Page 2 - Pleasant Hill News Letter September 2025 - PROOF

PHBC FEATURED MEMBER
By Beverly Parker
DEACON CURLEY GLEN WHITE
If someone were to tell you that Pleasant Hill has a member who has spent 37 years serving consistently in one of its ministries, what do you think would come to your mind about that member? Would you think that the member must be loyal, loves working for his or her church, can communicate effectively with others, is well-liked, respected, has leadership qualities, exudes confidence, has a vision, possesses a strong work ethic, can adapt as needed to unforeseen situations which may impact success, and knows how to motivate others? Pleasant Hill does have a member who embodies all of these attributes, and he is Deacon Curley Glen White.
Deacon White is the son of the late Robert Sr. and Ruthie Lee White. He and his five siblings grew up under their
parents’ religious training. The family attended Galilee Baptist Church in Keithville, but because they resided in the Cedar Grove community here in Shreveport, Deacon White began attending the Greater Zion Mission Baptist Church, which was closer to his home. He associated with friends who also attended the church, and at age nine, he was baptized by Reverend Ossie Dunn, who was pastor at that time.
Deacon White is a 1974 graduate of Captain Shreve High School. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Louisiana Tech, in addition to plus 30. He also earned his Ph.D. from Louisiana Baptist University. Deacon White served as principal of Booker T. Washington High School and retired in 2016.
In 1980, Deacon White decided to move his membership to Pleasant Hill because his wife, Dr. Gwendolyn Penn White, had been a lifelong member there, and he wanted them to serve together. He was ordained as a deacon in 1988 and has served on the Deacon Board for an amazing 37 years. No one can question his dedication as a deacon or his leadership ability. For most worship services, programs, activities, etc., you can usually find Deacon White there sitting on the front pew, ready to handle his duties as director, whenever needed.
Over the years, Deacon White has served under four pastors. His assessment of each pastor is this: B.M. White -- kind-hearted; David Lamar – inspirational; Henry Armington – informational; and Reginald Reid Sr. – teaches and preaches for application.
When asked what he would say is his greatest achievement, he said, “My greatest achievement is my obedience to God in leading our congregation in three circumstances where God used me to accomplish our mission in finding pastors for our church. I believe that my efforts were successful and pleasing to God.” Asked about his future goals, he said, “I want to maintain a strong family life, grow stronger in my personal life, and follow the footsteps of God in every area He leads me into.”
He served as Secretary of the Deacon Ministry and later as Assistant Board Chairman. He became Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2014, a position he has since held. Deacon White holds other leadership and membership positions, which include Superintendent of Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher of the Adult #1 Class, Brotherhood Ministry Director, Brotherhood Teacher, member of the Trustee Board, and Facilitator of Men’s Ministry. Deacon White is active with the 13th District where he serves as Dean. He is a teacher with the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention (LMBSC) and Deputy Director of the LMBSC Laymen. He is a Nationally Certified Dean where he organizes, administrates, and sets up Christian Education programs and schools throughout the nation, the Caribbean, and other US territories abroad.
Deacon White has received numerous awards and certificates from PHBC. His community awards include the National and Louisiana State Baptist, and District Associations for Specialization in Church Administration and Leadership Award; National Christian Counselors of America, and the Family and Marriage Enrichment Black Family Institute award. He is also a member of Rho Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
He is the father of one son, Corey, and has four godchildren: Paisley, April, Chris, and Crystal. Dr. White’s interests are reading the Daily Word and scriptures, watching football and basketball on television, as well as attending high school and college ball games. He spends every Saturday evening at dinner with family at their favorite restaurant.
He said, “The scriptures that guide me are Matthew 7:12 and Isaiah 41:10 because they reflect my philosophy, which is to walk worthy of my calling, to be fair to everyone, and to walk in righteousness. I learned people and God worked with me to deal with people for His kingdom building. I love Pleasant Hill because of its spirit of worship, devotion to Christian Education, and also our motto: “The Church that’s in Business for God and God’s Business is People.”
Yes, we the members, are indeed proud that Deacon Curley White is one of the best leaders for our beloved Pleasant Hill.
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