Conference of L.A. and Southern California. (Malik Morris/L.A. Sentinel)
On Monday, Dec. 4, clergy from near and far came together for breakfast at Praises of Zion Baptist Church in support of the Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, a candidate for the presidency of the National Baptist Convention of USA Inc.
The breakfast was hosted by 92-year-old statesman, the Rev. Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, pastor of Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and president of Western Baptist State Convention; and the Rev. K.W. Tulloss, pastor of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California.
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The purpose of this breakfast wasn’t just to raise awareness to Dr. Kimber’s campaign, but also to make the community aware of the cause behind Dr. Kimber’s aspirations for the presidency.
The National Baptist Convention is the oldest unified denominational organization of Baptist churches. Founded in 1894, the National Baptist Convention has nearly 130 years of legacy that Kimber seeks to both preserve and propel.
Also, he is not a stranger to the convention. As pastor of the New Haven Baptist Church in Connecticut, he has actively worked with the convention for nearly 40 years. In addition, he serves as the executive director of Social Justice Initiatives for the National Action Network under the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Kimber has a great love for the community and the convention that is best shown in his acts of service. Even after placing as runner up in the 2013 election, Kimber still served faithfully and supported the administration of the current president, Dr. Jerry Young.
Ten years later, as he seeks to run for office again, this campaign is not without its challenges as his opponents are the Rev. Dr. Claybon Lea of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield, California, and the Rev. Dr. Tellis J. Chapman of Gallilee Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
In spite of this, Dr. Kimber made it very clear that his initiative will be to aid local pastors and churches in Los Angeles.
“The National Baptist Convention was founded on the principles of mission and evangelism. I intend to make those principles prevalent in and throughout local church to make us better as whole,” said Kimber. He reminded the local pastors that his heart isn’t just for the position, but it’s for the people.
His presence and message were warmly received by the pastors and church leaders. Also, Dr. Kimber took time to converse and connect with those in attendance.
“We are not here because Dr. Kimber is candidate. We are here because Dr. Kimber is a brother,” said Bishop Xavier L. Thompson, pastor of the Covenant Connection Churches and former president of the BMCLA.
As the gathering concluded, one attendee noted, “Dr. Kimber has a very strong support because of his love for the local church community in Los Angeles and abroad.”
