Brooks is a native of Front Royal, Va., (better known as the Canoe capital). His family moved to Rankin, Pa., where he completed his schooling in the General Braddock School District in 1973.

He and his wife, the former Charline D. Coleman, have been married for 34 years and have been blessed with three children, Kera, Kelvin Jr., and Kandice.

Brooks attended Westminister College, the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Anchor Theological Seminary. He received an honorary doctorate degree of divinity from the New World Bible Institute.

He credits the church’s growth and accomplishments to the vision he was given 26 years ago with the following scripture: “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that treadth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie; though it tarry wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2-3.

FIRST FAMILY—Kelvin and Charline Brooks with their children.

The first deacon ordained by Brooks was Gerald Smith, who gave a little history of his relationship with the pastor. Smith was there since the beginning, and was there for Brooks to ordain Rev. Bernard Tench Jr., who would be the guest preacher bringing forth the word.

Tench, along with his Second Baptist choir and congregation, family and friends left Beaver Falls, Pa., to be with Brooks on this joyous occasion.

After the service the fellowship enjoyed a delicious meal (the men of the White Lily prepared the meat products) in the community room at the Chartiers Senior Citizen Center.

Pastor Kelvin A Brooks said he looks forward to being part of this community.

The sign in front of the church reads “Anchored in Jesus.”