OUR VISIONARY

Pastor Samuel N. Winston, Jr.

Pastor Samuel N. Winston, Jr. assumed leadership as the fifth successive pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in September 2004. He was appointed by his father, S. N. Winston, Sr., the then Senior Pastor. Pastor Winston's journey in ministry began in 1990 as an apprentice musician, eventually taking on the role of overseeing the church's youth choir, which expanded to more than 60 members. These young individuals not only ministered monthly at the church but also traveled nationwide, spreading God's love through song.

From 1998 to 2004, he served as the Worship Pastor, responsible for the church's music, usher, greeter, and audio ministries. Recognized as a servant leader, Pastor Winston upholds standards of holiness and is admired for his eloquence, compassion, and practical leadership, showcasing a God-given gift for encouraging the total well-being of individuals.

Currently serving as the Senior Pastor of the 1,200-member congregation, Pastor Winston is transforming lives and impacting the community through various ministries. Under his guidance, the church has awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships to further education. Other Initiatives like Mount Calvary's Community Festival, providing thousands with meals during Holy Convocation, and the recent domestic missions trip to Flint, Michigan, demonstrate the church's commitment to community service. Additionally, ongoing support for missionaries worldwide reflects Pastor Winston's dedication to global outreach.

Mount Calvary, under Pastor Winston's leadership, has achieved significant milestones, including the purchase and ongoing renovation of a new worship facility worth over $1.2 million, all achieved without incurring debt. Leveraging modern technology, the church is accessible globally through live streaming, a robust Facebook presence, and a weekly broadcast on DATV Spiritual Channel, making Mount Calvary one of the most-watched shows on DATV.

Pastor Winston's educational background includes attending the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dayton, with double majors in music and political science. He was also awarded Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Zion Hill Baptist Theological Institute.

Beyond his role as a church leader, Pastor Winston actively contributes to the community. He chairs the board of Unk's Place, a group home for children in the foster care system, serves on the Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, USA., Inc., and has served on the board of the Miami Valley School. Additionally, he currently serves as President of the Ohio Baptist General Convention, the state's oldest and largest historically Black Baptist organization. His contributions have earned him recognition, including an OPUS award nomination from Montgomery County Culture Works and acknowledgment as a Heart of Gold Recipient by Eta Phi Beta Sorority. Pastor Winston is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Pastor Winston is happily married to Elect Lady Chanel Burks Winston, and together they have three children and many more whom they consider children of love.

Elect Lady Chanel Burks Winston

A native Daytonian, Chanel Winston is the sixth child born to Charles and Linda Burks. After graduating from the Dayton Public School system, Chanel went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Global Communications from the nation’s oldest historically Black university, Wilberforce University and later obtained a Master of Science in Education in College Student Personnel from the University of Dayton.

Chanel is married to Pastor Samuel N. Winston, Jr., the senior pastor of the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton. Utilizing her platform as a Pastor’s wife, Chanel has been dedicated to local, domestic, and foreign service by feeding and clothing the hungry and homeless, participating with disaster relief efforts, providing mentorship and developing educational programs for inner city youth, and caring for orphans.

Chanel is employed with the University of Dayton and has worked in a variety of capacities. During her time at the University of Dayton, she worked alongside her supervisor to develop and grow a new office, the Office of Student Leadership Programs within the Division of Student Development. In the School of Engineering, Chanel helped carry out the mission of the Diversity in Engineering Center, as the Director of the Women in Engineering Program. In her current position with The Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, Chanel works as the Director of the YESS AmeriCorps Program, where she has been instrumental in recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers who provide service to several local homeless shelters and she is responsible for maintaining healthy community partnerships with numerous organizations.

Further, through her employment with the University of Dayton, Chanel has provided support to faculty, staff, and students in the areas of intercultural competence, leadership, and team cohesiveness development. Chanel has presented at conferences and workshops, instructed a collegiate leadership course, and has been the guest keynote speaker for variety of events. Utilizing her experience with curriculum development and dialogue facilitation skills, Chanel has recently expanded her work in diversity, inclusion, and equity education outside the realm of higher education to include; corporate, government, and religious organizations.

Chanel continues to be an active participant in her community, including numerous committees, initiations, and organizational affiliations. She is the proud mother of Nate, Parker, and Bailey Winston.