A Doctoral Conferral Ceremony was hosted by the J.T. Kerr Memorial Baptist Church in celebration of Moderator Preston L. Harris’ completion of studies at North Central Theological Seminary, earning a Doctor of Divinity Degree. Rev. Dr. Willie Tukes, presided; the TROGMBA Deacons’ Union Chorus rendered music; the General Baptist Convention President, Dr. Ricky L. Banks, gave the doctoral message; the Doctors Ensemble included Rev. Dr. W. Tukes, Rev. Dr. R. Banks, and Rev. Dr. Antonio Scott. 

Reverend Preston L. Harris is presently serving in his 37th year as the Pastor of the J.T. Kerr Memorial Baptist Church of Jacksonville NC and is the Moderator over the 22 Churches of the Trent River Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association covering the counties of Onslow, Jones and Craven.

He was educated in the Kinston City Schools graduating from Adkin Senior High School. He attended the Lenoir Community College where he earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts before transferring to East Carolina University. At ECU, he  earned both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Education. He received his theological training at the Liberty Theological Seminary earning a Master of Theological Studies Degree. Moderator Preston L. Harris most recently completed all the requirements to receive his Doctor of Divinity Degree from the North Central Theological Seminary.

Reverend Harris is a retired educator from the Lenoir County Public Schools. In addition to serving as a Pastor and a Moderator in the TROGMBA, he is the Parliamentarian for the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. He also currently serves as a two term Lenoir County Commissioner.

Rev. Preston L. Harris has been married to Leytricia Hicks Harris for 49 years. They have one son, six grand children and one great grand child. Rev. Harris currently resides in Kinston.