Biographical Sketch of Pastor Michael H. Harrison Sr.
Pastor Michael H. Harrison Sr. was born to the late Pastor John H. & Rosa Harrison on December 25, 1956. Pastor Harrison graduated from Central High School in 1975 and attended U.S.I.T. where he received a degree in Electronics; he also attended International Bible Institute and Seminary, graduating with a BA in Theology. Pastor Harrison is married to Sylvia and has three children: LaTonya, James, and Michael Jr.; he also has grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loves very much.
Pastor Harrison worked in Computer Operations and the Help and Information Centers of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron from 1977 to 1985. In 1985, Pastor Harrison went into full-time ministry at the United Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio, where he coordinated the church’s Christian Education program. His other responsibilities included Children’s Church, Teens Ministry, Singles & Marriage classes, the Help Ministry, Evangelism, Revival promotions and the Transportation Ministry.
In 1989, Pastor Harrison was called to the Pastorate of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Midland, PA., where he founded the Pastor’s Council of Beaver Valley and vicinity and served as President. Under his pastorate, the church was remodeled, and the Ministries of the church were broadened in the community. He also served as Treasurer of the Allegheny Union Baptist Association.
In 1995, Pastor Harrison was called to the Pastorate of the Union Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio. Under his leadership, a new sanctuary with seating capacity of over 800 was built and occupied in 1997. The congregation grew from 125 to over 650 in his first four years. Under the leadership of Pastor Harrison, Union Baptist Church has been blessed with many new ministries to meet the needs of the congregation and community. The Sanctuary Mortgage was paid off on May 21, 2006, eight years in advance!
Pastor maintains seats on several Boards such as Building One American which involves Organizing for Inclusion, Sustainability, and Economic Growth; Past National Chairperson of the Oasis Network African American Leadership Commission; former National Clergy Caucus representative of AALC to the National Leadership Assembly of the Gamaliel Foundation; Past President of ACTION; Past President of the Baptist Pastor’s Council of Youngstown and Vicinity and Past Chair of MVOC (Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative) a community based collaboration of Churches and Block Clubs for the betterment of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Area. He is currently Moderator of the Eastern Baptist District Association (EOBA); President of the Ohio Baptist State Convention; Board Chair of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative which is a state-based collaboration of Churches, Unions and Civic Community Organizations for the betterment of the State. In April 2008, Pastor Harrison became a member of the Mahoning County Juvenile Court Citizens Advisory Board. In 2009, Pastor Harrison was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Wean Foundation. Pastor Harrison is also currently a Board Member of Compass Family Services.
In 2004 – 2005, Pastor Harrison was selected as an honored member of The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who. Also, in 2004, Pastor Harrison was chosen as "One of the World’s Most Loved Pastors" by the Gospel Today Magazine. Pastor Harrison was selected as an honored member of The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who.
Pastor Harrison is a community leader and activist who has a passion for people, ministry and the Word of God. Pastor Harrison is a living testimony of Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."