Pastoral Staff
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Pastor Phyllis Thompson Hilliard - Pastor to Women
Licensed to preach in 1991 by her husband of 31 years, Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., Senior Pastor of Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, NJ, Pastor Phyllis Hilliard is a Christian woman determined to accomplish extraordinary things for God.
Pastor Hilliard has served as Director of the Cathedral Women’s Ministry, hosting retreats, conferences, programs, and Bible Studies geared towards enriching the lives of the women in her church and those abroad. On October 27, 2006, Pastor Hilliard was officially ordained as a pastor at her home church.
Passionate in her quest to reach, teach, and mentor young ladies, Pastor Hilliard initiated a Female Rites of Passage program for the young sisters of her church in 1994. After 18 years, the Nailah Ministry is still going strong and is growing.
In addition to preaching and teaching at diverse women’s events for churches in the tri-state area, Pastor Hilliard has had the privilege of preaching in Ghana, West Africa several years ago.
The author of three books, "What Does A Pastor Do?," "Manhood Boot Camp," and "The Voice of the Mrs.". Pastor Hilliard is preparing to publish her fourth book--"Daddy: In Absentia," in 2012. She is also featured—along with 30-plus women – in the 5th volume of "Those Preaching Women," a collection of sermons by women from various denominations and ethnicities, published in 2008 by Judson Press.
She serves as director of Winsome Ministries, Inc., a non-profit entity she founded in 2002 that presents a variety of public forums aimed towards holistically empowering women and young people. Under this banner, she has also launched a human-interest television program entitled, "Morning Dew," which airs on [local access] Comcast stations.
At the end of the day, when all is said and done, Pastor Hilliard regards being mother to her three adult daughters – Leah, Charisma, and Destiny – as her greatest accomplishment.
To contact Pastor Hilliard log on to www.winsomeministries.org or email PTH907@yahoo.com
The Reverend Henry Rodgers, Sr. – Assistant Pastor to Seniors
Has served in ministry at the Second Baptist Church and Cathedral International of Perth Amboy, New Jersey for over thirty years in the areas of Evangelism, Prison Ministry. Discipleship, and Marriage and Family as a lecturer, facilitator of seminars, retreats and other activities relevant to the family. Ordained a Deacon by the late Reverend Herbert Mack Martin at the historical Broad Street Second Baptist Church. Under the tutelage of Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr., Senior Pastor of Cathedral International, he was licensed to preach the gospel, ordained by the Progressive Baptist Association, and appointed Elder. Currently he serves as an Elder and Associate Pastor of Marriage and Family. His academia profile includes certificates of Theology from the former Northeastern Bible College of Essex Fells, New Jersey currently known as Kings College of New York: Pastoral Counseling from Zarephath Bible College and a myriad of vital experience at the Cathedral International. He is known wherever he goes as the unequivocal voice for Christ with compassion for humanity, mentor for boys, young adults, married couples, and a community collaborate as a member of the Perth Amboy Clergy Association, liaison between the Church and City, Fraternal Order of Police and subscribing Life member of the NAACP.
He is married to the former Pinkie M. Jackson of Louisiana, a co-laborer in ministry. He attests their greatest accomplishment as parenting their two adult children, Henry III and Karen Joy. They are doting grandparents of Summer Joy, Zaniyah Joy, Zander, and Evan, blessed in-laws of Zelva and Nitzaliz, and celebrants of 43 years of Holy Matrimony.
To contact Pastor Rodgers call 732-826-5293
The Reverend William J. Barlow - Assistant Pastor - Visitation
William James Barlow Sr. has been a member here at the historic, Second Baptist Church The Cathedral International since 1962.
He has served with various ministries throughout the years: Senior Choir, Trustee Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Men’s Ministry Diaconate Ministry, CCDC, and the Cathedral Academy. William serve as Elder with The Diaconate Ministry, The Sick and Shut In Ministry and The Intercessory Prayer Ministry
William was ordained by the late Pastor H. Mack Martin as a deacon Aug. 4 1980. He was ordained by Bishop D. Hilliard in to Christian Ministry July 7, 1996
William, graduated from Data Process Institute of New Jersey, and is employed with Siemens Medical. He attended Eastern Bible College of Carlstadt NJ, Middlesex County College and he received a certificate in Bible Study from Eastern Bible College of Newark NJ.
