The Late Bishop Harry J. Jennings

The Late Bishop and Founder
January 1, 1910 – November 12, 2003

Bishop Harry J. Jennings dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and serving others. A native of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, he began his ministry at Grace Chapel Baptist Church in Adams Run, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and was licensed to preach.

Following his Holiness experience in the late 1940s, Bishop Jennings, with the faithful support of his wife, established the first Holiness church in the Osborne and Adams Run area of South Carolina. In 1952, he founded Calvary Church of God in Christ, which became Nazareth Holiness Church of Deliverance, Inc., in 1975.

Working alongside his son, Bishop Jessie J. Jennings, he expanded the ministry through preaching, radio broadcasts, and the establishment of congregations in South Carolina, New York, and Florida. His ministry emphasized salvation, holiness, healing, and deliverance through faith in God.

After his passing in 2003, leadership continued under Bishop Jessie J. Jennings. His legacy lives on through his family, the church, and the many lives touched by his ministry. His enduring encouragement, “Keep praying,” continues to reflect the faith upon which Nazareth was built.

The Late Bishop Jessie J. Jennings Sr.

The Late Bishop and Overseer
April 8, 1934 – May 27, 2025

Bishop Jessie J. Jennings devoted more than sixty years to preaching the gospel, nurturing families, and serving his community. Born to the late Bishop Harry J. Jennings and First Lady Evangelist Luvenia Jennings of Adams Run, South Carolina, he carried forward a family legacy rooted in prayer, holiness, and service.

A United States Army veteran and paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Bishop Jennings accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1954 and answered the call to preach six months later. He established and pastored Nazareth Holiness Church of Deliverance #2 and later served as Overseer of Nazareth Holiness Church of Deliverance, Inc., leading congregations in South Carolina and New York.

His outreach extended beyond the church through four decades of radio ministry, gospel television, mentorship, and service in correctional facilities, nursing homes, and community programs. His ministry emphasized salvation, holiness, healing, and deliverance through faith in God.

Together with his beloved wife, Minister Mary JoAnne Jennings, who passed away on October 16, 2004, he raised thirteen children in a home grounded in Christian faith. Bishop Jennings entered eternal rest on May 27, 2025. His legacy endures through his family, the Nazareth church community, and the many lives strengthened by his teaching, encouragement, and faithful service.