Our Pastor
James M. Harrison Jr. serves as the Senior Pastor of Southern Baptist Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Pastor Harrison knew at an early age that he was called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A key strategic scripture that has shaped the life and ministry of Pastor Harrison is Jeremiah 1:5-7 "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
A son of Gethsemane Church of Jesus Christ of Springfield, Ma. Pastor J began working at the age of seven as a church musician. At the age of 11, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized shortly afterwards.
After preaching his first public sermon Pastor J assumed the role of Associate Minister at the church and Vice President of the Youth Auxiliary. After receiving ordination in early 2009, and accepting the call of Christ to expand his ministry, he began studying under the guidance of the Rev. Dr. Johnny Wilson, of the Olney Street Baptist Church, in Providence, RI. Pastor Harrison served as Youth Pastor of Olney Street for 4 years. In 2013 Pastor Harrison became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Boston under Rev. Kenneth Simms.
In December 2015, Pastor Harrison was called to Pastor the historic Southern Baptist Church located in Roxbury, Massachusetts and was installed as Senior Pastor in August of 2016.Through the leadership of Pastor J the members of SBC continue to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, financially and more importantly with an increasing knowledge of God. Furthermore it is the heartfelt desire of Pastor J to build the church of tomorrow by connecting with the youth and young adults of today. Over the course of Pastor Harrison’s ministry he has served as youth minister, revivalist, and bible study teacher of several congregations including Temple of Praise, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, and most recently Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He now serves at the President of the Youth Department for the United Baptist Convention of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
Pastor Harrison received his early theological education from Tabernacle Bible College. He is married to the beautiful Mrs. Jasmine Harrison.