Text Box: The Reverend Joseph L. GarnerText Box: Education: Leesville High School, Class of 1983 Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA B.S. Degree in Economics Affiliations and Associations: President, Vernon Parish King Day Coalition President, Calcasieu M & E District Congress of Christian Education Curriculum Director, Louisiana Baptist Youth Encampment Board Member, LWIA Youth Council Vice-President, Vernon Community Action Council Secretary, Vernon Ministerial Association Member, Louisiana Baptist State Convention Member, National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc.

Text Box: On August 9, 1992 Reverend M. W. Harrison, who had been Pastor of Pleasant Hill for 21 years, officially offered his resignation as Pastor to the officers and members of the Church. Reverend Harrison said, "My health is getting such that I am unable to take care of the members as I should. I promised God, my family and myself that I would not pull down the Church after working so hard to build it up. I have prayed over it, and the Lord has placed on my heart, in a vision through the Holy Spirit to have Reverend Joseph L. Garner succeed me as Pastor." The motion was offered, seconded and passed unanimously by the congregation. The installation service for Pastor Garner was held on September 3, 1992 with Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr., Pastor of the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church of New Orleans, LA conducting the service. Pastor Garner has instituted many new ministries during his tenure as Pastor. Ministries such as: Living Hope Substance Abuse Ministry, the Evangelism Ministry, Pastoral Care Ministry, Newsletter Ministry "Voices from the Hill", New Members Ministry, Drama Ministry, After-School Tutorial Ministry, Senior Citizens Ministry, Intercessory Prayer Ministry and two new ministries for young people, a liturgical dance group for young women called the Eucharistic Ensemble and a Drill Team Ministry for young men. Pastor Garner also implemented an Annual Family Day Weekend and an Annual Youth Week. Over 2,800 new members have united with the Church during Pastor Garner's pastorate with 25% of those being candidates for baptism. Due to the large influx of members, Pastor Garner implemented two New Member Banquets per year to welcome new members into the Church family. We truly love all of our members, new and old.