Welcome to Greenfield Presbyterian Church, Waterford, Mississippi

Greenfield Presbyterian Church, Waterford, MS

Est. 1898

Rev. Dr. Coker A. J. George, Jr.

I am a native of Liberia, Africa’s oldest independent republic that was established by Freed Africans (former slaves) from the United States of America in the 1820s. I grew up in a Christian family, my father a Presbyterian (Minister of the Word and Sacraments), and my mother, a devout Episcopalian. As a child, like my siblings, I got indoctrinated very early into the rituals and doctrines of the church. Like most Presbyterian children, growing up, we had to commit to memory the catechism in readiness for the annual competition. Church for us was a way of life. We were engaged in nearly all activities expected of a lad, such as Sunday School, the choir, Youth Fellowship, and as an adolescence, the Men’s Fellowship, and eventually, the Presbytery. I can recall that at the age of 6, I could not only read the Beatitudes (Matt. 5), but was intrigued over it. I also got attracted to the Hymn: “This Is My Father’s World”, setting my adoration for God’s creation, and the need to love and serve as a good steward of all of His creation.

The response to my calling was ordained by Providence. At the early age of 14, one of my aunt’s prophesized that I would become an ordained minister (Word and Sacraments). I earned both the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (University of Liberia – 1971), and Master of Science in Agriculture (California State University, Chico – 1977). During my professional career, I worked in the public, private and international circles with distinction. I served the Government of Liberia as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and worked for the United States Peace Corps/Liberia as Associate Director for Agriculture and Rural Development. During the Liberian civil crisis, I worked as field officer for Africa, an African American philanthropic organization.

Despite my dedication to another vocation, I could no longer resist the calling to the Gospel Ministry. In June 1977, with my last $10.00, I bought myself a Pulpit Bible, and dedicated myself to becoming “An Ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ”. My ultimate response to my calling came as I experienced and went through the death of my first wife, who died at the age of 27. During her illness, I depended solely on the LORD for help and strength. It was only through His intervention and grace that I remained focused. This I consider as my “Experience of Redeeming Grace”.

Having gone through this experience, I was convicted that Christ was calling me to a greater service. Hence, in 1980, I submitted myself to the Presbytery of Liberia, and was received as a student, and later, a candidate for the Holy Ordained Ministry. I was licensed as a Probational Preacher in 1985, and ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacraments on May 18, 1986 (my mother’s Birthday). Since my ordination, I served as pastor of several churches within the Presbytery of Liberia, and was elected as Moderator of that presbytery in 1999, a position I held for 2 years. Prior to that, I served as Assistant Stated Clerk, and Director of Program Board.

In December 2001 I learned of the vacancy at Greenfield Presbyterian Church, Waterford, MS. My family and I began visiting and worshipping with this congregation. This relationship after several months developed into me being called to serve as an “Interim Supply/Pastor”, and was installed as Pastor on April 22, 2004.

I received my Master of Divinity (Magna Cum Laude) in 1997, and Doctor of Divinity in 2004 from the Memphis Theological Seminary, notwithstanding these accolades, my passion remains, “Serving Humanity”. I am married to Elder Patience M. George. We are parents of eight children and seven grandchildren.