On a beautiful afternoon, the Congregational Church of South Hempstead resonated with joy and reverence as it celebrated the installation of Rev. Conrad B. Tillard, Sr. as its new Senior Pastor on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The ceremony, attended by congregants, family, and esteemed guests, marked not only a new chapter for the church but also a significant moment in the community’s spiritual journey.
The installation service commenced at 3:00 p.m. with a processional hymn “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” setting a tone of gratitude and hope. The service was officiated by prominent clergy members: Rev. Shanan E. Jones, Senior Pastor of The Gathering Baptist Church and President of Concerned Black Clergy of Metro Atlanta, alongside Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman, Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn, and the chair of African American Clergy and Elected Officials of Brooklyn. Their leadership underscored the event’s significance, emphasizing a united front in faith and purpose.
The atmosphere was charged with heartfelt greetings from a diverse array of faith and civic leaders, reflecting the rich tapestry of the community. Among the distinguished guests were Bishop Darren A. Ferguson, Senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church; Imam Alfred Mohammed, 4th Ward Councilman for the City of Linden, NJ; Pastor Gilford Monrose from the New York City Mayor’s Office of Faith-based and Community Partnerships; Rabbi Bob Kaplan, and Sheikh Musa Drammeh. Each leader expressed their support and best wishes, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and love that defines the ethos of the church.
A highlight of the service was the sermon delivered by the legendary Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, former president of the NAACP and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). His prophetic message resonated with all in attendance, inspiring the congregation to take daring steps towards action and deeper community engagement. Dr. Chavis’ words served as both a challenge and a call to embrace the transformative power of faith as they embark on this new journey together.
Following the sacred service, a celebratory reception was held at Hofstra University, where guests gathered in joyful fellowship. Members, family, and friends raised their glasses to toast Rev. Tillard’s leadership, offering words of encouragement and gratitude for God’s guidance throughout his journey. The reception was filled with laughter, stories, and shared hopes, illuminating the strong community ties that will support Rev. Tillard in his pastoral role.
Rev. Tillard’s journey to this pivotal moment is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Born in 1964 in St. Louis, Missouri, he experienced a diverse spiritual path. He joined the Nation of Islam in his youth, where he served as a prominent minister of Mosque No. 7 during the planning of the Million Man March. At the age of 25, he embraced ministry, later returning to his Christian roots and faith in Christ at the age of 32. His extensive theological education includes attendance at prestigious institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, cultivating a deep understanding of public administration, African studies, and systematic theology.
The Congregational Church of South Hempstead, a member of the United Church of Christ, was established in 1943 as a community of faith committed to manifesting God’s grace in the lives of His people. The installation of Rev. Dr. Conrad B. Tillard, Sr. marks a hopeful milestone, affirming a renewed commitment to walk together in faith, service, justice, and love. As the church embraces this new leadership, the congregation is poised to embark on an enriching journey that promises to deepen their faith and enhance their impact within the community.
