LEADERSHIP

Wilbert Early Jr.

Senior Pastor

Reverend Wilbert Early Jr. is from Aulander, North Carolina, and is  Married to Dr. Gloria Savage-Early, his high school sweetheart from Roxobel, North Carolina.  Reverend Early and Dr. Gloria retired from the Air Force after completing several tours both in the U.S. and abroad.  They are proud parents of a son who also served in the Air Force and now lives in Charleston, South Carolina.  Reverend Early recently retired from Joint Base Langley-Eustis as the Director of Safety, ending a 20-year career in federal service.

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Reverend Early's ministry is characterize by his deep love for God's people and his unwavering compassion for the lost.  This love and compassion are evident in every aspect of his life and ministry.  He previously served as a pastor for 15 years at Abundant Harvest Worship Center in Gloucester, VA, a church plant were he and Dr. Gloria ministered to the local community.  Their dedicated effort in discipling God's people into vessels of honor demonstrates ho much they value each individual.  Before becoming the Senior pastor at Grafton Baptist-Harris Grove, he served as Associate Pastor at First Morning Star Baptist Church in Bena, VA, starting in January 2023.

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Reverend Early's educational journey reflects his commitment to spiritual growth.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion with a focus on Christian Ministries from Liberty University and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity in General Studies at the same institution.  His ongoing pursuit of spiritual development and sincere desire to follow God's divine plan is truly inspiring.

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Dr. Gloria Savage Early

First Lady

Dr. Gloria J. Savage, Dr. G or Dr. Gloria, is the daughter of Thomas Leon Savage, Sr., and Beatrice Walton Savage.  She is the sixth of seven children.  She treasures her relations with family and friends.  Dr. G grew up in Bertie County, North Carolina, where she started her early life working on the family farm.  

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Dr. G is a higher education professional.  She completed her Bachelor's degree at Saint Leo University, her Master's at Golden Gate University and Doctorate at Old Dominion University.  She enlisted in the United states Air Force and in Administration and Computer Programming.  she has been a speaker at educational conferences, churches, sorority and graduation ceremonies.

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Dr. G is a woman of faith who enjoys reading, writing and running.  She has been a member of reading and writing groups and has contributed poems and short stories to several published books before she started self-publishing her work.

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She has run ten marathons, including the first USAF marathon.  Her singing has included military balls, retirements, family and class reunions, as well as choirs, ensembles and other singing groups.  She toured with the Tactical Air Command, Stars of Sound and participated in SOS training camps to help select other Air force Members for touring.  She also participated in the Air force Tops In Blue competition.

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Dr. G's church service has included teaching Sunday School, singing, ushering, hospitality, preaching, working altar calls, and assisting her husband as needed.  She served with her husband as Co-Pastor at Abundant for 15 years.  She loves the lord and listens to His voice over others.

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She and pastor Wil were high school sweethearts, and they are the proud parents of one son.  She is "Mommy G" to five biological and three bonus children.

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