Dr. Harold T. Branch
Born on February 25, 1919, in Conroe, Texas, Rev. Branch surrendered his life to Christ at the age of 12. He graduated with a BA from Howard University and a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological Seminary before being awarded an honorary Doctorate in Divinity from the University of Corpus Christi in 1965.
Dr. Branch served as the pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Woburn, Massachusetts, from 1943 to 1947, before being called to lead the East 19th Street Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, in 1947. In 1956, he became the pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, a role he held until his retirement in 1988.
Throughout his ministry, Dr. Branch was a trailblazer for African Americans in Baptist life, becoming the first African American to serve as Vice Moderator of the Corpus Christi Baptist Association. His influence extended far beyond the local community, as he served in leadership positions within the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas and the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Dr. Branch’s passion for spreading the gospel and ministering to people from diverse backgrounds was truly inspiring. He participated in preaching missions to numerous countries, including the Virgin Islands, Argentina, Zambia, Jamaica, and Haiti. He also served as a member of the Foreign Mission Board for nine years.
Beyond his ministerial duties, Dr. Branch was a dedicated public servant. He was the first African American to serve on the Corpus Christi Housing Authority, where he played a role in securing affordable housing for the city’s underserved communities. In 1971, he was elected to the Corpus Christi City Council, serving until 1975. His leadership roles also spanned organizations such as the War on Poverty Board for Nueces County and the Coastal Bend Civic Association.
Dr. Harold T. Branch’s faith, tireless advocacy, and selfless service continue to inspire generations of ministers, community leaders, and individuals committed to making a difference for the Kingdom of God.
The Dr. Harold T. Branch Scholarship at Stark College & Seminary serves as a lasting tribute to this remarkable man, ensuring that his legacy lives on by supporting and equipping future generations of African American ministers to follow in his footsteps and serve God, the church, and their communities.
If you would like to give to the Dr. Harold T. Branch Endowment and support its mission, Click Here.
To apply for the scholarship, complete the Stark Financial Aid application which serves as your application to be considered for this scholarship as well as other Stark scholarships.