William and his wife Minister Ida are proud parents of three and grandparents of eight. Sandra(Kofi) – Anya, Kwame, James and Anisa Doonquah. William Jr.(Melonise) – Leah, William III and Isaiah. Rodney(Va’Lencia) – Victoria Barlow
To contact Pastor Barlow call 732-826-5293
Pastor Abraham Alston, Jr. – Pastor of Strategic Development and Fiscal Affairs
Elder Abraham Alston has faithfully served Cathedral International for over twenty years as Trustee, Business Administrator, and Financial Consultant. As an Elder at Cathedral International (The Historic Second Baptist Church) Elder Alston has provided great leadership and support to the overall mission and vision of the church. In addition to the many hats he has worn at Cathedral International, Elder Alston has served as guest lecturer on Church Administration at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, NJ.
In 1993 through vision and ingenuity, Abraham Alston, Jr. founded Alston & Company CPA's (formerly known as Alston & Perry CPA's), an African-American owned, Christ-centered, full-service accounting firm. Mr. Alston has directed and positioned Alston & Company to specialize in meeting the financial administration and tax needs of churches and other non-profit organizations, to develop a niche for serving small businesses, and to have a heart for individuals.Abraham Alston, Jr., a licensed certified public accountant in the states of New York and New Jersey, has extensive knowledge and vast experience in accounting, auditing, and tax-related services. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Hofstra University, NY in May 1982, and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from New York University in September 1993. Abraham Alston, Jr. has over 18 years of expertise specializing in a wide array of financial and tax-related services.
Abraham Alston, Jr. is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the State Society of CPAs in New York and New Jersey. His work experience includes various levels of management in the accounting/auditing departments of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, the New York City Comptroller's Office, and National Westminster Bank. His public accounting experience was obtained at Mitchell & Titus and Company CPAs which is the largest African-American owned accounting firm in the nation. For government agencies, HUD, and non-profit entities, Abraham Alston has supervised many audit engagements. He has provided his accounting and computer expertise on analyzing internal controls and computer systems.
To contact Pastor Alston email: abrahama@thecathedral.org
Pastor Michael Wilkerson Leach – Pastor of Administrative Affairs & Ministerial Life
A native of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Elder Michael Wilkerson Leach has a wealth of administrative and ministerial experience having served in many capacities over the last twenty-five years. In addition to serving at Cathedral International she is a radio personality on Star 99.1FM as the Host of STAR 99.1 CARES where she is able to provide listeners with information regarding public affairs issues that affect their lives and communities on a daily basis. Elder Leach has a knack for supporting and encouraging others in their service unto the Lord.
Elder Leach is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. Currently Elder Leach is a student at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey where she completing the Master of Divinity Degree.
Although Elder Leach loves serving in ministry, her greatest joy comes from spending time with her husband, Minister William Leach and her children, Jonathan Michael and Rhema Joy.
To contact Pastor Leach email: MichaelL@TheCathedral.org or call 732-826-5293
The Reverend Dr. Deniece Reid - Lead Pastor Cathedral International Asbury Park/Director of Cathedral Community Counseling Center
The Reverend Deniece Reid is a native of Westfield, New Jersey. She attended the Westfield public school system and is a graduate of Westfield High School.
She has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Upsala College; a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University; a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary; and a Doctorate of Ministry Degree from Drew University as a Hilliard Fellow. She is also an adjunct professor at Drew University and Somerset Christian College, a certified Addictions Counselor, an Associate of the Family Therapy Institute of New Jersey and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Dr. Reid presently serves as a staff pastor at Cathedral International in Perth Amboy New Jersey where Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. is the senior pastor, and executive Director of the Cathedral Community Counseling Center. Reverend Reid was licensed to preach the Gospel in 1985 at Bethel Baptist Church in Westfield, New Jersey. She was ordained in the Christian Ministry in 1996 at Cathedral International. She also served as Assistant pastor of New Hope Church/Training Center at Rutgers University.
Since 1973, Dr. Reid has been employed by various social service/mental health agencies and educational institutions in New Jersey. She has had vast experiences working with youth, families, communities in the capacities of Youth Ministry Coordinator, Individual/Family Clinician, Substance Abuse Clinical Coordinator and Clinician, Community systems Coordinator and Professional Consultant. She has also conducted numerous seminars/workshops for organizations, ministries and churches on various topics and issues such as marriage and family, parenting, additions, grief, cultural sensitivity, lay counseling and leadership program development from a Clinical/Biblical perspective.
She is the recipient of various awards for her church and professional services, including Outstanding Young Woman of America – 1976 and the National Cultural and Economic Diversity Award from the American Family Therapy Academy – 1997. Reverend Reid is a contributing author of a chapter entitled “Addictions, African-Americans and The Christian Journey” in the book Bridges to Recovery released in March 2000.
The Reverend Dr. Deniece Reid gives God All the Glory for her life experiences and accomplishments. Jesus Christ is her Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit is her teacher of all truth.
“When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all He has done for me, my very soul cries out Hallelujah! I thank God for saving me.”
