About Our Pastor

Rev. Thaddeus Kirkland is a native of Chester, PA born in a large family whose father served as a pastor until his passing in 1967. Thaddeus Kirkland was educated in the Public School System. He is a graduate of Chester High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Cheyney University. He also attended classes at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He has been supported in his endeavors by his family which includes his wife Susie (for 41 years), and their five daughters, LaShanda, Tyra, Danina, Shareeta, and Shannon; three sons-in-law, Ron, John and Darren; grandchildren, Alica, Sharale, Danielle, Nechelle, Shanell, Tyomen, Sanai, Jalen, Shantell, Joshua Thaddeus, Courtney Susie, and Kenny; and a loving mother-in-law, Myrna Jacobs.

Thaddeus Kirkland joined the church at age four and has been a member of Community Baptist for 56 years. In 1991, 24 years after his father’s death Thaddeus said “yes” to the call of God and accepted his call to the ministry and was licensed and ordained. A year later, he was elected a Democrat to represent the area in the state House of Representatives, a position he held for over 20 years, until he was elected Mayor of Chester, PA.

Honorable Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland is a remarkable community activist who first burst into the public arena in the fight for improved education for the students in the City of Chester. In spite of adversaries, Kirkland continues the fight for educational fairness and equality within the Chester-Upland School District — a fight that he is committed to winning. He is not only a well-loved and vocal leader in his home city, but he is also respected and admired across Delaware County.  Kirkland has been a strong advocate for the elderly and has fought to ensure equal rights for both the visually impaired and the physically challenged. He is the prime sponsor of legislation relating to prayer in schools, Braille, video surveillance, absentee ballot, technical training and Head Start.

He’s a former social worker by profession, and prides himself on being a “home grown preacher.” For 17 years he served as an associate minister under the leadership of Community Baptist’s pastor Rev. William B. Starks who retired in February 2008 after 31 years. Thaddeus served as interim pastor until his installation on April 27, 2008 to pastor of Community Baptist Church – The Church with a Heart for God.

Pastor Kirkland has an ongoing concern for people; young and old, but sees outreach to young people as a critical priority. He leads a life worthy to be exemplified and shares the Word of God with everyone, anywhere he goes. It’s known that he has a compassionate heart for people in general and for the City of Chester.  Kirkland, who has been described as tireless, concerned and action-oriented, is involved in numerous community organizations and activities.   Pastor Kirkland is the past Vice President of West End Ministerial Fellowship of Chester and Vicinity, former Vice-Chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures, a former Board of Trustee member of Lincoln University and a graduate of the Widener University Leadership Academy. He is also a member of Wine Psi Phi Social Fraternity, Incorporated and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Pastor Kirkland is highly regarded by the Chester Ministerial Association of Pennsylvania. He is considered a “David-like pastor” in the community with a warrior’s spirit. He does not have a problem praising God and shouting and dancing for the Lord. What a mighty man of God!

Pastor Kirkland has purposed in his heart to be used of God and not of man. Move by God’s Spirit and not the tradition of flesh, he’s received the will of God for his life and is now equipped for the battle and willing to endure. His favorite scripture is found in Philippians 4:13 – “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.”