Pastor Roy Peterson
Pastor Roy Frank Peterson was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 8, 1969, to Ms. Claudia E. Peterson and Roy Lee Wilson. Pastor Roy, his mother, and his sisters returned to Birmingham, Alabama in 1973, where he completed his elementary schooling at Gate City Elementary School. Pastor Roy’s mother, Ms. Claudia, was strongly anchored in her spiritual convictions and wasted no time seeking a church home after they returned to Birmingham, Alabama. The Peterson family became members of East Lake’s St. James Baptist Church, which led by Reverend George Washington Blutcher Sr. Pastor Roy was never an ordinary kid growing up; he loved to read and study the Bible. Roy’s mother could see that God had a special plan for her son’s life. Pastor Roy would assemble his few chosen friends around a tree in his front yard at 7570 66th Street South in Mark’s Village (Gate City Housing Projects) and recreate the same church service, with the same enthusiasm he experienced at his church. Gloria Nash, whom Pastor Roy eventually acknowledged as his bonus mother, and another close family friend, Ms. Lanora May, insisted this child preaches in someone’s church.
Pastor Roy went to Reverend Blutcher and the church deacons while on a church picnic as a younger child, declaring God had called him to preach. They laughed at him at first and told him to go play with the other children. Roy knew what God had said to him since he was a child, and he did not give up. Pastor Roy was granted a Sunday on August 21, 1977, to deliver his debut sermon, which he named “God is Real.” Mr. William and the late Mrs. Louise Nathan, his godparents, were credited with making this memorable day possible. Pastor Roy was licensed to preach immediately after this service. God began to open many more doors after this inaugural sermon. Pastor Roy had the honor of preaching for pastors such as Rev. Clay Evans of Fellowship Baptist Church in Chicago, IL, Rev. James Cleveland of Cornerstone Inspirational Baptist Church in Los Angeles, CA, and many more well-known ministers as a young child preacher. Pastor Roy became recognized as the “Littlest Preacher” throughout the South, and numerous news pieces were published highlighting Pastor Roy’s blessed talent for teaching God’s word. Pastor Roy’s name became well-known after an article in the venerable Jet Magazine was published.
Pastor Roy preached his father’s eulogy at the age of 15 on April 3, 1986. Rev. Blutcher, his spiritual guide, died the following year. Pastor Roy then decided to transfer his membership to First Baptist Church of Kingston, led by Reverend T.N. Miller. Rev. Miller acknowledged Pastor Roy’s calling, and he was consecrated as a gospel preacher in 1987. Pastor Roy graduated from Woodlawn High School the following year, joining the many blissful alumni of the class of ‘88. Pastor Roy was advised to attend a trade school, but a four-year college was his ambition. All things are possible with God, and Pastor Roy attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Pastor Roy’s arrival under the guidance of Rev. Miller was all part of God’s plan. Pastor Roy’s desire to attend a four-year institution was realized thanks to Rev. Miller. He took on the role of “father” and ensured his tuition and college expenses were paid. Pastor Roy did not disappoint his personal or church families. In the spring of 1992, he received his Bachelor of Science degree.
Pastor Roy continued his education and graduated from Birmingham Esoian Baptist Bible College. Pastor Roy went on to pastor several churches in the Birmingham region. He also worked at Sunrise East Funeral Home in his early years, when he helped his brother C. Ervin Kennedy realize his mortuary vision. Pastor Roy and his brother were able to touch the lives of so many people together, something he has done continuously throughout his life.
Pastor Roy is now the Senior Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he is committed to being obedient to God by developing dynamic disciples. In July 2021, Pastor Roy began his third year as their servant leader. Pastor Roy has increased the church’s membership and added new ministries so that it can serve not only the church but also the community. Pastor Roy, in addition to his preaching ministry, is a gifted vocalist. Despite his many great achievements, Pastor Roy does not want to be remembered solely as a fantastic preacher and vocalist. In whatever type of ministry he wants to engage in, he aims that God’s people have genuine encounters with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Roy is the father of five children and have nine grandchildren.