Rev. Dr. John Harris,

PARISH ASSOCIATE

“Great honor and joy have been leading congregations served in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ.’’ - John Harris 

John has earned academic degrees by Lycoming College, San Francisco Seminary, Oxford University(UK) and Columbia Seminary.  Also Trustee of Columbia Seminary, Miami Country Day School and San Francisco Seminary. 

After internships in San Diego and Santa Paula, he was called in 1974 by First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara as Associate Pastor.  Congregational calls followed to be Senior Pastor and Head of Staff of Oxford (OH), Miami (FL), And Milford (MI). 

During two decades of ministry in Michigan, the General Assembly recognized churches with over 1,000 members for new membership growth. Milford was listed as third in the PC(USA).  Three weekly worship services enabled Milford Church to be a “dollar for dollar” giving church to support local and worldwide PC(USA) ministries. Local outreach included establishing a government grocery distribution center, a “hot dog’’ lunch ministry with a Detroit Soup Kitchen, a Cordon of Prayer ministry and a thirty person Stephen Ministry recognized by St. Louis Stephen Ministry National Conference. 

John and Coventry celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary in 2026 with daughters Courteney and Charlotte, friends and families, including grandsons Hays and Briggs. 

His ministry continues in Santa Barbara. Sursum Corda (“Christ of the upward way…”)