Rev.  Howard Jackson was born and raised in Syracuse, N.Y.  He has been a lifelong active member of Bethany.  He has taught Sunday School and Bible Study, coordinated Children’s Church, Youth Retreats, and the Van Ministry, and served as Chairperson of the Trustee Board, and the Diaconate Ministry.

Rev.  Jackson is married to Donna Satcher-Jackson and they are the proud parents of three children.  Rev.  Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Colgate University and is employed by the Syracuse City School District.  Rev.  Jackson has been involved in coaching and organizing youth athletics in Syracuse for over twenty years, and believes that many of those experiences are helpful and effective in ministering to others.  

• Rev. Jackson serves as Chaplain for The Deaconate Board and Assistant to the Pastor
• Spiritual Guidance for the congregation with last names beginning with (A-G)
• Ordained January 21, 2018

Favorite Scripture:  1Peter 3:13-14

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened”. 

Rev. Grace Kelley-Neal a resident of Syracuse, NY. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute Of Technology in New York City and the Rochester Center of Theological and Biblical Studies Seminary in Rochester, NY with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry.

Rev. Neal is a retired City of Syracuse Police Officer having served 26 years. She has served on the board of NYS American Baptist Women Ministries for 14 years, serving as President of the State of NY, from April 19, 2019-April 24, 2022.

Rev. Neal has taught Sunday School and Bible Study, She is an International speaker, and Conference workshop presenter. She has been the producer and director of the Easter/Resurrection Day youth presentations for the church.

Rev. Neal is also the Founder and Director of GKN Ministries, a threefold ministry which includes the mantra;” Enabling Women & Men To Find their Purpose and Develop their Spiritual Development.”

Rev. Kelley-Neal is married to the love of her life. Roy C. Neal. They are blessed to be proud parents of four children, and many grandchildren.

• Rev. Kelley-Neal serves as Chaplain for the Board of Christian Education and Assistant to the Pastor.
• Spiritual Guidance for the congregation with last names beginning with (H-M)
• Ordained January 21, 2018

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 34: 1,3,8.

1. I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

3. Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together!

8. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trust in Him.

Rev. Hodge-Davis is a wife and mother.  She has been in ministry since 2003.  She was licensed into the ministry in November, 2009.  Her love for God’s people is abounding and shown through her love for the Youth of Bethany.  Her spiritual characteristic often shared is, “it’s not about me, but all about HIM”.  She holds multiple undergraduate degrees and is retired from the Syracuse City School District.

• Rev.  Hodge-Davis serves as  Assistant to the Pastor
• Chaplain for The Youth Department and Sick & Shut-in
• Spiritual Guidance for the congregation with last names beginning with (N-T)
• Ordained, January 21, 2018

Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”