Meet Our Leaders

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Apostle Lonnell I. Lawson … hails from Kinston, NC. He was raised in the United Holy

Church of America. At an early age, after hearing the voice of the Lord saying, “feed my sheep”,

he accepted the call to preach the Word of the God at the age of thirteen years old, and served

as Senior Pastor of Powerhouse Temple Ministries for 50 + years.

Apostle Lawson received his ministerial training under the leadership & tutelage of the late

Bishop Kenneth H. Moales Sr. along with that mandate and his belief that business and church

could co-exist to build the Kingdom of God, he graduated from the University of Hartford in

West Hartford, CT., earning a Degree in Business Management. His educational endeavors

continued, matriculating to a Masters degree from Logos Bible college and culminating with

him receiving an earned Doctorate of Philosophy in Religion from the North Carolina College of

Theology.

In 1978, he became the Pastor and Founder of Powerhouse Temple of Deliverance Church Inc.

Also, He is a Founding Father of The Kingdom International Assemblies of Churches, Ministries

and Businesses, Inc. (KIA). This organization is a covenant partnership nurturing pastors and

leaders with accountability and integrity. Carrying the "wholistic" Word of God is a passion that

has taken Apostle Lawson’s preaching & teaching ministry to: England, Japan, Korea, Holland,

Jamaica, Jerusalem and throughout the United States. In addition, Apostle Lawson was well

revered as a tenured Teacher at The Bethel Bible Institute for many years.

A strong belief of his is that preaching the Kingdom message involves not only biblical wealth

but also physical health. In that vein, Apostle Lawson linked his ministry with the community

while employed by the Hill Health Center, as supervisor of the HIV/AIDS Division, and a Certified

Health Educator. He continues the work of education and support for HIV/AIDS through his

service on the Board of Directors of “No Sad Story Ministries,” a program designed to provide

support and ministry to individuals who have been affected by the disease.

Secularly, Rev. Dr. Lawson yet serves the community— and has for the past 17 years as he

works at Yale New Haven Hospital, in New Haven, CT., where he is proud to be one of the first

full-time African- American, Staff Chaplains. In conjunction with YNHH, he also provides classes,

instruction and direction on chaplaincy and hospital etiquette for Ministers and church Leaders.

Rev. Dr. Lawson currently serves as President of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association.

In this season, he is oft times referred to as “The Preacher’s Teacher” and as a “Father in

Ministry”. He is dedicated and committed to mentoring and providing leadership skills for rising

Ministries. After 50 years of dedicated pastoring, Apostle Lawson has turned yet another

corner and now proudly serves as Executive Pastor of Revival Church, under the leadership of

Bishop Daniel B. Bland, in Hamden, CT.

Rev. John Cotten, Jr. was born September 15, 1971, to Deacon John Cotten, Sr. and Mother Sandra B. Cotten in New Haven, CT. Rev. John Cotten, Jr. accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior on September 29, 1985. Rev. Cotten received his academic degrees from Southern Connecticut State University as well as Christian Leadership

Bible College. He is currently a student at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University.

Rev. John Cotten, Jr. preached his initial sermon on May 7, 1995. His initial sermon was entitled, "Being Used by God.” Rev. Cotten was ordained in June of 1997. Pastor Cotten’s pastoral experience began in 1999 at Shiloh Baptist Church Extension in Middletown, CT. In January 2003, Rev. Cotten was called to Pastor Gospel Mission Baptist Church, in Bridgeport, CT. On March 27, 2011, Rev. Cotten became the Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in New Haven, CT. With the Lord’s guidance, Rev. Cotten successfully merged the two churches

together, and they continue to fulfill the mission of saving the lost, empowering the saved, and ushering the empowered to excellence. Rev. Dr. John Cotten serves as the executive dean at Christian Leadership Bible College in Middletown, CT. In 2024, he was appointed as the 1st Presiding Elder of the New England

Metro District of the Unified Freewill Baptist Churches. Dr. Cotten also has served in many capacities denominationally and served in many civic positions, such as a Board Member of

Community Action Agency of New Haven, and Vice President of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association. His participation and leadership in the many capacities has earned him awards and recognitions. He is also the President and Founder of H.O.P.E., Inc. (Helping Our

People Excel), which has many initiatives such as Queen Esther Program of Foster Care with Department of Children & Families, education as well as youth homelessness. Rev. John Cotten, Jr., married the former Danielle C. Tilley on April 4, 1992. They have been blessed with four children, and 12 grandchildren.

