Pastor Richard L. Hall, Sr. is a native of Savannah, Georgia, and a devoted preacher, pastor, teacher, and community servant whose ministry has impacted generations throughout Savannah and beyond. 

 

A graduate of Tompkins High School, now Woodville-Tompkins High School, Pastor Hall continued his studies at Savannah State College, now Savannah State University. He preached his initial sermon on September 8, 1985, and was ordained into the Gospel ministry on March 9, 1986, at Friendship Baptist Church, Hudson Hill.

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On August 10, 1986, Pastor Hall was installed as pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Sandfly. Throughout his pastoral ministry, he has also served Hutchinson Longstreet Baptist Church in Stilson, Georgia, and St. Mark Baptist Church in Savannah.

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For more than three decades, Pastor Hall has faithfully served as the first full-time pastor of Second Arnold Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church has remained committed to Christian discipleship, ministry, education, and service to the Savannah community.

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A Ministry of Teaching and Development

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With a passion for developing Christian leaders, Pastor Hall founded Preacher-2-Preacher, an instructional ministry designed to mentor and equip young preachers. He also organized the Margaret Jackson Hilliard Summer Reading Academy for elementary-aged boys and the Margaret Jackson Hilliard Summer Job Academy for youth ages 12 through 15 at Second Arnold Baptist Church.

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His commitment to Christian education has extended throughout the state and local church. Pastor Hall has served as Secretary of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia (GMBC) and as an instructor within the GMBC Congress of Christian Education Ministers' Division. He has also served as an instructor for Sunday School Publishing Board Christian Leadership Schools at Second Arnold Baptist Church and surrounding churches.

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In October 2019, Pastor Hall was confirmed as Moderator of the Berean Missionary Baptist Association, Inc., providing leadership to more than 50 churches throughout the Savannah area. He faithfully served in this position until completing his term in October 2021.

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Community Service and Recognition

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Pastor Hall's ministry has always extended beyond the walls of the church. He has served his community through numerous civic and educational initiatives, including service on the Safety Committee of Garden City Elementary School. He also had the distinguished honor of serving twice as Chaplain for the Day for the Georgia House of Representatives in Atlanta.

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His speaking engagements have included serving as keynote speaker for the 1998 Coast Guard National Association Reunion and delivering the invocation at a Savannah State University fundraiser featuring Tony Dungy as keynote speaker.

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Throughout the years, Pastor Hall has received numerous honors recognizing his service and community impact. He received the Key to the City of Savannah from Mayor Floyd Adams. In 2015, he was inducted into the Whippers Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2016, he was honored as a citation inductee into the Woodville-Tompkins High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

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Education

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Pastor Hall's educational and theological preparation includes:

• Graduate of Tompkins High School, now Woodville-Tompkins High School

• Studies at Savannah State College, now Savannah State University

• Sacramento Theological Seminary & Bible College

• Bachelor of Theology

• Master of Religious Education

• Doctor of Theology

• Diplomat Christian Teacher Certificate from Sacramento Bible College

• Certified Christian educator through the Sunday School Publishing Board in Nashville, Tennessee

 

Family and Legacy

 

Pastor Hall is married to Sister Helen Bryant Hall, and together they are the proud parents of one daughter and four sons. Their family has grown to include several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Throughout his life and ministry, Pastor Hall has demonstrated a heart for people. His concern extends beyond his immediate and church families to senior adults, young people, the incarcerated, the homeless, and the greater community. His ministry reflects a lifelong commitment to preaching the Gospel, developing Christian leaders, serving people, and faithfully following Jesus Christ.

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His guiding motto continues to summarize his life and ministry: 'Follow me as I follow Christ."