On Sunday, September 26, 2021, at 3:00 p.m., Dr. Timothy Mark Harris will be installed as the Pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. He will be accompanied by his wife, First Lady Karin Harris. The Deacons and Trustees at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church acknowledges the late Pastor Frank L. McSwain for his years of leadership and devotion to Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, located at 801 W. Market Street. The predominantly African American church has positively impacted the community on multiple levels.
Dr. Harris said, “My beautiful wife and I are most honored and humbled to have been called, at this anointed and appointed time, to lead Mount Pisgah’s family of Believers. We embrace and appreciate Mount Pisgah’s substantive legacy, and we commit to carrying the torch of Godly excellence in Ministry, marching forward while connecting Pastor with people in partnership to ensure impact in our community as well as across the world.”
Mount Pisgah Baptist Church was founded in Bloomington in 1865—the year that also marked the end of the Civil War. The church has served as a “hub of hope” for those on the west side of Bloomington, and beyond. Deacon Kevin Jackson, Chairman of the Deacon Board, offered “Mount Pisgah’s leadership team is excited about partnering with our new Pastor, Dr. Timothy Mark and First Lady Harris. We look forward to the collaboration while focusing on Kingdom building and community outreach!”
Dr. Timothy Mark Harris is a strong advocate for expository preaching and teaching. He believes that intense educational paths are key components in affecting change. He also asserts that as Christ Followers, our Christian investment strategy should include motivation, stimulation, education and recognition along with personal accountability which, when practiced, leads to a renewed and redirected sense of responsibility within our community of faith.
A native of Wilmington, Ohio, Dr. Harris has been living in his call to preach since 1999 and articulates four Ministry objectives as the responsibility for the 21st Century Church to be intentional regarding Ministry. Those objectives will ensure that the purpose of progressing forward is experienced by Establishing Effective Relationships, Participating in Effective Worship Experiences, Engaging in Effective Discipleship Ministry and Promoting Effective Community Partnerships, all to the Glory of God.
This historic Installation will be celebrated with proclamations from Illinois State Representative Dan Brady, Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, NAACP Officials, Councilwoman Chemberly Cummings and members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Mount Pisgah is the largest African American church in the Bloomington-Normal area and boasts over 500 members, while serving as a beacon of light for the community.
