First Baptist
Church of Vauxhall
REV. DR. MARION J. FRANKLIN, JR.
Reverend Doctor Marion J. Franklin, Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama. At an early age, it was evident to many that his life would be devoted to serving God.
Reverend Doctor Marion J. Franklin, Jr. is a graduate of Kean University, Union, New Jersey where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Sociology. He did theological graduate work at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey where he earned both the Master of Theological Studies degree (M.T.S.) and the Doctor of Ministry degree (D. Min).
The First Baptist Church of Vauxhall, New Jersey called Dr. Franklin in June of 1971 to serve as the seventh pastor of the congregation. Under the pastoral leadership many accomplishments have been made and continue to emerge. In 1980, nine years after Rev. Franklin assumed the pastorate, the First Baptist Church marched into a brand new edifice.
At present, Dr. Franklin along with his many pastoral responsibilities serves on the adjunct faculty of St. Peter’s University, Jersey City, New Jersey, where he teaches courses in the Sociology/Urban Studies Department and also in African-American Studies. In August of 2015, Dr. Franklin received the Bene Merenti Award from St. Peter’s University for his commitment as an adjunct professor. Dr. Franklin has also taught at the New York Theological Seminary, NY, NY and at Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, New Jersey.
In August 2015, Dr. Franklin was awarded the Bene Merenti Award by St. Peters University. This award is bestowed on the faculty for their outstanding teaching competence at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Dr. Franklin is a workshop leader, revivalist and an educator. He continues to serve many other areas of leadership due to the correlation between Christian discipleship and social stewardship.
In July 2008, Dr. Franklin preached and served communion in Ephesus, now known as Kusadasi, Turkey, where the Apostle Paul ministered to the Ephesians.
Since assuming the pastorate of the First Baptist Church in 1971, the Rev. Dr. Marion J. Franklin has unselfishly dedicated his life to serving his God, his family, his church and the entire community.
Dr. Franklin has received several awards and citations for his outstanding leadership as a cleric and leader.
Dr. Franklin continuously provides guidance and spiritual comfort. His inspiration is two-fold. His first source of inspiration is from God who called him ‘’from shades of night to plains of light.” The other source was from his loving and committed wife, Ann.
The Reverend Doctor Marion J. Franklin’s commitment to ministry can be best summed up in 1 Corinthians 9:16, “woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