Rev. Dr. John Cotten, Jr. echoes the sentiments of Paul statement to the church at Corinth, when he says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.”

Rev. Dr. Seesa H. Ellison is a dynamic Motivational Speaker, Preacher, Teacher, and Life Coach with a profound calling to empower individuals and organizations. She is the Founder and CEO of S.H.E.

Network, a global ministry dedicated to Shaping Destinies, Healing the Broken, and Empowering a Generation.

With a deep passion for people and her God-given assignment, Rev. Dr. H. Ellison leads S.H.E. in fulfilling its mission of assessing, affirming, and advancing individuals through strategic development, helping them unlock their full potential and live with purpose. A distinguished scholar and accomplished leader, Rev. Dr. H. Ellison holds: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Bachelor of Theology Master of Theology Doctorate in Jurisprudence

Pastoral Care Certification from Yale University Renowned for her remarkably clear, captivating, and well-controlled voice, Rev. Dr. H. Ellison is a former gospel on-air personality for Sweet Sounds of Praise on 94.3 WYBC-FM in New Haven, Connecticut. Her love for current affairs and music has led her to interview notable personalities at

live and recorded events, introduce performers, and host special engagements. As an ordained Reverend and visionary leader, she has been entrusted with numerous ministerial

and professional responsibilities. She proudly serves on: Bereavement Care Network New Haven Executive Board, Greater New Haven Connecticut Clergy Association Executive Board, Social Justice Commission, National Baptist Convention Hamden Black History Committee Hamden Connecticut Juvenile Review Board Vice President, Congress of Christian Education, Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention Vice Moderator, Levite Association, Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. H. Ellison has faithfully served in various pastoral capacities, including as Associate Minister

at St. Matthew’s UFWB Church (New Haven) and Supply Pastor for Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (Norwalk, Connecticut). She currently holds the esteemed position of Senior Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Hamden, Connecticut. In addition to her ministerial and academic achievements, Rev. Dr. H. Ellison is a proud member of

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter, embodying the sorority’s commitment to service and excellence and an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, an advocacy organization devoted to promoting leadership development, gender equity, and economic empowerment for Black women and girls. Her involvement reflects her unwavering

commitment to social justice, education, and community transformation. Above all, Rev. Dr. Seesa H. Ellison is a devoted servant of God, dedicated to empowering,

refreshing, and renewing the people of God. Her life’s mission is to inspire transformation, equip leaders, and foster spiritual and personal growth in all whom she encounters.

Rev. Dr. Elder has pastored the Way of the Cross International Bible Church at 530 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511, for seventeen years. He received a DMIN degree in 2024, holds two master's degrees (MDIV and Special Education), is a licensed accountant in Connecticut with nearly forty years of experience, a Notary Public, served in the USNR for twenty-three years, and continues to serve as treasurer on several community-based agencies in the New Haven area.

One of his favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 18:1-6.  His vision is to serve the people of God when he can, as often as he can, and for as long as he can, for the glory of God.

Pastor Robert L. Smith IV is a native of New Haven, CT.  He is the husband of Lady Kristen Smith and the father of four vibrant, children, Reyanda, Michael, Robert and Morgan Smith.  He is a graduate of Central Connecticut   University (CCSU), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Managerial Organization, and Albertus Magnus with a Masters of Arts in Leadership. 

