Our Pastor & First Lady
About our Pastor
Reverend Dr. Melvin Kennerly
The Rev. Dr. Melvin A. Kennerly has led God’s people through his preaching and teaching God’s word for over 31 years. He is known across the country as a Master Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist and Gifted Spiritual Leader. He is married to Mrs. Emelda J. Kennerly, Esquire, his partner in life and ministry. He now comes to St. Paul after serving 7 years as the Pastor of Greater Payne AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
Pastor Kennerly received an Associate of Science Degree from St. Petersburg Junior College, St. Petersburg, FL., a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS., a Master of Science Degree from University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO., a Master of Divinity Degree from Turner Theological Seminary in the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA. and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH. He is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, a 32nd Degree Free and Accepted Mason, Noble of the Mystic Shrine, life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., life member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., and a member of Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, Inc.
Pastor Kennerly was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the 1st Episcopal District, New Jersey Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Under Pastor Kennerly’s Pastoral leadership, three church mortgages were liquidated, a 37 passenger bus note was also paid in full and acreage was purchased.
Pastor Kennerly, co-authored “Prayers for the Dying and Views of the Afterlife” with Hospice of Hillsborough, Inc. and has served as a Resident Hospital Chaplain and a Hospice Chaplain. He has also served as a Supervisor in Training for Clinical Pastoral Education.
