DR. CLARENCE TALLEY SR. is a native of Alexandria, Louisiana. He united with Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist church under the leadership of the late Rev. J. Roland Hicks. He was licensed by Rev. Hicks and later ordained under the late Rev. L. H. Crosby, the World Christianship Ministries, and the United Christian Faith Ministries. Dr. Talley has been instrumental in the spiritual growth and development of Mount Corinth, the community, and Prairie View A&M University for the past four decades.
In April 2013, Dr. Talley begin serving as interim pastor of The Mount and since that time the atmosphere of the church has been transformed by the sustain move of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Talley’s mantra has been that: No one should be unemployed in the church of Jesus Christ. As a result, members embraced his leadership and on July 31, 2013 he was unanimously selected as pastor.
Dr. Talley believes because the gospel message is simple and requires a simple faith in Jesus Christ, The Mount’s mission is to fulfill the Great Commission. “Go ye therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). The motto of the church also demonstrates The Mount’s partnership with the Holy Spirit to achieve the agenda of God. That motto is: Trusting God to do His part as we press on to do ours.
Pastor Talley is also Professor and Director of Art at Prairie View A & M University where his spirit-filled teaching and dynamic art work is widely known. He holds four earned degrees: B.A. from Southern University, M.F.A. from Louisiana State University, M.A. from Houston Graduate School of Theology, a Doctorate of Biblical Studies in Theology from the Master’s International School of Divinity and further studies at Rice University.
Reverend Bruce Kirby, M.A., is a devoted servant of God whose life is a testament to the transforming power of faith, obedience, and God's redeeming grace. As Associate Pastor and Sunday School Superintendent, he has answered the call to serve God's people with compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the truth of His Word. Gifted with a powerful teaching ministry, Rev. Kirby has a unique ability to bring Scripture to life, encouraging believers to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ while inspiring others to embrace the hope found only in Him.
A lifelong student of God's Word, Rev. Kirby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Prairie View A&M University and a Master of Agriculture Development from Texas A&M University. While his academic accomplishments are noteworthy, he considers his greatest education to be the wisdom and guidance he has received through walking faithfully with the Lord.
For 25 years, Rev. Kirby faithfully served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in a variety of security and leadership roles. It was during those years, while ministering in one of society's most challenging environments, that God revealed His divine purpose. What began as a profession became a calling, as the Lord prepared him for a ministry dedicated to restoring hope and proclaiming freedom through Jesus Christ.
Following his retirement, Rev. Kirby founded a nonprofit organization (B.A.K. Ministries) and wholeheartedly embraced the mission field behind prison walls for over ten years. With a heart full of compassion and a steadfast belief that no life is beyond God's reach, he has faithfully shared the Gospel with incarcerated men, witnessing countless lives transformed by the power of Christ. Through his ministry, many have confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, followed Him in baptism, and begun new lives rooted in faith, hope, and redemption. His ministry stands as a living testimony that God's grace can reach every heart and that no prison is too strong for the liberating power of the Gospel.
For over thirty years, Rev. Kirby has been a faithful servant at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Kirby's passion for teaching has strengthened generations of believers. His thought-provoking, Spirit-led lessons challenge, encourage, and equip individuals to live lives of purpose, integrity, and faithful discipleship. Whether standing behind the pulpit, leading a Bible study or mentoring future leaders, he ministers with conviction, authenticity, and a genuine love for God's people.
Above every title and accomplishment, Reverend Bruce Kirby desires to be known simply as a servant of Jesus Christ. His life's mission is to glorify God by preaching the Gospel, building the Kingdom, strengthening the Church, and pointing people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He believes that every life has purpose, every soul has value, and every person can experience God's forgiveness, healing, and restoration.
Rev. Kirby's ministry is guided by the promise of Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek... to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." This scripture beautifully reflects both his calling and his unwavering commitment to sharing the hope, freedom, and everlasting love found in Jesus Christ.
