1992-2001

Reverend Ben Willie Watkins was elected on June 6, 1992 and was installed as our third Pastor of Mount Hermon Baptist, August 2, 1992.

Reverend Watkins was born, December 6, 1944 in Leflore, County, Money, Mississippi. He comes from a family of 6 brothers, all in the ministry, he was the second of the brothers to answer God’s calling, and four sister who are missionaries and teachers. At the age of 14, he was converted and baptized.

Reverend Watkins received his early formal education at Money Junior High School, and Amanda Elzy High School in Mississippi. He attended Perdue University in Hammond, Indiana and was licensed and graduated from Indiana Christian Bible College in 1972 where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology.

In 1964, Reverend Watkins was called to the ministry of the gospel and, for four years, was Pastor of the St. Luke Pentecostal Church in Gary, Indiana. In 1972 Reverend Watkins was re-ordained under Reverend W.N. Reed at the New Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Gary Indiana, where he served as Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher and Associate Pastor.

He exhibited great preaching and teaching ability which is needed in these times that try men’s souls. He gave God’s people the unadulterated word that fed us spiritually and helped us to stay on this Christian journey with the realization that Jesus is always there.

Reverend Watkins believed in bible study unceasingly and instituted various studies, on all levels, for instruction in the word of the Lord. Under the leadership of Rev. Watkins, the Special Events Committee was established, and Sister Tampie Watson was appointed Chairperson. Family and Friends was also established under his leadership.

In 2001, after serving for 9 years, Reverend Watkins resigned as Pastor of Mount Hermon Baptist Church.

Reverend Watkins was married to the former Doris Hutchinson. They are the proud parents of four children.