Rev. Ralph Branch Jr.

Reverend Branch was educated in Newark Public Schools and at a very early age demonstrated a flare for academic excellence. In 1982 Rev. Branch began his matriculation at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in Biology and Chemistry. His goal was to one-day practice medicine, but God’s plan was different. He would later study at the Somerset Bible College (formerly known as Zarephath Bible Institute), and the New Brunswick Theological Seminary both of which are located in New Jersey. As a youngster Rev. Branch developed a special relationship with his Pastor and Mentor, the Rev. Jesse W. Mapson, Sr. Their “Paul and Timothy” type relationship was further blessed in 1994 when Rev. Branch accepted God’s call to preach the Gospel. In June of 1998 Reverend Branch was ordained to the gospel ministry at Mount Calvary. As the Fourth Pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church the Lord has blessed us with a true visionary! Under his leadership the congregation continues to grow physically and spiritually. Since his installation in 2001 the Lord has blessed us with two new choirs, an explosion of youth, leadership training, a computerized resource center, a beautifully renovated sanctuary and home-grown musicians. In October of 2005 the Lord blessed Rev. Branch to preach in Kenya, Africa, this experience changed his life. Witnessing the devastation of famine and drought, the Lord has moved Rev. Branch to lead Mount Calvary in a relief effort that has brought a water harvesting system to a small village in Kenya. Rev. Branch delivers the Gospel with authority and clarity. He always encourages God’s people to live in the Word and to reach our full potential in Jesus Christ. Rev. Branch is married to the former Tammi Tellis and they have two children, Reshawn Marcus and Chelsea Synclaire.