On October 2024 a celebration was held for Rev. Louis A. Haynes and his wife Mrs. Caroline K. Haynes, where I was invited to witness their anniversary. It was a blessed day for his congregation, who were lead by Brother Derreck McCloud. In attendance was an artist Edwin Lockridge, who had been asked by the church to paint a portrait of Reverend Haynes and his wife. After the service we were offered a meal and chance to meet members of the church. The painting was offered mid service, which brought tears to the eyes of those attending. Below is a Pastoral Bio.
“Born on September 14, 1976, to Minister Louise E. Haynes and Barbara A. Haynes, Rev. Louis A. Haynes grew up in Memphis, TN, where he distinguished himself academically as the salutatorian of Mitchell High School’s Class of 1994. He pursued higher education at Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1998. That summer, he embarked on his professional journey in corporate America as an information analyst.
In December 1999, Rev. Hayes embraced fatherhood with the birth of his son, Jonathan I. Haynes. His spiritual journey began in earnest in 2004 when he accepted his calling to ministry. He was firstl licensed to preach the gospel at Columbus Missionary Baptist Churchy in Memphis. Before delivering his trail sermon at Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nashville. There, he served as the youth pastor for four transformative years, nurturing the spiritual growth of the church’s youth. Having completed the Board of Examiners, Rev. Haynes is now an ordained Itinerant Deacon. He is blessed to share his life and ministry with his wife, Mrs. Caroline K. Haynes, with whom he has been married for eight years. Together they enjoy building their life in Nashville.
Rev. Haynes has served as an associate Minister at Kairos Community AME Church where he led the Sons of Allen Ministry. He later became a supply pastor at Mt. Zion in Centerville, TN. His next pastoral assignment was in the Kentucky Annual Conference as Pastor of Wards Chapel AME in Scottsville, KY. During his six year tenure, he served the Scottsville community with a fervent heart and was honored to be the Keynote Speaker at the Black Lives Matter rally held on the public square. He collaborated with other ministry leaders to ensure that every child in rural areas received free lunches when public schools were not in session. Additionally, Rev. Haynes adeptly led the congregation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing technology to transition the church to a virtual format before returning to in-person worship when it was safe.
In 2022, he returned to the Tennessee Annual Conference, where he now serves as Pastor of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church alongside his wife. With a heart dedicated to service, and a commitment to uplifting his community, Rev. Haynes continues to inspire and lead others on their spiritual Journeys. His ministry has borne fruit through numerous baptisms and transformative experiences, a testament to his dedication and passion in every assignment.”