NY Governor Visits Adventist Franco-Haitian Community
Pictured L-R. Pastor Paganoly Jean Baptiste, Kerith Church – Northeastern Conference (NEC); Dr. Jules Herve Gelin, Pastor & Assistant Director, Sabbath School (NEC); Dr. Smith Olivier, Pastor, Hebron Church and Assistant to the President (NEC); Dr. Paula Olivier, Youth Director, Northeastern Conference and President, Black Adventist Youth Directors Association (BAYDA); Dr. Reginald Barthelemy, Ministerial Director, Greater New York Conference; Elder Emmanuel Toussaint, first elder, Hebron Church; Dr. Andy Lagredelle, Coordinator for Franco Haitian Ministries, Greater New York Conference; Pastor Gerard Dalencour, Pastor, Bethanie and Eben-Ezer Churches (NEC).
Sabbath, August 29, 2026. The Hebron French-speaking Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brooklyn, New York, welcomed New York Governor Kathy Hochul and First Gentleman William J. Hochul Jr. Governor Hochul met with a delegation of Haitian pastors and administrators representing the Northeastern and Greater New York Conferences before addressing the congregation. The meeting centered on pressing issues facing the Haitian community, including the recent termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges, and opportunities for the state to further support affected individuals and families.
Dr. Smith Olivier, Pastor of the Hebron Church, said, “The Governor’s visit to Hebron marked a significant moment of recognition for the Haitian community and its enduring contributions to New York. Her presence also underscored the vital role of the Church in the public square and the far-reaching impact that is possible when the Church extends its ministry beyond its walls to serve and engage the broader community.”
Article submitted by Dr. Paula Olivier.
Visit coordinated by Dr. Allen Martin, Director of Religious Liberty, Northeastern Conference.
Photo Credit – The Office of the New York State Governor.