Pastor Smith is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Calvary Deliverance Tabernacle, in New Haven, CT.  He is an insightful preacher, teacher and song writer, with a passion for outreach. Amidst the many roles and assignments he carries, he serves as the Co-Chairmen of AIM for the CT 2nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the COGIC.  He’s a song writer who’s written music on two Grammy-Nominated projects, New G’s Choirmaster and Breakthrough. 

Pastor Smith recently retired from the New Haven Board of Education where he spent 10 years working with the Youth Family and Community Engagement Department as a Restorative Practices Specialist.  The role involved district-wide trainings and services to all staff and families. 

Alongside his work with the Board of Education, he organized a community agency that provided mentorship and life-skills training to hundreds of at-risk boys of color, yearly, from both the New Haven and Bridgeport communities from 2015-2018. The agency was instrumental in the social reconstruction of several young men who’ve made the transition to winning consistently and on purpose.  

Pastor Smith recently launched the new Mt. Calvary Outreach Center, where 1,000 free hot meals are being served to low-income families every week.  The Outreach Center is set to house a conglomeration of programs and services for the whole family. There will be cutting-edge opportunities for men, women, boys and girls throughout the City and from various cultures.

Beneath it all there has always been the intense desire for the word and the will of the Lord.  He received the call to preach the gospel and heeded that calling in July of 1999. Seven years thereafter he received a call, from the Lord, to feed His flock, over which he was made an overseer.  For the past 19 years Pastor Smith has served Mt. Calvary Deliverance Tabernacle in the role of Senior Pastor.  And he is yet humbled by the assignment to continue building upon the work that was established by the founders, Dr. Ardell E. Tucker and Rev. Dorothy O. Austin.

He considers himself to be a self-motivated individual with unlimited potential.  Today, he desires to pastor a church of bible-believing, faith-living, followers of Christ.  Also he endeavors to make a lasting impact in the community by developing and maintaining sustainable employment for hardworking citizens who are seeking the dream.  Lastly he’d like to see the young and the old make the kingdom of God their priority. To God Be the Glory.

Kennedy D. Hampton Sr., is a Connecticut native born to the late Rev. George W. Hampton Sr. and Virginia Hampton. After hearing and obeying God’s calling, Kennedy taught and preached the Gospel for 13 years, serving in the capacity of the Assistant Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Kennedy Hampton also served as the church’s self-taught musician for many years. Rev. Hampton is a well-traveled man, who for 18yrs held a notable position with a reputable technology firm, allowing him to travel throughout Europe, Japan and other international countries.

After the passing of his beloved Father, the membership of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, New Haven, CT unanimously voted the well capable Rev. Kennedy Hampton Sr. to become Pastor and Shepherd. He was installed on September 10th, 2000. During his first year as Pastor, he was honored with an invitation to preach at the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention. On June 29th, 2003 Rev. Hampton’s peers in the Convention nominated him to be the moderator for the Levite Association within the Convention which consists of 15 Churches. He held this position for several years overseeing and leading the Levite Associate with vitality and vigor, making a difference within the association as well as the convention. In June 2014, Pastor Hampton became a member of the Department of Christian Service and Witness for ABCCONN (American Baptist Churches of Connecticut).

Pastor Hampton was awarded Man of the Year by the Elm City Clubs of the National Association of Business & Professional Women Club, Inc., honored as an Exceptional man of God for his works in the community, and presented with the "Civic Award" from Project Moore Inc. He was given the Distinguished Citizen award by the West Haven Black Coalition.  In September of 2024, he was honored by the Bereavement Care Network and presented with the “Community Service Award”. He has made numerous visits to the New Haven Public School speaking and encouraging the youth in our communities. He has sat on many boards and he is helping to make a difference in the lives of many people. Pastor Hampton was also a commentator for the Sunday Morning Gospel Sweet Sounds of Praise on the City’s well-known Radio Station WYBC 94.3.

