Our PastorRev. Harmon Roosevelt Claiborne was born on May 1, 1935, in Lawrenceville, VA.  He was the fourth of seven children born to Willie and Mary Claiborne.   It was in Lawrenceville where he was raised and educated.  His family attended the Union Bethel Church RZUA (Reformed Zion Union Apostolic Churches of America), in Freeman, VA, under the leadership of Reverend D. N. Hicks. 

In 1968, Claiborne’s family relocated to Boston, MA, where they joined Morningstar Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Reverend Elisha Gilbert.  He worked in many areas of the church, including in the Music ministry and after only two years, he was ordained a deacon. 

In 1981, he became a Charter member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Dorchester, MA, under the leadership of Reverend Walter A. Stevenson.  There he has served in a number of capacities, including as deacon, church clerk, Sunday school teacher, and president of the choir. 

In 1989, Claiborne was licensed and in 1990 he was ordained to the Christian ministry by the Antioch Missionary Baptist.  In 1991, Pastor Stevenson suggested that Claiborne ‘plant his seed’ as pastor of his own church.  Acting on that suggestion, he and two other ministers -- Rev. Lee Mitchell and the Bishop Eddie Hollins -- started the Preachers N Concert Christian Center in Dorchester, MA.  They were later supported by Reverend Frank Murray and Reverend James Gaylord.  The Center became known not only for spreading God’s WORD, but also for the great singing.

Reverend Claiborne has had a passion for singing from early childhood, especially Gospel music. At a young age, he and his brothers George and Otis with his uncle Willie Brown were always singing and praising God.  They formed the Royal Light Gospel Singers and sang throughout the area. In later years, he sang with the groups Sweet Spirit of Joy and Spiritual Vibrations.  Then in 2000, he released two CDs of his own under the label Easy Listening Gospel.  Antioch Tabernacle Choir was featured on the N-Retro CD.  Other tracks feature his brother, George, and son, Gene.

Upon the death of Reverend Stevenson, Reverend Claiborne was called to come home and become the new leader of Antioch.  Since October 26, 1995, Reverend Claiborne has been led by the spirit of God to feed ‘His’ flock at Antioch.  In addition, because of the fellowship, love, and obedience of the congregation, Pastor Claiborne has kept Antioch Missionary Baptist Church strong and determined to do God’s will.  He has been joined on this journey by his wife of more than twenty-five years, Thelma White Graham.

Pastor Claiborne has been supported in this nineteen year journey by his wife providing leadership in various ministries as needed. She can be found singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. 1st Lady Claiborne is a member of the Diaconate and Missionary ministries.

"I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15

Antioch Missionary Baptist ChurchRev. Harmon R. Claiborne, Senior Pastor

1082 Blue Hill Avenue • Dorchester, MA 02124

Ministerial StaffMinister Anthony Graham

Reverend Kenneth K. SimmsReverend Kenneth K. Simms was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to the proud parents of David and Rose Simms. He comes from a heritage of pastors and preachers throughout his family. It was in Boston, Massachusetts where he met the love of his life and on January 20, 1990, he married Shareen Harris, a Business Education Major. Three daughters  and one son were born to this union Kenya, Sharaya, Deadra and Kenneth Kavon Simms.

Before retiring on December 31, 2012, in preparation for his new role as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Boston, Massachusetts, Reverend Simms was employed by Procter & Gamble (Gillette) for twenty-three years.  He held various positions in the Research & Development Division.

Under the tutelage of the  late Bishop Joe L. Smith, Holy Tabernacle Church, Boston, Massachusetts, Reverend Simms received Christ and was baptized. He later joined New Hope Baptist Church, Boston, Massachusetts and in 2003, was licensed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He received his theological training from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, receiving a Diploma in Urban Ministry Program. Under the leadership of Reverend Willie Dubose, Jr., Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Boston, Massachusetts and the United Baptist Convention, Reverend Simms was ordained to the gospel ministry on April 23, 2006 and for seven years continued to serve as Assistant Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts.  On February 20, 2013, Reverend Simms was unanimously voted Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts and was officially installed on April 28, 2013.

His hobbies are reading, playing tennis, watching basketball and football, spending time with his family, and relaxing in his favorite chair.Reverend Simms loves the Lord, His Word, and the people of God, the church. He desires to preach the gospel to the world that many more may come to faith in Jesus Christ and continue to grow in grace and in knowledge that they may experience God’s abundance and victory in every area of their lives.

Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.  (Ephesians 3:20, 21)

Rev. Harmon R. Claiborne, Senior PastorRev. Harmon R. Claiborne, Senior Pastor

Sunday, October 26, 20144:00pm

Theme: Called, Committed, and Accountable1 Timothy 1:11 – 12

Anniversary PreacherRev. Kenneth K. Simms, Pastor

New Hope Baptist ChurchBoston, MA

Founded 1981“A Church Where God is Supreme and All Other are Servants”

Antioch Missionary Baptist ChurchRev. Harmon R. Claiborne, Senior Pastor

Sunday, October 26, 20144:00pm

Pastor & 1st Lady Claiborne 19th Pastoral Anniversary

Theme: Called, Committed and Accountable” 1 Timothy 1:11 – 12

Order of Service*Praise and Worship....................................................................................Antioch Praise Team

Introduction of Worship Leader...................................................................................................

Worship Leader...................................................................................Minister Prince DouglassHoly Tabernacle – Brockton, MA

Introduction of Honorees................................................................................Minister DouglassPastor and 1st Lady Claiborne

*Prayer and Blessing...........................................................................................................Pulpit

*Scripture Reading...............................................................................................................Pulpit

Welcome.....................................................................................................................................

Response to Welcome......................................................................................................Guest

Musical Selection.........................................................................................Antioch Mass Choir

Worship in Giving................................................Sister Tonya Price and Sister Velma Shivers

History Reading......................................................................................Sister Irene Carrington

Introduction of Preacher.....................................................................................................Pulpit

Musical Selection(s).................................................................New Hope Baptist Church ChoirBoston, MA

The Word..................................................................................Rev. Kenneth K. Simms, PastorNew Hope Baptist Church – Boston, MA

Altar Call.............................................................................................................................Pulpit

Presentation(s).............................................................................Pastor’s Aide & Congregation

Remarks......................................................................................................Sister Vicki BrantleyPastor & 1st Lay Claiborne

Benediction...............................................................................................................Rev Simms

*Congregation Stands

19 Years of Service to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and the Dorchester Community

“A Church Where God Is Supreme and All Others Are Servants”