Called to Lead
Rev.Dr. Conrad B. Tillard Sr. Installed at Congregational Church of South Hempstead
On the weekend of November 23, 2025, the Congregational Church of South Hempstead in Long Island, New York installed the Rev. Dr. Conrad B. Tillard Sr., M.Div., Th.m. as senior pastor.
The Installation weekend included a social justice conference on Saturday, where leading professionals and elected leaders discussed the advancement of African Americans on Long Island. Rev. Dr. Deforest Soaries served as keynote speaker.
On Sunday morning, former Congressman Rev. Edolphus Towns preached a sermon reflecting his longstanding commitment to faith-informed leadership and public service. His message emphasized the role of the church in shaping moral responsibility, encouraging congregants to remain engaged in the work of justice, service, and community uplift.
The evening service featured Rev. Benjamin F. Chavis, who delivered a sermon rooted in the Black Church’s historic prophetic tradition. Rev. Dr. Chavis spoke broadly about unity, social responsibility, and the continuing need for faith leaders to address racial and economic challenges facing the community.
The services were presided over by Rev. Shanan E. Jones, senior pastor of Gathering Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and president of the Concerned Black Clergy of Metro Atlanta.
Reflecting a strong presence to celebrate, cover, and encourage Rev. Tillard on his new journey, participating clergy included Rev. Robert M. Waterman, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn and president of African American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO); Rev. Lawrence Aker, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. David Holder of New York Covenant Church; and Bishop Darren Ferguson of Macedonia Baptist Church in Harlem.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Rev. Dr. Tillard earned degrees at Harvard Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary and completed his doctoral studies at Duke Divinity School.
He has served congregations in Harlem, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Brooklyn, New York as well as Roxbury, MA.
—TPC Staff
