LEADERSHIP
Together, they are proud parents of four wonderful children: Melneatha, Angela, Bievie, and Takia.
Rev. Melvin L. White
Pastor
Pastor Melvin White is an anointed man of God, who is called to preach and teach. From his pulpit rings a message of hope, love, and the gift of salvation to young and old. He is guided daily by his favorite scriptures: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Born in Natchez, MS, September 10, 1962, to the late Annie Mae Smith and Arthur Smith, Pastor White grew up in a Christian home with five other siblings. He was baptized at an early age and joined the church where he is now the pastor. After graduating from North Natchez High School in 1980, he began working. Well known for his mesmerizing voice, he also traveled throughout the area singing praises for the Lord. His drive to do his best at any job and his pleasing personality eventually led to the purchase of his own distributorship with Little Debbie Snack Cakes. White Distributor became a successful business, employing four workers. It was during this time that he accepted his calling to the ministry. Licensed and ordained in 1997, he became the temporary pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Natchez, MS, where he had joined many years ago. Then on April 30, 1999, he was installed as the pastor of Pilgrim. Pastor White had come full circle. Tirelessly, he balanced family, work, his responsibilities as pastor and his studies at the Monroe Theological Seminary. Pastor White ran a successful business for seven years, but after many prayers and hours of meditation, he stepped out on faith to become a full-time pastor. Under his leadership at Pilgrim; membership has seen tremendous growth. Church ministries now include a Deacon-Family Plan, grant writing committee, Christian education classes, a food pantry, and a drug awareness program. Though busy with a full-time church, Pastor White continues to find time to fellowship with others when asked to sing. In 2002, he was given a special honor when the Bluff City Post Newspaper of Natchez named him, “Pastor of the Year.” Pastor White is married to Tammy Bingham White and they have four children, Melneatha, Angela, Bievie, and Takia.
Rev. LeRoy White
Associate Pastor
Rev. LeRoy White is Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church, in Ferriday, LA respectively, where "Kingdom Building Is Priority!" and where "The Courage To Care" is the church motto! He is an Associate Pastor at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church [His Home Church]. He is highly regarded as a loving and compassionate pastor, prolific Bible teacher, great preacher and visionary leader who proclaims a message of empowerment to the masses to give practical directions on how to fulfill one's divine calling and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. He has been in the ministry for 41 years and pastoring for 39 years. Pastor White graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School Class of 1964 in Natchez, MS; earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Sacramento, California and a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California. He is presently the Vice-Moderator of The Antioch Missionary Baptist Association of Adams County, MS. He has served on several civic boards in Adams County. He was called into the ministry at Kyles Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Sacramento, California, July 1984. While attending Seminary, he was assigned Pastor of Steward Tabernacle AMEZ Church, Fresno, California, later assigned to Knox Chapel AMEZ Church, Madera, California and pastored in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church until 1992. Then returned to the Baptist Denomination, was ordained and served as a Youth Minister, an Associate Minster for Administration, Moderator-At-Large Sacramento Baptist Association and called to Pastor Second Baptist Church, Chico, California from 1993 to 1998. Pastor White is known throughout the area and state and country to be a man of great faith who is dedicated to doing the will of God. After returning to Natchez, he realized his vision of taking three separated churches in Adams County and making them one, New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, from which he retired in 2020. He is a frequent speaker in schools, colleges, churches, seminars, and revivals across this country. He is a religious writer for the Bluff City Post Newspaper. He is a Retired Design & Planning Engineer of A T & T, where he worked 27 years and a retired Major from the United States Army after 23 years. Pastor White and his wife, Claudia M. Johnson White, have been married for over 24 years. They are the proud parents of four children: Andre' L. White, Dr. Erica Quinn-Thompson, Cicely C. White-Lee and Daniel L. White and they have 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
MINISTERIAL DIVISION
Deacon Frank Hill Jr.
Church Administrator
“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostle, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administration, varieties of tongues. (NKJV, 1 Corinthians 12:28) MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of the Church Administrator is to carry out God’s plan according to His Word; to assist the Pastor in managing the day- to-day business operation of the church; to maintain order while supporting the Pastor, the Church’s mission, purpose, theme , vision and various ministries along with the congregation; All to be accomplished in a manner that is pleasing in the sight of God. WORDS THAT DESCRIBES OUR MINISTRY Faith Prayer Love Grow Serve Commitment Confidentiality RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Works with the Pastor, Financial Administrator, Chairman of the Deacon Ministry, Chairman of the Trustee Ministry. Works with the church’s secretary in maintaining the church role. Work with the church consultant in coordinating the use of the church sanctuary, fellowship hall, and the grounds. Attend various ministry meeting.
