elder marlon c. bonner, jr.

Elder Marlon C. Bonner, Jr. is a native of Baltimore, MD. Elder Bonner is a 5th generation member of the United Holy Church, attending McKinney’s Memorial Holiness Church, which was founded by his great-grandfather, the late Bishop Albert McKinney. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at 12 years old at Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Baltimore under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Reginald Thomas, Sr. Elder Bonner accepted his call to the preaching ministry at age 18. He preached his initial sermon on August 14, 2016, at McKinney’s Memorial, entitled “I Can Do All Things” from Philippians 4:13. He is an ordained elder in the United Holy Church of America (UHCA).

Elder Bonner has served as the Youth Minister at McKinney’s Memorial. He also has served as an usher, media co-chair, and church administrator, just to name a few. Elder Bonner currently serves as the sub-district Youth Department President of the DC, Maryland, and central Pennsylvania sub-district, UHCA.

After faithfully serving McKinney’s Memorial for the majority of his life, Elder Bonner was appointed as Supply Pastor of the church by Bishop Kenneth White, President of the Northern District Convocation - UHCA. In this capacity, he serves as the acting pastor and lead servant of the ministry in this season.

Elder Bonner is a graduate of Old Dominion University (ODU), receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations in December 2021. While at ODU, he was a member of Ebony Impact Gospel Choir, one of the university’s oldest black organizations. He served on Ebony Impact’s executive board, holding the positions of Vice President, President, and as the Student Advisor. He was also a member of several other campus organizations.

While in college, PJ was a watch-care member of Morning Star United Holy Church in Norfolk, VA, under the leadership of Bishop J.B. Felton, where he received much of his ministerial training. There he assisted the ministry as Youth Sunday School Teacher, Church Administrator, and Associate Minister. Under the guidance of Bishop Felton, from October to November 2021, Elder Bonner, along with Elder Shavon J. Smith, were pastoral interns of the church. The duo executed the pastoral role of the church for those 4 weeks. They lead prayer meetings, bible studies, and conducted Sunday Morning worship services. Additionally, they counselled members when needed and worked closely with church trustees and deacons regarding the business of the church. 

It is Elder Bonner’s desire for God to be glorified in all that he does. Elder Bonner’s motto is to “unapologetically praise God because we are only going higher from here!”