was born in West Point, Mississippi, the third of eight children born to White Harrison and Estella Blanchard Harrison. Four siblings and his parents preceded him in death. He attended public schools in West Point and the Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, Mississippi - after which he taught for a time at the Rosenwald School.
Rev. Harrison accepted Christ as a young man, while a member of Crossroads C.M.E. Church in West Point - and his life-long witness to the good news of Jesus Christ was begun. Moving to Illinois in 1938, he united with Ebenezer A.M.E. Church.
Inducted in the Army in 1943, Rev. Harrison witnessed and ministered to his compatriots, to prisoners of war, and to all who were blessed to cross his path. Many men were saved and only the Lord knows the number of souls that are credited to this great man.
Shortly after his honorable discharge from the US Army, Rev. Harrison was married to Miss Bernice Walker of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He and his bride established their first home in Winnetka, Illinois. Blessed with one son, Peyton, Jr., the couple shared life together for fifty-five plus years.Rev. Harrison joined Bethel A.M.E. Church under the pastorate of its founder, the late Rev. Harry E. Johnson. Ordained a Local Elder in the A.M.E. Church by the late Bishop George W. Baber, he served faithfully and uncompromisingly as Associate Minister for more than fifty years, under ten different ministers to date. He endeared himself to the congregation and to untold numbers who sought him for prayer and counseling. Rev. Harrison was always available, day and night, Sundays and holidays, to minister to the needs of others. He was never too busy, too tired, or too burdened down with his own problems.
The Boosting Jesus Groups, Inc. were privileged to have Rev. Harrison serve as National Evangelist. He also became the spiritual leader and advisor of the Second Thursday Night Prayer Group. This group flourished under his leadership, meeting the spiritual and physical needs of probably thousands of people over the years.
Ever a humble man, Rev. Harrison was used mightily in his ministry to the glory of God. The saving of souls was always his primary concern and joy. There was no doubt in him at all as to this calling on his life. To stand in the gap. To “occupy.” He believed unconditionally in the saving grace of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Peyton B. Harrison, Sr., succumbed to an illness of several months and went to his prepared place to be with the Lord on Friday, October 12, 2001, at 1:22 p.m., with his wife at his bedside.
PRECIOUS MEMORIES - how they linger - to comfort his loving and faithful wife, Bernice: their son, Peyton, Jr. (Jerri), two grandsons, Brandon B. and Jordan J. Harrison: three brothers, Cleveland (Caroline), of Dorchester, SC, Lacey (Betty) and Hansel of West Point, MS, Ronald Walker, to whom Rev. Harrison was father and Ronald's son, Roman; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, sons and daughters in the gospel, too numerous to count, all of whom were dearly loved by this SPIRITUAL GIANT!
Truly, the death of this saint is precious in the sight of the Lord.