Albert Reid Jr.

Albert Reid, Jr. was born on August 29, 1938, in Folsom, Louisiana. He grew up on a dairy farm, sharing in the hard work alongside his mother, two older brothers, and two younger sisters. He attended Loranger High School, where he excelled in sports, and graduated in 1956 as valedictorian, earning a scholarship to LSU. He also played semi-pro baseball for an Orioles affiliate.

After receiving the Holy Ghost and attending church under Bro. Sam Hickman and Bro. Bobby Hickman, Albert felt the call to ministry and enrolled in Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi. During this time, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, serving five years as a corpsman and x-ray technician in San Diego, California, and Bremerton, Washington.

In 1962, upon returning to Louisiana, he received his ministerial license and began assisting the Hickmans in local church work. He evangelized while attending Lee Road UPC, participating in youth camps and camp meetings. He also served as Assistant Pastor to Rev. Clifton McManus in Georgetown, Mississippi, and later to Rev. Tom Marshall in Moss Point, Mississippi.

On August 18, 1968, he married Lola King at New Chapel UPC in Collins, Mississippi, officiated by Rev. G.R. Travis. In 1969, the couple returned to evangelistic work, and in 1970, they accepted the pastorate of First UPC in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Under their leadership, the church flourished, earning recognition for contributions to Sheaves for Christ, Christmas for Christ, Mother’s Memorial, and Bible Quizzing. During his tenure, over 35 ministers served under his guidance.

At the district level, Bro. Reid served as Secretary and later Director of Home Missions for several years. He was Section 4 Presbyter for over 35 years and continues as an Honorary Board Member. He also served as Campground Director and Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee. When the Mississippi District moved its headquarters from Philadelphia to Jackson, Bro. Reid played a key role in the groundbreaking and construction of multiple buildings, including enclosing the tabernacle and reconstructing the platform, alongside Rev. Royce Odom and Rev. Donald Hickman. He emceed the dedication of the MEC Building and Historical Building and assisted with hurricane relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.

On the national level, Bro. Reid served on the Resolution Committee, Roster and Tabulating Committees, and the Ministerial Appeals Council (1992–1995) at General Conference.

After 37 years as pastor of First UPC, Philadelphia, Bro. Reid retired in 2007. He and Sis. Reid now reside in Prentiss, Mississippi, where they remain deeply involved in God’s work. They enjoy country life, outdoor activities, time with family, and doting on their grandchildren.