To contact Rev. Dr. Reid email: CounselingCenter@thecathedral.org or call 732-826-5293
The Reverend Danielle L. Brown - Pastor of Church Life
Saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of 12, The Reverend Danielle Brown finds great joy and satisfaction in living and preaching the Gospel. Educated in the Perth Amboy Public Schools, Rev. Brown went on to attend Virginia State University where she was a Provost Scholar and three sport athlete.
After five years of teaching in the Richmond Public Schools, Rev. Brown responded to God's call to serve as Youth Minister at her home church under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. (Senior Pastor) and The Reverend Dr. Bernadette Glover (Executive Pastor Emeritus). Currently, she has the honor of serving as Pastor of Church Life at Cathedral International (The Historic Second Baptist Church).
Rev. Brown was licensed to preach on July 17, 2003 and ordained by the American Baptist Churches and Covenant Ecumenical Fellowship and Cathedral Assemblies on June 3, 2012. An increasingly sought after preacher and workshop leader, Rev. Brown has the ability to effectively communicate the Gospel to multiple generations.
Committed to education, Rev. Brown holds both Master of Education and Bachelor of Science Degrees from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia and both the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts Degrees from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Degree at Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
Rev. Brown loves God and counts it an honor and privilege to serve God's people.
Danielle L. Brown, M.Ed, M.Div, MA
To contact Rev. Brown email: DanielleB@thecathedral.org or call 732-585-4025
The Reverend Kevin Smallwood – Campus Pastor Cathedral International Plainfield
A native of Newark, New Jersey, The Reverend Kevin Smallwood serves as Campus Pastor to Cathedral International Plainfield. Married for over 25 years, he and his wife Susan are the proud parents to two children.
Pastor Smallwood has been saved and delivered from drugs and alcohol for over twenty years and has a relevant ministry and message to those whose lives have been ravaged by addictive behaviors.
After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, he successfully ignited two thriving businesses. God has truly blessed this faithful man of God with an entrepreneurial spirit. Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., Senior Pastor of Cathedral International has been a defining influence and source of encouragement, casting vision and pouring into Pastor Smallwood.
To contact Pastor Smallwood email: Kevin@twofishandfiveloaves.com
Currently serves as the Pastor of the Iglesia Catedral, the Spanish Congregation of Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, New Jersey where Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. is the Senior Pastor. He is the husband of Marisol Santana and the proud father of three children: Esteban IV, Priscilla and Lucas.
The Ministry of Iglesia Catedral consists of a weekly worship service at 11:00am, free Multilevel English Classes for the Latino community during the year, weekly Spanish Bible Studies, and immigration resources for Latino community. For over twenty years, Minister Santana has worked full-time in healthcare at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, NJ Med, PC in the Managed Care Division. He is a graduate of Rutgers University, Livingston College, Piscataway, NJ with a BA in Psychology and minor: Religion. He is also a graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, NJ where he earned the Master of Divinity degree Summa Cum Laude in May of 2007. While at NBTS, Minister Santana was awarded the THE ROBERT HATCHER PRIZE, which is awarded to the student who excels in Christian Education. In 2003 received the Hageman Scholar Award. The Hageman Scholar awards honor the late Reverend Doctor Howard G. Hageman, President of New Brunswick Theological Seminary from 1973 until 1985, and his wife, Carol Hageman. Hageman Scholars receive a renewable grant of tuition remission to study full-time at the Seminary. In Spring 2005 awarded The George Augustus Sandham Scholarship for Junior Year class standing. He also completed two units of Supervised Ministry at Hope Community Church in Bergenfield, NJ. This is a Korean Presbyterian congregation, where he served as Director of Christian Education for Children for the summer. Responsibilities included preaching the children’s sermon and running the Sunday school, as well as providing Children’s Saturday fellowship twice a month during the summer. Minister Santana also completed three more units of Supervised Ministry at Cathedral International. Two units were done at Cathedral Assembly in the Fields in Plainfield, NJ surveying the Latino community and developing and executing a successful Basic English Conversational Course in partnership with the YMCA. The other unit of Supervised Ministry was done at the Cathedral Community Counseling Center in Perth Amboy, NJ under The Reverend Dr. Deniece Reid.
Minister Santana loves all contacts sports and finds great joy in serving as a soccer and baseball coach.
Minister Santana’s passion in ministry is to serve the ‘undocumented’ community. One of the mandates to the people of Israel as found in Deuteronomy 10: 17-19 (KJV) is: 17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: 18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. 19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
To contact Minister Santana email: call 732-424-9684 (after 5pm) or e-mail: santanes@umdnj.edu.
Minister Esteban Santana III – Pastor of Iglesia Catedral