Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Huggins, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Huggins, Jr. was born in Chesapeake, Virginia. He is married to the former Venetia Griffin of South Carolina. They are blessed with four children: Shara, Nachelle, Vania, and the late Nathaniel Huggins III. They are blessed with five grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Huggins received his formal education in the Virginia School System. He attended Norfolk State University of Norfolk, Virginia from 1977 through 1980, where he majored in Industrial Education. He completed several Theology courses at Richmond Virginia Seminary and College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, Master of Arts degree (M.A.Min), and Doctorate degree (D.Min) in Ministerial Studies from Christian Bible Institute and College in Houston, Texas.
He was licensed to “Preach the Gospel” in October 1979, and ordained as a minister June 1984 while he attended the New Weeping Mary Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. He then went on to become Pastor of Baptist Rock Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he faithfully served and labored in the vineyard until August 1989. He was then called to Pastor Shalom Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia from 1989 until 1993.
In February 1993, under Divine orchestration and auspices, Rev. Dr. Huggins founded and organized the Temple of Peace Baptist Church with 18 members in a member’s home. The following week the service was held in a clubhouse and 50 members were added to the Church roster. Within five months, they raised $50,000 with pledges for the down payment on the Temple of Peace Baptist Church. They held their first official service, in their new edifice on July 6, 1993. More than 600 people were led to the Lord at the Temple of Peace Baptist Church under his leadership.
Rev. Dr. Huggins is a great leader and organizer of people. As an administrator, he authorized the Temple of Peace Rules and Bylaws, which governs the local assembly in Newport News, Virginia. He also wrote “First Principals”, a training tool used for instructing new converts. He instituted a finance system to facilitate disbursement and receiving of contributions. The process included a voucher system that was applauded by the internal and external financial auditors. He founded a church that had no existing structure and, with God’s guidance, he was able to create and build a spiritual organism.
Under his leadership, many auxiliaries and ministries were formed at Temple of Peace Baptist Church. Such groups include Sunday Bible School, Deacon Fellowship, Trustee Fellowship, Nurses Corp., Pastor’s Aid, Helping Hand, Comfort-Care and Concern, and the Usher’s Fellowship. Also, Youth and Senior Gleaners, Youth Church, Praise Dancers, Temple of Peace Day Care, Outreach Ministry Food Bank and Benevolence, Peace Through The Word Ministries, a television ministry (Channel 49 WJCB), and a radio ministry called “Peace Through the Word” on (WTJZ-1270AM).
While ministering with his congregation as a guest of a hosting church, worshipping in a school in Suitland, Maryland, God spoke to Rev. Dr. Huggins about relocating to that area. The pastor passed away a month later. Submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Dr. Huggins relocated and was elected Pastor of Praise Redemption Center on Sunday, July 16, 2000. Under his leadership, Praise Redemption Center was renamed Praise Redemption Worship Center. He, with God’s guidance and many prayers, paved the way for the church to purchase its first building, six months later, at 3200 22nd Street N.E., Washington, D.C. for the sum of $450,000. The first official service was held at that edifice on April 2, 2001. In 2003, the Radio Ministry (WYCB-1340) was birthed as part of the church’s outreach. WYCB selected Rev. Dr. Huggins as “Pastor of the Week” for March 29 through April 4, 2004. He was also chosen as one of Washington’s Outstanding Pastors for the WYCB Radio 2005 Calendar of Pastors.
In September 2005 (four years later), the church was sold for $1,500,000. The church purchased property on Rosaryville Rd. in Maryland, with hopes of building a new edifice that would support the vision of the progressing congregation. On July 28, 2008, the church sold the property and bought a church and school building already erected on 10 acres located at 968 Lower Pindell Rd., Lothian, MD. The cost of the church was $2,500,000.
With dedication, tenacity, and perseverance, Rev. Dr. Huggins stands as a builder on the wall and won’t be distracted until the work is completed and the vision given to him for Praise Redemption Worship Center is brought to fruition. It is because of his anointing and leadership that in 2013, Praise redemption Worship Center was able to start and register with the Department of Education in the State of Maryland, the Praise Redemption Child Development Center and Praise Redemption Christian Academy! The name of the school was later changed to Southern Arundel Christian Academy. Through the vision of academic achievement, families in our surrounding community can now enroll their children from the ages of 2 - 12 years old in our school, childcare, preschool, kindergarten, After-School, Summer Camp, and literacy programs. The scripture that epitomizes his mindset is Nehemiah 6:3, “And I sent messengers unto them saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
Rev. Dr. Huggins is determined to stay on the wall
First Lady Venetia Huggins
First Lady Venetia Huggins is a native of South Carolina, and was born to the late Theodore and Emily Wilson. She is married to Pastor Nathaniel Huggins, Jr., and they are blessed with four children; Shara, Nachelle, Vania, and the late Nathaniel Huggins III, one son-in-law, John Kingcade, and five grandchildren.
Venetia Huggins is the former First Lady of Temple of Peace Baptist Church located in Newport News, Virginia which was founded in February 1993 under the divine leadership of her husband Pastor Nathaniel Huggins, Jr. First Lady later became First Lady of Praise Redemption Worship Center where Pastor Huggins was elected Pastor on Sunday, July 9, 2000.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Counseling from Christian Bible Institute and College in Houston, Texas. She is one of the Assistant Directors of the Women's Ministry and enjoys singing in the Church Choir. First Lady Huggins is also very supportive of her husband and all ministries of the church. She is a beautiful person who serves as a wonderful example of a righteous, virtuous woman of God.