“Today you have heard the Word of God, and it is written in Heaven. Now you are all held accountable.” 

When the family later relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where his father worked for Ford Motor Company, they became active members of New Light Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Talley. 

A Life Shaped by Faith 

As a young boy, Pastor Presley fondly remembers watching his father sing joyfully in the church choir. He often asked his mother, “What’s wrong with Daddy?” whenever his father would shout and rejoice during worship. Those early church experiences helped cultivate a lifelong love for God and His Church. 

A graduate of the Detroit Public School System, Pastor Presley recognizes the significant role that family members, pastors, mentors, teachers, and friends have played throughout his life’s journey. He often reflects on their influence with the words: 

“I am because they were.” 

From an early age, Pastor Presley sensed that God had a purpose for his life. When his mother once asked, “Craig, what is wrong?” he replied: 

“Momma, I just want to know what God has for me to do!” 

After accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior, he developed a deep desire to know God more intimately and faithfully follow His will. 

Education and Early Preparation 

Following high school, Pastor Presley attended Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he played collegiate baseball. During his time there, he learned of the university’s rich history, including its role in the preparation of Black Methodist ministers and its connection to the renowned Delany sisters. Looking back, he recognizes that God was preparing him even then. 

In 1987, Pastor Presley moved to Texas and began attending Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bill Lawson. He later joined Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Dickinson, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor James A. Kennedy. 

A lasting source of encouragement came from Sister Kennedy, who often reminded him: 

“Brother Presley, stay in God’s Word, and He will show you what He has for you to do.” 

The Call to Ministry 

On Sunday, December 15, 1996, during a worship service, a sermon from the Book of Jonah entitled “Why We Can’t Take Care of God’s Business” was preached. During that service, the Lord called Pastor Presley to preach the Gospel. 

Though fearful and reluctant, he responded during the invitation and publicly acknowledged God’s call upon his life. He was received into the ministry and embraced by his pastor and church family. 

On Sunday, January 26, 1997, at 3:00 p.m., Pastor Presley preached his first sermon entitled “What Happened, but Where Is Your Faith?” based on John 9:1-2, 35. 

Under the guidance and support of his pastor, he continued his Christian education and gained valuable experience in numerous areas of ministry. He also served as a leader for the Power Plus Urban Camp for Boys through Sugar Creek Baptist Church from July 22-25, 1998. 

On Sunday, July 15, 2001, Pastor Presley was licensed and ordained by Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. 

Biblical Education and Growth 

Committed to growing in the knowledge of God’s Word, Pastor Presley enrolled in the College of Biblical Studies. His accomplishments include: 

• Counselor’s Track 
• Theologian’s Track 
• 32-Hour Bible Certificate Program 
• Teacher Training Track 
• Associate of Biblical Studies Degree 
• Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies Degree 

He plans to resume his studies through Liberty University’s online master’s program in Pastoral Counseling and Evangelistic Leadership. 

Faithful Service in Ministry 

Throughout the years, Pastor Presley has faithfully served in numerous ministry roles, including: 

• Associate Minister 
• Youth Sunday School Teacher 
• Vacation Bible School Teacher 
• Evangelism Teacher 
• Prison Ministry Teacher 
• Church Leader and Mentor 

He has also served in local congresses and district associations while continuing to develop as a servant leader. 

Pastor Presley remains grateful for the many pastors and spiritual leaders who have poured wisdom and encouragement into his life, including James A. Kennedy, Manson B. Johnson, Wiley Dunn, W. W. Jackson, Frank Johnson, Bill Lawson, James Tunie, Curtis Barbour, Byron Williams, Charlie Foy, William Glynn, Benford, Acie Jefferson, Louis Patterson, Castro Walker, Marvin Wiley, Charles Wheat, and Terry K. Anderson. 

Leadership Experience 

Pastor Presley served for several years as Assistant Pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Dickinson, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor Roderick M. Cunningham. 

His years at Lilly Grove strengthened his commitment to pursuing ministry with spiritual excellence, biblical integrity, and servant leadership. 

In addition, Pastor Presley continued serving through prison ministry outreach with God’s Vision Ministries and Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church preaching and teaching the Gospel to incarcerated individuals and sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ. 

Pastor of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church 

The Lord called and appointed Pastor W.C. Presley, Sr. to serve as the under shepherd of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas. He was installed as pastor on Sunday, April 19, 2026. 

Under his leadership, the church has experienced spiritual renewal, growth, and excitement. Lives are being transformed, souls are being saved, and God’s people are being strengthened through the preaching and teaching of His Word. 

Pastor Presley is committed to leading with faith, humility, compassion, and a steadfast devotion to Christ and His Church. 

 A Message from Our Pastor 

Pastor W.C. Presley, Sr. loves the Lord, His Word, His Church, and His people. He is committed to faithfully preaching the Gospel, teaching biblical truth, and sharing the love of Christ with all people. 

Welcome to Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church