Overseers

OVERSEERS

Bishop John A. Polk

Born September 9, 1947, in Windermere, Florida, John Anthony Polk is the firstborn son of Anthony and Arlene Hall Polk (both deceased). He grew up attending Church with his parents in a few locations. His parents would begin their own ministry, New Hope in Christ in 1962, and few years later He graduated from Jones High School, class of 1966.

Not long after his Graduation he joined the Job Corps. While there he was an exceptional Corpsman and was elected to sit on a panel regarding Conservation in Washington, D.C. at the White House. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967. from there, he was sent on a 13-month tour in the Vietnam War. 3 years later he visited Astoria, Oregon meeting Catherine Boyd. They would

later marry, and be the proud parents of 5 children.

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After the Army he returned to Orlando and to New Hope where he continued to work with the ministry. Finding work briefly in security, we would move on to work for the Orlando Bus lines (now Lynx). He began as a bus driver eventually becoming a Supervisor of Transportation, until his retirement.

John and his mother shared a dream of a new home for New Hope and began to seek property for the building. By the grace of God they were able to purchase the current property and to build the initial structure in 1975. He was appointed a Deacon, and sometime later was called to be a Minister.

After many years steadfastly walking with the Lord and deep conviction that God was calling him, he accepted the call to Pastor. He was ordained Pastor in December 2002. Today He remains the Senior Pastor of New Hope in Christ Church of God.

Bishop Polk is not just a man in the Pulpit; he is a Man of God and walks accordingly. He is a true neighbor to those whom he meets, a friend to those in need, and strives to help all that will allow him to be of service to them. He is God’s Man for God’s House. He is, a man after God’s own heart, a wonderful husband, and a great provider.

Bishop John A. Polk is our friend, our leader, our Shepherd, our Bishop.

Catherine Olivia Harvey Boyd was born December 25, 1950 to Ms. Ora Mae Boyd in Leary, Calhoun County, GA in the home of maternal grandparents, whom she was reared by. She is the second born of eight children. Attending a few Churches as she grew up she was baptized at the age of 15 her Grandfather would often say “God is not one to be played with”.

She attended Elementary School in Leary, GA. Her Aunt Grace was one of her teachers, actually her favorite teacher. Grace would become a mentor and friend as well. Catherine enjoyed school, and graduated from H. T. Singleton in 1968 with honors.

Early 1970, she went to Astoria, Oregon for job training. She went to school and worked at Tongue Point Job Corps Center where she studied Business Administration. This is where she would meet the man who would ask for her hand in

marriage. On July 31, 1971 John A. Polk and Catherine Boyd united in Holy Matrimony at her parents’ home in Orlando.

Pastor Catherine B. Polk

Catherine began attending church with John at New Hope in Christ Church of God where she Begin to study the Bible and listen to the Word of God, accepting Jesus into her life in March 1973. Two years later she began working with the youth at the church. Called to teach, she was ordained a Missionary under the Leadership of Mother Arlene Polk.

When Bishop Polk was called and Ordained Senior Pastor of New Hope in Christ December 2002 Catherine became the Elect Lady, six year later she was ordained a Pastor herself.

Catherine and John are blessed, thankful, and proud parents of 5 children and eight wonderful Grandchildren. Together Bishop and Elect Lady Polk encourage men, women and children to come to Jesus. She is sincere always admonishing “Let the Peace of God rule in your hearts”.