The perpetual revivalism of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church spirituality and revitalization of the Fifth Ward community defines the visionary ministry and leadership of Reverend Harvey Clemons, Jr.

At the helm of the Pleasant Hill Church since 1983, Rev. Clemons is a native Houstonian and was reared in the Fifth Ward community. Educated in the Houston Independent School District, his studies later at the University of Houston-School of Architecture, foretell a desire to design and build. Today, Rev. Clemons is a builder of people’s lives and their communities.

Instrumental in the comprehensive neighborhood revitalization movement of Fifth Ward, Rev. Clemons elected in 1989, continues to serve as Chairman of the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation. Under his leadership tenure, the Fifth Ward and the City of Houston have bettered by the construction of over 200 single-family homes, construction and acquisition of over 2,300 multi-family housing units, and thousands of square feet of commercial space. He also founded and served as Chairman of Advocates for Housing (1990-1992).

Rev. Clemons was appointed by the late Governor Ann Richards to serve as a Board Member and later as Vice-Chairman of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (1994-1999). Also, he is a past President of Houston Habitat for Humanity and the National Conference of State Housing Boards. Additional past board memberships include Fannie Mae Housing Impact Advisory Council, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and Houston Housing Finance Corporation. Presently, Rev. Clemons serves as Chairman of the Endowment Board for Houston Habitat for Humanity and Chairman of the Economic Development Committee for the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.

The Pleasant Hill Community Development Corporation was founded and organized by Rev. Clemons in 1995. Still serving as the President of its Board of Directors, Pleasant Hill CDC fixed assets are in excess of 100,000,000 dollars. Other accomplishments of Pleasant Hill CDC include The Victual Restaurant offering full-service dining and catering for special events and Pleasant Hill Academy, a charter school educating Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade.

"I see Pleasant Hill as the God-appointed agent for these times. We have been assigned to usher anyone who enters the Church door and the residents of Fifth Ward from spiritual darkness into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ,” Rev. Clemons said in the 2000 Pleasant Hill Program Plan. Unequivocally, this is the underlying focus and driving force of Rev. Clemons as pastor, teacher, and leader of the Pleasant Hill church.

Rev. Clemons is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including the NAACP Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award and the College of Biblical Studies Kirbyjon Caldwell Neighborhood Builders Award. For the occasion of the annual Pastoral Anniversary, the Harvey Clemons, Jr. Impact Award was established. The purpose of the award is to recognize and pay homage to an individual who has made a significant impact on the lives of others through dedication to community, family, church, profession and/or vocation. Sharing the spotlight on this occasion, which traditionally spotlights a pastor and his accomplishments, further illustrates the humanitarian spirit of Rev. Clemons.

His genuine concern for youth and young adults influenced the development of an internship program, which is an extension of HCJ Impact Award. The HCJ Impact Award Scholarship Internship Program is designed to empower high school seniors and college students by building affirming relationships and developing a genuine passion for humanity regardless of cultural diversities through community service. Candidates intern at a local non-profit agency in the Houston area or complete a four-week expense paid internship in Africa. Upon successful completion of the respective internship program, recipients receive a 1000-dollar scholarship toward their education.

A continuing student and expositor of God’s Word, Rev. Clemons has studied in England at Oxford University, Regents Park College. He is a contributing author of The African- American Devotional Bible, the first devotional Bible written for African-Americans by African-Americans. He is a mentor and advisor to religious, government, business, and academic leaders throughout the nation.

Although simply stated, “he loves God and he loves people,” it encapsulates the character, ministry, and achievements of Harvey Clemons, Jr.