2018 Lifetime Achievement Award
Albert Reid, Jr. was born August 29, 1938, in Folsom, Louisiana. He grew up on a dairy farm sharing in the hard work with his mother, two older brothers, and two younger sisters.
He attended Loranger High School where he was very active in all sports. In 1956, he graduated as Valedictorian, receiving a scholarship to LSU. He did a stint playing semi-pro baseball for an affiliate of the Orioles. However, after receiving the Holy Ghost and attending church under Bro. Sam Hickman and Bro. Bobby Hickman, he felt the call to ministry and enrolled in Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, MS. During this time, he was drafted and served 5 years in the U.S. Navy as a Corpsman and x-ray technician stationed in San Diego, CA and Bremerton, WA.
In 1962, after returning home to Louisiana, he received his ministerial license. He worked in local churches assisting the Hickman’s. He started evangelizing while attending Lee Road UPC and began working in Youth Camps and camp meetings. He served as Assistant Pastor to Rev. Clifton McManus in Georgetown, MS. and later became Assistant Pastor to Rev. Tom Marshall in Moss Point, MS.
In 1968, he and Lola King were married at New Chapel UPC, in Collins, MS by Rev. G.R. Travis. In 1969, they returned to the evangelistic field. In 1970, they accepted the role of Pastor at the First UPC in Philadelphia, MS. The church grew and prospered receiving many top awards for contributing to Sheaves for Christ, Christmas for Christ, Mother’s Memorial and Bible Quizzing. Altogether, some 35 ministers served under his leadership as Pastor.
On a District level, Bro. Reid served as Secretary and later Director of Home Missions for several years. He served as Section 4 Presbyter for over 35 years. He continues to serve as an Honorary Board Member. During these many years, he was Campground Director and Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee.
When the Mississippi District moved its headquarters from Philadelphia to Jackson, Bro. Reid was instrumental in helping with the first ground breaking ceremony, working long hours on the construction of the many buildings located onsite today. Along with Rev. Royce Odom and Rev. Donald Hickman, he had responsibility to enclose the tabernacle, as well as reconstructing the entire rostrum.
When the MEC Building was completed, Bro. Reid emceed the dedication as well as the Historical Building. He also assisted with the relief efforts of churches during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
On the National level, Bro. Reid served several years on the Resolution Committee and Roster and Tabulating Committees at General Conference. He served on the Ministerial Appeals Council from 1992-1995.
After serving as Pastor of First UPC, Philadelphia for 37 years, Bro. Reid retired in 2007. He and Sis. Reid now live in Prentiss, MS, where they continue to care deeply about the work of God. They enjoy time in the country and their many outdoor pursuits. They especially enjoy time with Sis. Reid’s 93-year-old mother, their two children (Dean and Carla) and their families. And….as most grandparents, do, they enjoy doting on their 4 grandchildren.