Faculty and Staff Listings with Contact

David Earl Cooper was born the second son of a Mississippi farmer and a Southern Bell. His father would later become a United Methodist Minister, at which time David became a “Preacher’s Kid.” The Cooper Kids were featured singers at revivals, on the radio, and opened for professional Southern gospel singers as they traveled through the South.

David graduated from high school at 17 and entered the US Army. He served at Fort Gordon, GA and in Panama while earning his Associates Degree from Georgia Military College. He was honorably discharged in 1982 and enrolled in Georgia State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at Asbury Theological Seminary and has completed the coursework for a Doctorate of Ministry at Erskine Theological Seminary. David pastored churches and served in the Kentucky and Georgia National Guard before entering active duty as an Army Chaplain in February 1992.

He served as an airborne Chaplain in the Army with a career that culminated as the Deputy Installation Chaplain and pastor of Chapel Next at Fort Meade, Maryland. He retired on November 30, 2017. 

Rev. Cooper became the pastor of Harlem Methodist Church in June 2018.

David’s hobbies and interest include playing guitar, kayaking, training horses, and cruising on his BMW motorcycle.

He is married to the former Miss Sandy Lee of Anaheim, California. They have three adult married children and a schnauzer named George.

Pastor Cooper can be reached at HMC.Pastor@outlook.com

With a heart for ministry and a passion for the next generation, Brandy brings both energy and education to her calling. She earned a BA in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Youth Ministry, followed by an MA in Christian Ministry, and is currently working toward her Master of Divinity (MDIV) at Asbury Seminary.

As a certified candidate for ordination in the Global Methodist Church, Brandy actively contributes to the life of the denomination. She serves as an at-large lay delegate and is a member of the Emerging Generations Team, which focuses on connecting and supporting younger clergy and laity—typically under 40—who are exploring their faith and place within the Global Methodist Church. The team’s mission is to foster a multigenerational community where all ages can learn and grow together in faith.

Brandy and her husband, Byrd, were married in 2016 and share a joyful home with their daughter, Amelia, their son, William, and Brandy’s younger sister, Gracey. She seeks to serve the Lord in her everyday life and through the relationships she builds with students at Vertical Youth Ministries. Her vision for the ministry is to create a space where students feel welcomed, encouraged to explore their faith, and empowered to grow through meaningful connections with one another and their leaders.

Whether she’s leading in ministry, lost in a good book, enjoying the peace of the water while fishing, singing her heart out, or diving into a lively game night, Brandy brings joy, authenticity, and a deep sense of calling to all she does.

Phone:706-469-4235

Email: harlemverticalyouthministry@gmail.com

I'm Sandra and I am here to help you.  The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 until 12:30.   Come by and say Hello!

Phone: 706-556-6885

Email: harlemmethodist@outlook.com