Chairman of the Grand Lodge Audio Committee, was appointed Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon and Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon and is presently serving as Worshipful Grand Chaplain. He is also a Past Worthy Patron of Leah Chapter #27 and Grand Lecturer for Deborah Grand Chapter , Order of the Eastern Star, a Past Grand Exalted Ruler of John A. Watts Lodge #224; I.B.P.O. Elks of W. and a devoted member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. 
 
Awards & Recognitions His community work has earned him many awards and commendations; some of which include: Award of Excellence, United States Attorney’s Office, U.S. Virgin Islands, Man of the Year 1991, American Biographical Institute, U.S.A., United States Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Man of America Award - twice honored, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Distinguished Alumni Award, The Charles E. Gordon Consistory Community service Award, The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Community Service Award, International Directory of Distinguished Leadership Profile, Man of the Year Award – Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club of Coatesville, Berean Presbyterian Church Humanitarian Award, Vision Christian Academy Community Service Award, Philadelphia Mayor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, Charlotte Amalie Rotary Club Service Above Self-Citation, Outstanding American Award-American Biographical Institute ,cited four times in Who’s Who Among Black Americans, American Cities Foundation Men Making A Difference Award, and City of Chester, PA “Letter Of Commendation” for leading the fight to take “Four Loko” off the selves in America. 
 
In addition to his many awards and citations Rocky’s accomplishments have been listed in a publication by Richard E. Harris entitled, "A History of Chester, Pennsylvania Negroes." Not only has Rev. Dr. Brown been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles of both local and national prominence, he has made guest appearances on radio and television shows throughout the U.S. and Caribbean


Reverend Dr. Dexter Davis
Sr. Pastor of Christian Education
dexterdavis00@hotmail.com
Rev. Dr. Dexter L. Davis Sr. was born and raised in the City of Chester, Pennsylvania. He attended the Chester Upland Public Schools and is a proud graduate of the Chester High School Class of 1973. He graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Sociology. Dr. Davis earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from West Chester University and a Doctorate in School Administration from Widener University. Reverend Davis has also studied at TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute).
Reverend Davis is a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church in Chester Pa. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of twelve. Dr. Davis answered the calling on his life in 2008 and was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was ordained an Elder on June 12, 2016.

Rev. Davis is very active at Bethany Baptist Church and the Chester City community at large. He is an associate pastor charged with the responsibility of overseeing Christian education at the church. Dr. Davis teaches Noon Day Bible Study, serves on the Budget and Finance Committee and co-facilitates the Marriage Matters Ministry with his wife Reverend Michelle Meekins–Davis. Most recently, Dr. Davis was appointed the General Chairman of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Bethany Baptist Church which occurred in June of 2017.
In addition to his ministry duties at Bethany Baptist Church, Rev. Davis is an active member of Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland’s Interfaith Citywide Initiative. He also serves on several boards that impact the lives of children and adults in Delaware County. Dr. Davis currently serves as an advisor to Mayor Kirkland and City Council on education-related matters.

Dr. Davis retired from the Chester Upland School District where he served as a teacher, coach, dean of students, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Dr. Davis has worked in educational institutions throughout the Philadelphia region. He has been the recipient of many educational, community, and leadership awards.

Rev. Davis is a member of Epsilon Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (Chester Pa.) He is a two-term president of the chapter. He is also a charter member of the Widener Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society at Widener University.

 Rev. Davis lives in New Castle County, Delaware with his wife Elder Michelle Meekins–Davis. They have two adult sons Dexter Jr. and Ian. He also blessed with a lovely daughter-in-law, Magan Davis and two grandchildren, Julian Robert Davis and Zuri Michelle Davis.

Rev. Davis believes that everything that he has achieved has been through the grace of God.  He also believes that “Friendship is essential to the soul”.


Reverend Kim Morris
First Lady and
Pastor of Women's Ministry
Reverend Kim D. Morris is the First Lady of Bethany Baptist Church in Chester Pennsylvania where her Husband Pastor Curtis D. Morris is the Senior Pastor. She is also the proud mother of two children,
Gabrielle Elise, a Graduate of Howard University and Matthew Emmanuel a Junior at Delaware State. Reverend Morris was Licensed to preach the gospel on March 4th 2012, and Ordained on June 12th 2016. She has been teaching and preaching the word for over ten years.  She is a noted retreat speaker, Bible study teacher, marriage counselor and the Ministry Leader for the Women's Discipleship Class.

 She was educated in Philadelphia, where she has earned a Bachelors of Science in Education from Drexel University, and a Masters in Educational Leadership with her Principal's Certification from the University of Pennsylvania. She was a math teacher and the Director of the Rose Tree Media School District Summer School and Enrichment Program. Presently she is Vice Principal of Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School.
Her life verse is Prov. 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but
acknowledge the LORD in all your ways and he  will direct your path.”


Reverend Phillip L. Murray
Pastor of Administration
Reverend Phillip L. Murray accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at age 11 and has been guided by the Holy Spirit throughout his spiritual journey. Rev. Murray and his wife Christine joined Bethany Baptist Church in July of 1996.  He became active in the Faith Fellowship Choir as a member and served as Vice President of the choir from January 2000 to December 2005. He was asked to serve as a Trustee of the Church in December 1999 until his call to the ministry in September of 2004. On May 10, 2005, Reverend Murray received his license to preach under the leadership of Pastor Curtis D. Morris of the Bethany Baptist ChurchChesterPennsylvania.  On Saturday, June 10, 2007, Reverend Murray completed his ordination examination given by the New Hope Baptist Association under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Baynard S. Taylor and was ordained on Sunday, June 11, 2007, as a minister of the Gospel.

Reverend Murray currently serves as: Pastor of Administration, the facilitator of the men’s discipleship class and alternates as a teacher of the Wednesday Night Bible Study with the Senior Pastor.
Pastor Murray resides in NewarkDelaware, and has three brothers of which one is his paternal twin.  He was educated in the Philadelphia and Chester Public School system and is a veteran of the United States Air Force (serving 24-years).  Pastor Murray is currently employed as the Loss Prevention/Environmental Health & Safety Manager for International Paper located in Thorofare, New Jersey.

Pastor Murray is married to Christine Kornegay of ChesterPennsylvania; they are the proud parents of two young adults, Deacon Antony P. Murray (Yvette) and Valerie N. Cave (Sergil). They are the proud grandparents of Victoria Christine Cave.

Reverend Murray exhibits a love for God’s people and this is shown through his love of teaching and mentoring and sharing what a difference God has made in his life. Reverend Murray favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.”