Today we’d like to introduce you to Rev. Dr. Beryl Whipple.
Hi Rev. Dr. Beryl, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am grateful to serve as the eighth pastor of the Historic Mount Hebron Baptist Church in the Coppin Heights Community of West Baltimore. I was blessed to graduate Morehouse College earning a Bachelors Degree in Religion and Wake Forest University Divinity School, earning the Masters Degree in Divinity. I also hold the Masters of Science Degree in Church Management from Villanova University School of Business. In addition I have an earned Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. I am also honored to be an active member of the Baltimore Morehouse Alumni Association.
While a student at Morehouse College, I learned many foundations in ministry when I served as a Chapel Assistant within The Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel. I was also named an Oprah Winfrey Scholar, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar and Rev. Dr. Thomas Kilgore Scholar at Morehouse College. I am an inductee of the esteemed Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
This journey has been rich as I have been recognized as a Rising Legend by the Morehouse College Alumni Association. In addition, because of my leadership achievements as a young clergyperson, I was selected as a Lewis Fellow by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary. I have served as the Executive Secretary of the United Baptist Missionary Convention & Auxiliaries of the State of Maryland, INC. And I currently serve on the External Advisory Council for the Coppin State University College of Health Professions.
I am a third generation preacher and the youngest son of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Jean Whipple and the late Rev. Norman Munroe Whipple, Sr. My older brothers are Jacinth Norman and the late Norman Munroe Jr. To be completely transparent, my biggest blessing is being married to the love of my life, the one and only Lady Theandra (Lewis) Whipple of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
God has truly given me strength for the journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has never been smooth. I’ve had to create pockets of isolation in order to focus on my goals. In the journey of success, others rarely see your vision or your end goals. I’ve learned not to tell everyone your plans, because they may want to sabotage them. My greatest gift is the ability to focus. Block out the noise around you and focus on what you’re created to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Mount Hebron Baptist Church?
I am honored to serve for the last 10 years the Mount Hebron Baptist Church. Since 1927 Mount Hebron has served as a spiritual pillar in the Coppin Heights Community of West Baltimore. Serving as Pastor is much more than preaching on Sundays. It’s connecting with members throughout the week, being as present as possible during life moments and cultivated a community of faith.
Mount Hebron has many relevant ministries that meet the needs of the congregation as well as the community. I am grateful for my Deacons, Trustees and Ministerial Staff who bring fresh ideas that include everyone and isolate no one.
I must testify that I am proud that Mount Hebron has made it to the other side of the pandemic. Every church had it’s challenges during that time period. But I want your readers to know through consistency and creativity, along with our faith in God, we pulled through. Two things really kept the congregation together during the pandemic; Drive-Thru Prayer on the church parking lot on the second Sundays and Zoom Fellowship Sunday on the fourth Sunday, both were ideas of my wife, Lady Theandra. She is a gem.
You can find more information about Mount Hebron on website, mounthebron.org, as well as on social media.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When finding a mentor, approach someone who you’d like to emulate some of what they are doing. One person can’t be the sole example, so it’s best to have more than one. I’m blessed to have several mentors and to have mentors in the various seasons that I have found myself in.
What has worked well for me was knowing who I can talk to with specific topics. Having that particular point of view helps.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mounthebron.org
- Instagram: @drbwhipple
