The Rev. Loyal Featherstone has been installed as the pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Olive Branch. He is the CEO of Loyal Featherstone Realtors and Builders and a graduate of the Melrose High School Class of 1968.

The Rev. Loyal Featherstone (Photo by Lee Taylor)

Rev. Featherstone graduated from The University of Memphis in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 2001 he received a Masters of Divinity Degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. He received a Doctor of Human Letters from Tennessee School of Religion in 2004.

Rev. Featherstone has memberships in the Memphis Area Homebuilders, the Black United Fund of Memphis and has a tenured membership in the Church Health Center.

He is married to Rowena A. Featherstone and is the father of Molik Featherstone and Mariel Featherstone.

Tri-State Defender: How long have you been a pastor?

Rev. Featherstone: I have been a pastor for six months.

TSD: How long have you been in the ministry?

Rev. Featherstone: I was called to preach in 2005.

TSD: What led you to accept your calling as a minister of God?

Rev. Featherstone: I felt called of God to have a wholistic ministry. Jesus said that he gives life abundantly. I want African-American people to know that God can bless you to pay all your bills on time. God wants us to enjoy life and not struggle all your life.

TSD: What is your personal philosophy as a pastor?

Rev. Featherstone: My style of pastoring is to teach. I want to meet people where they are and help them become more. I want to help our young do better in school and prepare them for college. I want to help the elders know how God can help them with their finances.

TSD: Will you be involved in any type of human and civil rights issues?

Rev. Featherstone: My pastor, Dr. LaSimba Gray, provided me with a good example to follow. He is an excellent example of a pastor who is involved in a total ministry both socially and spiritually. My ministry will for the most part be spiritual.

TSD: How do you want to be remembered as a minister of Christ?

Rev. Featherstone: I see myself as a faithful servant of God. I want to be remembered as one who tried to help as many people as possible live a better life.