Reverend Ralph M. Branch Jr. was born July 29, 1964 to the late Ralph and Martha Branch in Newark, New Jersey.  He is their only son and the youngest of five children.   Rev. Branch accepted Christ at the age of seven and was baptized in the same church he now pastors. Rev. Branch is married to the former Tammi Tellis of Newark, New Jersey, and they have two children, Reshawn Marcus and Chelsea Synclaire.  He is a devoted husband and father.

 
Reverend Branch was educated in Newark Public Schools and at a very early age demonstrated a flare for academic excellence. In 1982 Rev. Branch began his matriculation at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in Biology and Chemistry.  His goal was to practice medicine, but God’s plan was different. Rev. Branch has a Master’s of Divinity Degree from the Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.  He is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Homiletics.

On May 20, 2001, Rev. Branch was called to be the Fourth Pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.  He was installed on the second Sunday in October 2001.  In September 2013 Rev. Branch was installed as the 17th Moderator of the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association. As Pastor, Rev. Branch presented the church with an innovative and timely vision that was received with great enthusiasm.  He believes that the church must be about the Father’s business.  

Under the Pastorate of Rev. Branch the congregation continues to grow physically and spiritually.  Through innovative outreach ministry, families are being brought to Christ and lives are being changed.  He is especially concerned about the future and education of our young people.  Under his leadership the church’s scholarship ministry has given substantial yearly financial awards, including several to college students in Kenya.  He believes that education is of the utmost importance if we are to succeed as a people.   
Rev. Branch is a highly sought after Preacher who delivers the Gospel with authority and clarity.  He always encourages God’s people to live in the Word and to reach their full potential in Jesus Christ.  To God Be The Glory!