Meet our Team!
In January 2025, we said farewell to our dynamic co-pastor team, Rev. Veronica Johnson and Rev. Sarah Lusche, who are moving on after shepherding us through an eventful six years (Dec. 2018-Jan. 2025). As of March 2025, we are delighted to welcome Rev. Frank Walton as our intentional interim minister. In addition to his role here, Pastor Frank currently serves as president of the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago. You can reach him by email at [email protected]. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Frank as he joins the HPUC community!
|
Rev. Frank Walton
|
As a radio broadcaster, Pastor Frank's voice has resonated in Minneapolis, Seattle, and Phoenix. He also occasionally co-hosts with his wife, Pam Morris-Walton (also known as the Gospelsister), on Sundays via WVON Radio in Chicago.
Pastor Frank is highly respected for his integrity and unique leadership style, which inspires others to reach their full potential. He passionately leads congregations, emphasizing discipleship and evangelism, while enhancing their vision and mission.
Among his numerous honors, Pastor Frank was recognized as one of the 2017 Most Distinguished Men of Illinois, was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio, and was named the GMWA/GAG 2009 Gospel Announcer of the Year. He is also a joint recipient, along with his wife Pam, of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from GMOR Theological Institute of America, Midwest Region. Other notable awards include the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award from the American Baptist Churches of USA, the Pioneer Award from the EZRA Project, the People’s Gathering Media Award, recognition from the Apostolic Clergy Advisory Council, the Good Shepherd Award, and the Man of the Century Award from MLK Church, among other acknowledgements for his effective leadership in the community.
Pastor Frank travels the country sharing messages of hope and encouragement, touching hearts wherever he goes. His guiding principle is: "I was downsized to be right sized by God and moving forward, enjoying this new season with focus on ministries to help others.”
Pastor Frank is highly respected for his integrity and unique leadership style, which inspires others to reach their full potential. He passionately leads congregations, emphasizing discipleship and evangelism, while enhancing their vision and mission.
Among his numerous honors, Pastor Frank was recognized as one of the 2017 Most Distinguished Men of Illinois, was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio, and was named the GMWA/GAG 2009 Gospel Announcer of the Year. He is also a joint recipient, along with his wife Pam, of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from GMOR Theological Institute of America, Midwest Region. Other notable awards include the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award from the American Baptist Churches of USA, the Pioneer Award from the EZRA Project, the People’s Gathering Media Award, recognition from the Apostolic Clergy Advisory Council, the Good Shepherd Award, and the Man of the Century Award from MLK Church, among other acknowledgements for his effective leadership in the community.
Pastor Frank travels the country sharing messages of hope and encouragement, touching hearts wherever he goes. His guiding principle is: "I was downsized to be right sized by God and moving forward, enjoying this new season with focus on ministries to help others.”
|
Elikem Fiase
|
|
Norman Cummings
|
|
LaShaun Bryant
|
|
Qiana McNary
|
She has performed in numerous opera and musical theater productions in and out of the country that include, South Shore Opera Company's Chicago premier of Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed That Line to Freedom (Rittia), Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier), Saul and the Witch of Endor (The Witch), Ragtime (Sarah), Working (Maggie Holmes), and premiered a hip-hop opera, Hopera: Chronicles of a Fallen Hero, at the DuSable Museum – Chicago.
Ms. McNary was not only a National semi-finalist in the Emerging Young Artist competition, but won first place in the district and local rounds of the competition sponsored by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She is a proud member of Mu Phi Epsilon music honorary and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Currently Ms. McNary is the lead vocalist for her band, The McNary Experience.
Ms. McNary was not only a National semi-finalist in the Emerging Young Artist competition, but won first place in the district and local rounds of the competition sponsored by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She is a proud member of Mu Phi Epsilon music honorary and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Currently Ms. McNary is the lead vocalist for her band, The McNary Experience.
|
Foster J. Pinkney
|