Pastor R.L. McDonald
Founding Pastor
Pastor R. L. McDonald organized 1st Philadelphia Independent Ministry on December 19, 1992, in Louisville, KY, along with 3 charter members. Pastor McDonald is a child of God, shepherd to his church family, a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, counselor and friend to many. He is a leader, who has allowed God to lead and guide his life and ministry. Pastor McDonald is a powerful preacher and teacher, and has remained faithful over the past 22 years in serving God, which is evident through his powerful weekly sermons and bible lessons.
In September 1998, with a mustard seed faith, much prayer and God’s guidance and direction, Pastor McDonald lead 1st Philadelphia into the purchase of our current edifice, located at 1337 Hepburn Avenue, Louisville, KY. God has continued to grow the church and to bless not only the church, but the community surrounding 1st Philadelphia as well.
Pastor McDonald is a native of Louisville, KY and still resides in the city. He received his education in the Jefferson County Public School System. He attended Simmons Bible College, served in the United States Army for six years and received an honorable discharge in 1980. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1981. He announced his calling to the ministry in 1984 and was ordained in 1985. He served as Assistant Pastor of New Gospel Harmony Baptist Church until 1992. Most of all, Pastor McDonald was a proud father of four children and grandfather of two grandchildren through his life until he passed away on August 14,2023. He was loved and respected by many, and will be missed. We carry on this ministry holding true to his legacy.
In September 1998, with a mustard seed faith, much prayer and God’s guidance and direction, Pastor McDonald lead 1st Philadelphia into the purchase of our current edifice, located at 1337 Hepburn Avenue, Louisville, KY. God has continued to grow the church and to bless not only the church, but the community surrounding 1st Philadelphia as well.
Pastor McDonald is a native of Louisville, KY and still resides in the city. He received his education in the Jefferson County Public School System. He attended Simmons Bible College, served in the United States Army for six years and received an honorable discharge in 1980. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1981. He announced his calling to the ministry in 1984 and was ordained in 1985. He served as Assistant Pastor of New Gospel Harmony Baptist Church until 1992. Most of all, Pastor McDonald was a proud father of four children and grandfather of two grandchildren through his life until he passed away on August 14,2023. He was loved and respected by many, and will be missed. We carry on this ministry holding true to his legacy.