Pastor Hampton attended Albertus Magnus College where he majored in Communications and minored in Religious Studies. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Albertus Magnus College in May 2006. For this prestigious honor he was inducted into the Gamma Beta Chapter of Albertus Magnus and the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. After graduating from Albertus, Pastor Hampton matriculated to Yale Divinity School (YDS). While at YDS he also completed a summer unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT. All the hard work and great sacrifices paid off when he graduated in 2009 from Yale Divinity School with a Master of Divinity degree, adding yet another tool to help others in his role as servant. Pastor Hampton also completed his Residency for (CPE) at Hartford Hospital.

Pastor Hampton has been married for 37 years to his lovely friend, companion, and wife Charlene Hampton and from this union they are the proud parents of four beautiful children and grandparents to four.

Dr. Belinda Maria Wallace Carberry is a distinguished educational leader in Connecticut. She possesses extensive experience in school administration, teaching, and educational consulting. Dr. Carberry has held numerous principal and administrative positions in various educational institutions and has significantly contributed to curriculum development and teacher education. Her leadership extends beyond the educational sector into community and organizational involvement, including board memberships and church leadership roles.

Dr. Carberry's academic credentials are impressive. She holds a Doctor of Education from Columbia University, a 6th Year Diploma from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Morgan State College. Additionally, she has pursued further studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

In her professional career, Dr. Carberry has served as a teacher of English, Drama and Journalism. In addition, she has served as principal and administrator at multiple schools in New Haven, including Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School, Polly T. McCabe Center, King/Robinson International Baccalaureate Magnet School, and James Hillhouse High School, among others. She has also undertaken interim executive roles and tutoring. 

Dr. Carberry's community leadership is noteworthy. She is a Founding Member of Booker T.Washington Academy. She holds leadership roles in various organizations such as the Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy and the Greater New Haven Clergy Association. She has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to education and community service. Activecommunity and organizational involvement: Carberry serves in leadership roles in educational boards, sororities, and churches, and has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to education and community service. Dr. Belinda Maria Wallace Carberry is a distinguished educational leader with a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University. She possesses extensive experience in school administration, teaching, and educational consulting. Dr. Carberry has held numerous principal and administrative positions in various educational institutions and has significantly contributed to curriculum development and teacher education. Her leadership extends beyond the educational sector into community and organizational involvement, including board memberships and church leadership roles.

Mary Cherry Ransome was born on May 13, 1950 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina to the late Walter Lee Cherry, Sr. and Eris Virginia Forsythe Cherry. She was born eighth of fourteen children.  Sharecropping was her parent’s and grandparent’s heritage.  However, Mary had a passion and it was in her heart to do more in her life.

In June of 1968, she graduated from Phillips High School in Battleboro, North Carolina.

With a desire to be closer to her high school sweetheart, she migrated to New Haven, CT.  She had a plan, but God had other plans already mapped out for her. Her home training, discipline and tenacious personality contributed to her seeking God at an early age. Her educational accomplishments are: South Central Community College - two years majoring in accounting. She earned a certificate from Stone Business College and received a certificate from Yale Pastoral Institute (Care Clinic).  She also has a Bachelor of Religious Education – Degree – April 2013 which includes, Christian Workers, Evangelism, General Bible and Teachers Training.  She achieved a Bachelor of Theology – Degree – April 2014 – Post Graduate.  She continues her Biblical Studies and is currently in Master I.

After settling in New Haven in 1968, Mary joined St. James Unified Freewill Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop Arlester Coward.  In 1970, at the age of twenty, Mary received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. The evidence of this experience is displayed in her constant and consistent devotion.  On December 12, 1969, Mary was united in holy matrimony to Willie Ransome. They are still celebrating after almost 56 years of marital bliss.  They are the proud parents of Kenneth and Veronica and grandparents to Little Kenny, Kareem, Kayla, Christopher and Kobe. 

In October 2000, Mary accepted a retirement package from SNET/SBC.  This decision came after struggling with her secular and spiritual destinies.  Needless to say, at a Women’s Conference in Darby, Pennsylvania, God revealed His direction for her life. With total submission, Mary finally answered God’s call by saying, “yes”, thus ending six years of running from her assignment to preach the Word of God.

