Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church

Bishop Kermit L. Newkirk Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. on September 5, 1949.  At the early age of five he was baptized at The First Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. under the pastorate of Reverend Andrew J. Allen.

His family moved to Philadelphia in 1959 where he joined the St. Paul Baptist Church under the late Rev. Louis Cunningham.  Bishop Kermit L. Newkirk is a product of Benjamin Franklin High School, Cheyney State College, St. Joseph College, and the Institute for Black Ministerial Studies.

Bishop Kermit L. Newkirk was influenced in his ministerial career by the Late Reverend. Harold O. Davis.  Reverend Davis' ministry had a dynamic impact on Bishop Newkirk's life.

He was united in holy matrimony to a young woman who captured his heart, Ms. Cincinnatti Jackson, in September 1971.  They have a beautiful daughter named Latasha, one son-in-law, Lamont and two grandchildren: Jabriel and Jaionna.

Bishop Kermit L. Newkirk was licensed to preach at The Fellow Tabernacle Baptist Church.  He was ordained at The Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church by the late Reverend Henry Milteer of Berean Baptist Church on March 10, 1974.

Bishop Kermit L. Newkirk was called to Pastor The Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church in December 1974.  It was said by the late Reverend Davis that “Rev. Kermit L. Newkirk Jr. is an exceptional young man of sterling character and has an unusual personality. He is well suited for working with people.

He has an alert mind, is able to grasp quickly, and absorbs fully.  He also has a deep concern and great convictions and is willing to stand by them.  He is well thought of among church members and people in general”. 

 Reverend Davis also felt that, as his Pastor, this is a major step in his life which will enable him to a great career in the Christian Ministry! Indeed, Bishop Kermit L. Newkirk has made a tremendous impact in the city. He continues to provide dynamic leadership to Philadelphia Interfaith Action. 

 He has developed, along with a collaboration of North Philadelphia Churches, a housing development called “Tioga Gardens” and currently serving as Chief Apostle and Presiding Prelate of The Higher Ground Christian Fellowship International, Inc.; a gathering of progressive churches prepared to do ministry in a progressive time.

Their Motto...Raising The Standard To Reach The Vision.