The great tree that gave shade, protection and life to the New Jerusalem Baptist Church has retired.  The voice that spoke with compelling eloquence and compassion to spread the word of Jesus Christ will no longer be heard from the pulpit of New Jerusalem every Sunday, but will always be with us as his legacy continues to live in our hearts.

James C. Kelly was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Union University in Richmond, and his Master of Divinity Degree from the Graduate School of Religion of Virginia Union University. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Combat Infantry Man’s Badge. He received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University in 1983.

Rev. James C. Kelly, Sr. established the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in 1988. Having no permanent church home at that time, worship service was held each week at the Mount Sinai Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Queens Village for approximately ten (10) years. Under his spiritual leadership, history was made and the NJBC prospered and relocated to its permanent home. The Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Celebration took place on October 24, 1999.

A visionary leader, Rev. Kelly inspired the members of the New Jerusalem congregation to be faithful to the word of God by tithing. New Jerusalem was able to accomplish the mission of building a new church home at 122-05 Smith Street in Jamaica, New York solely through tithes and offerings.

A compassionate pastor, a spiritual leader, a man with a beautiful mind and quick wit, a joyful celebrant of the Holy Scripture, a prolific writer and speaker, a discerning advocate of the poor and indigent, Rev. Kelly saw merit in all who entered the doors of The New Jerusalem Baptist Church. A testament to his leadership, spiritedness and dedication to humankind is embodied in his service to numerous civic and religious organizations, including serving as Vice President, Richmond, Virginia Branch NAACP; President, State of Virginia Progressive National Baptist Convention; Member and was one of two Blacks appointed by Richmond City Council to the Human Relations Commissions of Richmond. He also served as a member of the Board of the Queens Federation of Churches; Treasurer of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York and Past President Emeritus of Southeast Queens Clergy for Community Empowerment (SQCCE).

He is by nature an intellectual person with mental ability matched by his compassion for the poor and disenfranchised. He is a man of deep prayer who made liturgical celebrations central to events that always made clear the link between faith and justice. He experienced a deep joy in spiritual conferences, retreats and especially in his prayer life.  He inspired, promoted and supported all the ministries of the church. As he prepared to retire, the Lord prepared the congregation of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church for a healthy future in the Lord.

Rev. Kelly ministered as a team with his lovely wife and First Lady, Loretta M. Kelly. Mrs. Kelly was actively involved in various ministries at New Jerusalem. She knew the importance of the church ministries, and she understood that they are among the vehicles by which Christ touches the world with HIS message of love and salvation.  Mrs. Kelly gave us unconditional love, shared her tireless faith, worked hard and long hours, and lived in humility. These ministries embody, more often than not, selfless, sacrificial giving which was exemplified in the spirit of our former first lady.