However, due to the financial demands of purchasing real estate for their church, she decided to return to the workplace.  Applying online for a temporary position, she was sent to Connecticut Conference Municipality (CCM). After working nine months, she was hired October 18, 2004 as a full-time employee in the capacity of Administrative Assistant until September 15, 2015 when her job was eliminated.

Mary felt in her heart that she needed to help her Pastor in the administrative area of her church ministry.  As a willing servant of the Lord’s work, she began to utilize her secular talents to fill that void.  She also joined the Greater New Haven Clergy Association under the leadership of Dr. Boise Kimber.  There she served as Assistant Secretary to Rev. Ed White. Upon his resignation, she became the Secretary.

By being a part of the Association, she participated in many important community events and worked and served in many capacities such as: meetings with the President of Yale University, media concerns with WNHC Channel 8, as an attendant at the Independent Nondenominational Pastor/Leadership Seminar in Atlanta, GA.  Participated in the re-election committee for Mayor John DeStefano, election committee for Katrina Jones, Alderwoman of the Newhallville area, as well as other Aldermen, and an advocate for the Yale New Haven Cancer Hospital.  She continues to expand her professional and spiritual horizons by attending workshops, seminars and conferences that empower her to help her church and community.

Under the leadership of President Rev. James W. Newman, III, The Greater New Haven Clergy Association (GNHCA) who was voted in June 2011 asked her to be the night Secretary and as of September 2015 where she held both positions day and night. 

She served faithfully and ensures that the programs are prepared for the following Annual Events: Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Prayer Breakfast / Luncheon and service

Annul Holy Week, Prayer Breakfast before the summer session ends in June.  

On October of 2014 she was able to attend the Policy Academy for the Greater New Haven Clergies and received a Certificate after the three day Academy training for clergies to partner and get a relationship to serve in the community in help cutting down crime.  Different departments were present the entire day. It was opened with a welcome from our Chief of Police – Chief Dean M. Esserman and he introduced Mayor Toni Harp.

Mary Ransome has served in the Kingdom of God as Assistant Pastor, President of the Missionary Department for more than 5 years and president of (St. James Young Adult Choir) for 10 years). She faithfully served and sung in this choir for 30 years as well as in various choirs during the 30 years. She worked on the Pastor’s Aide Committee.  In January 2014, she was appointed Pastor by Bishop Dr. Eddie E. Cherry, Sr.  She is a true example of what the transforming power of God can and will do for those that will avail themselves.  She is one who is planted in the House of God and without excuse, uses all that the Father has given to her to up build His kingdom in the lives and hearts of man. In August 2021, she was ordained as Pastor.

Founder of J Lewis and Associates LLC and J Lewis Community Services Ic., Community Leader, Advisor and Director of Law Enforcement & Community Engagement, for CTCN in New Haven, and Kingian Nonviolence Trainer. He birthed Life Center ministries and is currently serving as Senior Pastor of Christ New Testament Church , he also birthed Helping Hands Ministry in New Haven, CT. In this way he has served in various roles of leadership such as; Director of Outreach Ministry,  Prison Ministry. Pastor Lewis was the Executive Director of the H O.S.T.S Association - Help Our Society to Survive from 1984 - 1994 under the leadership of Mr. John Ghoreyeb. The H.O.S.T.S. Program was one of the most sought-after programs in the New England area and has since merged with Youth Continuum.

Lewis served as a member of the Ambassador’s Program with retired, US State Attorney Rev. Keith King. Currently, serving as outreach chair of New Haven Clergy Association. He is affiliated with the Christian Community Commission, The Brotherhood Leadership Summit and the We Care Tour. He is also certified as a Fatherhood Facilitator with the national Fatherhood Initiative Program. Lewis has coordinated and led multiple Kingian trainings, for the New Britain, New Haven and Yale Police Departments. He has recently been appointed to the Advisory Committee on Community Policing (AACP) by Chief Higgins of the Yale University Police Department, also has been certified by police officer, standard, and training council (P.O.S.T),also servers on steering committee of Stop Solitary CT