Pastor Richard Williams, Jr. is a native of Conway, South Carolina; where he was educated in the Horry County public school system. Pastor Williams is a 2004 graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Pastor Williams went to Baltimore, MD in 2004 to study at the Peabody Conservatory of Music where he studied vocal performance. Pastor Williams heard the call to preach in 2008 and preached his initial sermon on September 5, 2010 with a sermon entitled the "Fierce Urgency of Now".
Pastor Williams served as Youth Pastor at Good Shepherd Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Restia Whitaker until he was called to be Youth Pastor at Cherry Hill Missionary Baptist Church in January of 2013 under the tutelage of Reverend Dr. James H. Cokley. Pastor Williams is compelled to preach the word of God and win souls for the Kingdom.
Pastor Williams has been blessed to have carried the Gospel through song to Mainland China and Hong Kong in 2004 and to Bindura, Zimbabwe in July of 2012.
Pastor Williams studied at Washington Bible College in Lanham, MD. On Mother's Day May 10, 2015 Pastor Williams took the reigns of Bristol Creek Missionary Baptist Church, with the vision to "Rebuild the walls and Revive the People". Pastor Williams embarked on a new pastoral journey with Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist church on Easter Sunday of 2019 with a vision to point them in the direction of becoming a “R.E.A.L Church” one that is Relevant, Effective, Alive and Linked to the Community. Pastor Williams lives in Conway, SC with his lovely wife the former Meghan Coleen Jordan and their 3 children Caleb Richard, Jenna-Grace and Johnson Parker WIlliams.
Martha Vereen was born and raised in Horry County of, South Carolina. Martha matriculated in the Horry County Public Schools system. Martha worked for the South Carolina Department of Social Services and retired After 28 years. The highlight of her career was knowing God placed her in a position to assist and help the great citizens of a state she loves very much. Martha is the proud parent of two sons and "Grandma" to a respectful and caring young man, Mikyran Michael Long.
Assistant to the Pastor
Reverend Rodney James
(843)877-1948Minister Rodney James is a life-long member of the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. Minister James first served as a deacon for over a decade before being licensed to preach in 2015 under the leadership of Reverend Curtis McMillan. Minister James serves as the Assistant to the Pastor to help carry out the duties of the pastorate. Minister James is a proud husband, father and grandfather.
Associate Minister
Reverend Thomas Tillery
(843)467-1611RevernedTillery is a native of NY. He joined Mt. Vernon in 2021 and has served on the Ministerial Staff since his arrival. Reverend Tillery is a co-leader of the Ministry. He is a father, grandfather and husband. Reverend Tillery resides in Conway with his lovely wife Sis. Frieda Tillery.
Dr. Tracy Melvin Bellamy is the daughter of Deacon Herbert (Ruby) and the late Leatha Melvin. Dr. Bellamy resides in Loris, S.C., and is the proud mother of one adult son, B.J. Bellamy. Dr. Bellamy is a retired professional educator of 30 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a master's degree in Human Resources Development, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Bellamy is certified in Elementary Education grades 1-8, Special Education grades K-12, and Dr. Bellamy has a principal certification. She has an extensive background in the education field, including teaching general education, special education, and adult education, working as a district-level program specialist, and as a middle school assistant principal. Dr. Bellamy's dissertation, "How to Meet the Needs of Special Education Students in General Education Classrooms in the Area of Math," is published in collegiate journals. Dr. Bellamy has trained hundreds of teachers in special education and has mentored many thriving educators. She has edited several books and is currently writing her first book. Dr. Bellamy has written Christian curricula for various age groups and taught several Christian-based classes on public speaking, reading, high school completion, motivating others, and empowering women. Dr. Bellamy now enjoys creating custom garments, handbags, and accessories for her online business TracyB's Boutique. Dr. Bellamy attends the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Nichols, S.C., and is a licensed minister who enjoys spreading the word of God to everyone she meets. Her favorite scriptures are Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Dr. Bellamy is passionate about serving in ministry and enjoys seeing others thrive in their talents.
Associate Minister
Minister Willistine Ridges
(843)877-6044Minister Willistine Ridges is a life-long member of the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. Minister Ridges was licensed to preach in 2020 under the leadership of Reverend Richard Williams, Jr. Minister Ridges is a proud mother and grandmother.
Minister Delmar Williams is a proud native of Bucksport, SC.
He currently serves as the youth minister at Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, where his pastor is Rev. Richard Williams, Jr.
Minister Williams accepted the call into the ministry seven years ago and has been on fire for God ever since!
He is married to Moesha Priester, and in their union, they have one beautiful daughter, Amia Williams. He is also a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated!
His motto in ministry is Change is not change until you change, and you cannot change until you break away the chains!
His favorite scripture is Romans 8:31
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Chairman Deacon
William Sanders
(843)457-7623Deacon William Sanders is the Chairman of the Deacons Ministry. Deacon Sanders has served on the Deacons ministry for more than 30 years. Deacon Sanders is a Vietnam Veteran of the US Army. Deacon Sanders is a Sunday School Teacher. Deacon Sanders is a Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Deacon Sanders lives in Loris, SC with his lovely wife Sis. Rachel Sanders.
Deacon
Herbert Melvn
Deacon Melvin is a Native of Loris, SC and is a life-long member of Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. Deacon Melvin is a Vietnam Veteran, and a retired postal worker. Deacon Melvin also served on the Loris Police Department for many years. Deacon Melvin is a Husband, Father and grandfather. Deacon Melvin resides in the big city of Loris, SC with his lovely wife Sis. Ruby C. Melvin.
Deacon Fabian Kendle came to Mt. Vernon in October of 2014. He has been serving on the Deacon Ministry since 2017. Fabian loves his church family, the loving and friendly environment, and the Biblical truth that is taught there. Deacon Kendle teaches Sunday School every 4th Sunday. He is married to Shanta Dixon-Kendle and they are blessed with two beautiful children Laila and Londyn Kendle. He enjoys spending time with family and mentoring children. Fabian works as a Family Services Worker for Green Sea Head Start.
Fabian's favorite Bible Verse is: Matthew 6:33
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Deacon
John Vereen
(301)873-8506Deacon John Vereen is a Native of Loris, SC and is a Military Veteran. John and his Wife Dinah lived in Maryland for 42 years before returning home to Loris. Deacon John reunited with Mt. Vernon and serves on the Deacons Ministry as well as the Community Fridge Ministry. Deacon John lives in Loris with his wife Dinah and their son Elijah.
Deacon
Ken Grate
Deacon
Martin Robinson
Chairman Trustee
Felton Miles
(843)877-9469Trustee Felton Miles serves as the Chairman of Trustees at Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. Felton and his wife Maria live in Green Sea.
Trustee
Michael Collier
(843)877-7404Trustee
Larry Temoney
(843)516-3402Bro. Larry Temoney has served on the Trustee Ministry since 2022. Bro Temoney is the trustee over the facility. Bro Temoney is employed with Horry County Public Schools. Bro. Temoney lives in Green Sea with his wife Matilda Temoney.
Trustee/Financial Secretary
Barbara Dixon-Suggs
(843)877-6290Sis. Barbara Dixon-Suggs is a native of Green Sea. Sis. Dixon-Suggs is a life-long member of Mt. Vernon and serves as Trustee and Financial Secretary. Sis. Dixon-Suggs is employed with the Horry County Public Schools. Sis. Dixon-Suggs is a wife, mother and grandmother. Sis. Dixon-Suggs lives in Longs, SC with her husband Kenny.