Dr. Morris O. Jenkins, Jr. was born in Beaumont, Texas to the late Lillian and Morris Jenkins, Sr. He attended public schools in Beaumont and furthered his education at Prairie View A&M University where he received a Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science in 1989 and a Master Degree in Agricultural Science in 1991. He was employed by Texas A&M University as a Director of Urban Horticulture for nine years.

The foundation for his spiritual beliefs began with the teachings he received at Lacy Temple Church of God in Christ in Beaumont, Texas under the leadership of the late Pastor A. L. Lacy. He realized early in his youth the call that existed upon his life. As he had already received a very thorough background on the importance of sanctification, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and the Lord’s call to the ministry at the age of 19.

In 1989, he was led to unite with Ellis Memorial Church of God in Christ in Houston, Texas under the leadership of the late Pastor Frank J. Sherrard, Sr. Pastor Sherrard taught him the importance of being an effective administrator and a declarer of the truth to God’s people. He also encouraged him to continue his educational training in ministry. Consequently, he earned a Master of Divinity Degree in 1996 and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in 1999 from Houston Graduate School of Theology. Dr. Jenkins was a loyal and devoted supporter of his Pastor and worked faithfully and diligently under his leadership. Upon Pastor Sherrard’s retirement in May, 2002, Dr. Jenkins was installed as Pastor of Ellis Memorial.

As a servant of the church, Dr. Jenkins is involved in many aspects of Christian ministry. He is first and foremost a caring pastor. Since becoming pastor of Ellis Memorial, he has enhanced and expanded existing programs while implementing various new outreach ministries. Dr. Jenkins has been married to his wife Marsha for over 28 years, and they have two sons, Keeon and Jarrett. His professional and ministerial backgrounds include the following:

• Pastor, Ellis Memorial Church of God in Christ “The Haven of Hope” (Houston, Texas) (2002 – Present)
• Pastor, Greater New Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ (Houston, Texas) (2015 – Present)
• Executive Secretary, Texas South Central Jurisdiction, under Bishop Prince Bryant, Sr. (2007 – Present)
• Superintendent, Northwest Houston District (2005 – Present)
• Director, Higher Ground Community Development Corporation (an affiliate of Ellis Memorial COGIC)
• Coordinator and Workshop Facilitator, COGIC Leadership Conference (2011 – Present)
• Co-chairman, 54th Annual Ministers Conference, Prairie View A&M University (2012)
• Executive Board Member Annual Ministers Conference, Prairie View A&M University
• Local Vice Chairman, Church of God in Christ 2011 National AIM Convention in Houston, Texas
• Recipient of the 2010 “Outstanding Minister Award”, 52nd Annual Ministers Conference, Prairie View A&M University
• Oversees building projects of low-income housing in the East Houston communities
• Local television ministry on Houston’s Channel 55 “MEGATV”
• LIVE stream of Ellis Memorial COGIC Sunday services averaging over 30,000+ viewers monthly
• President and CEO of Jenkins Multi-Services Corporation