What is the Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church?
Who Are We?
Welcome to Highland Ave SDA Church
Denry O. White, Lead Pastor
Denry White is the Lead Pastor of the amazing Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church. He has a baccalaureate degree from Oakwood University and a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University. He is honored to be the husband of Carla Smart-White and the father of three delightful children.
Pastor White’s greatest desire is summarily expressed via John’s declaration of God’s greatest desire is found in Revelation 21:3, I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.
“I hope you accept the invitation to the Great Family Reunion”
@denrytheovercomer leadpastor@havchurch.com
Pastoral Team
Dr. Willie Hucks, Head Elder
Willie Edward Hucks II has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in various capacities since 1985. He spent the first 14 years of ministry pastoring congregations in Texas and Louisiana. In 1999, he accepted a call to serve as a professor of religion at Southwestern Adventist University, where he remained for seven years. In 2006, he began serving as associate editor of Ministry, International Journal for Pastors, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland; and in 2010, he also assumed responsibilities serving as an associate ministerial secretary for the GC Ministerial Association, focusing on theological education and ministerial preparation.
In 2016, Dr. Hucks accepted a call to serve as associate professor of Pastoral Theology and Homiletics at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, and in January 2018 he was appointed Chair of what is now known as the Department of Practical and Applied Theology in addition to his teaching responsibilities.
His greatest joy, however, comes from calling the former Kathleen Alexander his wife since 1987; and they are the proud parents of two adult children.
LaShawne Suggs, Elder, Worship Coordinator
Blessings to you beloved of the most high. I am LaShawne, Worship Coordinator here at Highland Avenue SDA Church. I believe all worship belongs to God and to God alone, for He alone is worthy.
As God’s humble servant, I am commissioned to help provide a worship experience that not only glorifies God but also lends itself to providing connections that allows each person to have a personal experience with God. Through these experiences it is my prayer that each one will be drawn even closer to Him than they were the week before. It is my hope and prayer that when you choose Highland as your place for Sabbath worship, you will leave with hope because of what you have learned.
God knows. God cares. God sees. God is there. He wants what is best for you. He will provide because He is concerned about you.
Make this Sabbath the day you choose to join us in worship. I hope to see you there. Blessings!
praise@havchurch.com
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6
Caris Wright, Youth and Young Adults Ministry Pastor
Caris Wright is a servant of Christ with a deep passion for ministry, healing, and youth empowerment. She is currently pursuing a dual degree in Theology and Psychology, preparing to serve as both a pastor and youth psychologist.
From a young age, Caris has been driven to share hope and healing through Christ. At just 12 years old, she founded CYO—a ministry page dedicated to spreading messages of love, peace, and faith through poetry, devotionals, music, and community engagement. Since then, she has continued to use her gifts in preaching, spoken word, teaching, media production, serving, discernment, and caring across various churches, including Sligo SDA, Born Again SDA, First Missouri City SDA, Baytown SDA, New Life SDA, and now Highland Avenue SDA Church.
At Highland Avenue SDA Church, Caris serves as the Youth and Young Adults Ministry Pastor and as Chaplain for the Michiana Youth Federation. She mentors young people, preaches, and leads programs that nurture spiritual growth and community. Through her ministry, creative projects, and His Grace Ministries—into which CYO has now been merged—she strives to uplift others, guide them toward Christ, and walk beside the brokenhearted with compassion and love.
Pastor Intern
Pastor Jeff Craig-Davis
Jeff is currently a student at Andrews Theological Seminary, but in reality he is a student at home with his family learning how to serve his family through Christ. He is a student in the work of ministry at Highland and beyond, seeking the method of Christ in leading others to the foot of the cross, through quiet conversations or desiring to help others be set free from addictions. Jeff seeks to continue to be a student, sitting at the feet of Jesus and watching Him work in the life of others towards eternity.
Pastor Intern
Dr. Tamara Pierre
Under the Supervision of Pastor Denry White
My name is Dr. Tamara Pierre, and I’m currently serving as a Pastoral Intern under the mentorship of Pastor Denry White. I’m pursuing my Master of Divinity at Andrews University with a focus on chaplaincy. With a background in Clinical Social Work and a heart for community outreach, I’m passionate about providing holistic, faith-based support to individuals and families.
Originally from Miami, Florida, and of Afro-Caribbean descent, I bring both cultural depth and clinical experience to my ministry journey. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering compassion, and always seeking to grow in faith and understanding.
It’s a blessing to serve and grow during this season of ministry preparation.
Pastor Intern
Pastor Joshley Hinds,
Was born and raised in Miami, Fl. He enjoys playing basketball, football, piano, and writing poetry occasionally. He also served as Youth Director for his home church for 4 years. In December of 2019 He married his beautiful and amazing wife Biajha (B-Asia) Hinds. Joshley is a graduate of Oakwood University and is currently attending Andrews Theological Seminary to acquire his Masters in Divinity. His favorite verse is John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Pastor Intern
Pastor Tia Jones,
Is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, has witnessed God’s faithfulness throughout her academic journey, which has led her to Andrews Theological Seminary, where she is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Her desire in ministry is to teach the Bible, teach and show God’s immense love for them, and inspire fellow believers to grow in Christ’s love through personal relationship and a life of holiness.
Pastor Intern
Pastor Brempong Osei-Bempah,
Is a certified Adult Mental Health First Aider. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies from Valley View University. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University.
He possesses a diverse skill set, including pastoral care and visitation, computer proficiency, teamwork, organization, and typing. Within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, he served in various roles, including Pathfinder Director and Adventurer Director. He has also served as a hospital chaplain at the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Bremang and as an associate chaplain at the Adventist Senior High School in Bantama, both in Ghana.
He believes that daily reading and meditation on God’s word helps keep the devil away.
Pastor Intern
Pastor Anderson M. Claccemus
Pastor Claccemus began his journey in emergency services, earning multiple degrees before God redirected his path to ministry in 2018. He completed a degree in Church Leadership and Theology and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Andrews University.
He previously served as a paramedic, clinical tech, and athletic director. In ministry, he has held roles from usher to elder, and served as assistant or associate pastor at several churches, as well as assistant to the Southeastern Conference Haitian Ministry Director.
He is married to Wana Benoit Claccemus, and they are blessed with a son, Kamari M. Claccemus. Pastor Claccemus believes in a holistic gospel that nurtures people spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
His favorite verse is Romans 8:28:
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and who have been called according to his purpose.”
What People Are Saying
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Cozy and welcoming experience.
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— Erin J.
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A place for worship with people from different walks of life, gathered together in the presence of the Lord every Sabbath.
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— Jarvus W.
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Highland is truly the church that C.A.R.E.S. It's a place where you can become healthier inside and out. There’s always a hug and words of encouragement awaiting you. Highland is home.
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— Kibra W.
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Haven't been able to find another home like it.
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— Tanesha W.