Humanitarian of the Year
Pastor Ernest Polk

Pastor Polk is a Hardeman County, Tennessee native.  He is presently Senior Pastor of St James MB Church Jackson TN.  He attended school in Hardeman County, graduating from Bolivar Central High.  He also attended Jackson State Community College and Bethel College with studies in Special Education.  Baptized in the family home church Old Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar Tennessee; it was at this time as a young child he knew he had a calling in his life to become a minister.

In 1992 while attending college and working, he became Associate Pastor of Mt Calvary MB Church, Bolivar TN under the leadership of Rev. Algie Jarrett. Pastor Polk did his Theology Studies with the American Baptist College and continue his studies in various programs.  In 1996, he became Associate Pastor of St James MB Church, Jackson TN under the leadership of the late Rev Homer Gatlin.

During the year of 1999, Rev Gatlin retired and placed Pastor Polk as his successor.  He has always felt his calling and desire was to serve God and fulfill his purpose through preaching and teaching and reaching out to the lost souls. He also mentors young ministers. With a strong faith in God the church under his leadership is continually growing.

In addition to his Pastoralship at St. James MB Church, Pastor Polk serves in the following capacities:

·       Former Moderator for the Brown Creeks District Baptist Association, Jackson TN.

·       Former Assistant Treasurer for Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Education Convention (TBM&E) Nashville, TN

·       Treasurer for Code Red Coalition, Jackson, TN

·       Former Administrative Assistant to the President of the Tennessee Baptist  Missionary & Education Convention Nashville, TN

·       Former Member of Board of Directors for RIFA (Regional Inter-faith Association)

·       Current Director of Disaster Relief (Brown\s Creek District Association).

·       Member of Board of Directors for Jackson Police Department.

·       Member of Board of Commissioners for Jackson Housing Authority.

·       Board of Directors for the National Baptist Convention USA Inc

·       Board of Commissioners for Keep Jackson Beautiful

If you ask Pastor Polk what would he say about himself, he would say "Let My Preaching and Teaching Speak for Me".

He is married to Jewel Renee Polk and they reside in Jackson TN.