On behalf of the deacons, trustees, and entire congregation of Grace Baptist Church, we are pleased to announce “The Road to 50” as we prepare to celebrate Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson's 50th Pastoral Anniversary in 2025! Dr. Richardson is one of the nation’s most distinguished civil rights, social justice, and ecumenical leaders. Under his leadership and through the pandemic, Grace adopted a hybrid ministry model (in-person and online) and now boasts a membership of more than 5,000 worldwide.

In addition to serving as the Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in the City of Mount Vernon, New York, for nearly 50 years, Dr. Richardson is the Chairman of the Board at Virginia Union University, his alma mater. He also serves as chairman of the boards of the National Action Network and the Conference of National Black Churches. These organizations serve as the pillars of his life and reflect his unwavering commitment to leadership, education, social justice, and ecumenism. 

We are thankful for Dr. Richardson’s demonstrated faith and unwavering service to humanity. We celebrate his legacy, and we ask you to join us! Dr. Richardson’s career has been defined by a series of remarkable achievements from the time he was called to the pastorate of the influential and historic Grace Baptist Church at the age of 25. He was the youngest General Secretary of the eight million-member National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. He was honored with the Distinction in Congregational Ministry Award from Yale University and has added to his resume the title of number one best-selling author for his book Witness to Grace. He was also inducted into The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers and The International Hall of Honor by Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2023, Onyx Magazine named Dr. Richardson Man of the Year.

Under Dr. Richardson’s leadership, Grace’s two Community Development Corporations have constructed over 800 affordable and senior housing units in Mount Vernon. The Grace and Ujamaa Community Development Corporations form the backbone of the Village of Grace, providing programs and services in children and youth development, health, education, music, arts and culture, and improved quality of life opportunities for all ages.