Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Marietta, Georgia is honored to be led by Rev. Dr. Tar-U-Way Richard Allen Bright, Sr., who faithfully serves as Pastor and Servant Leader. A man after God’s own heart, Dr. Bright embodies a dynamic, thoughtful, and Spirit-led presence as he ministers to God’s people with passion and purpose.
A native of Liberia, West Africa, Dr. Bright is the son of The Reverend Canon J. Jellico Bright, a retired Episcopal priest, and the late Mrs. Eliatha K. Bright. From an early age, he was shaped by a strong spiritual foundation that would later guide his calling into ministry.
Dr. Bright’s ministry emerged powerfully during one of Liberia’s most turbulent seasons. In 1996, amid the civil war, he courageously preached messages of hope, healing, and restoration to a nation gripped by fear and uncertainty. His prophetic voice and bold stance on social issues, even under threats to his life, distinguished him as a fearless and compassionate leader. In recognition of his integrity and impact, he was honored as “Clergy Man of the Year” by the New Newspaper in 1997.
His ministerial journey began in 1993 at Eliza Turner AME Church in Monrovia under the leadership of Rev. David R. Daniels (now Rt. Rev. David R. Daniels). Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he was appointed Assistant Pastor in 1995. By 1996, Bishop Adams J. Richardson named him Acting Pastor, and in 1997, he was officially appointed Pastor in recognition of his outstanding leadership during a time of national crisis.
Dr. Bright joined Turner Chapel AME Church in 1999, where he initially led the Intercessory Prayer Ministry under Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus and Rev. Dr. Cassandra Marcus. His leadership trajectory continued as he was appointed Worship Pastor in 2003 and later Executive Pastor in 2008. Following the transition of Rev. Dr. Kenneth Marcus in 2018, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson appointed Dr. Bright as Interim Pastor. On June 1, 2018, he was officially appointed Senior Pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church. Reflecting on this moment, Dr. Bright remarked, “I felt like God performed a miracle—the prayers of the congregation were answered.”
Under his visionary leadership, Turner Chapel has expanded its community impact significantly. The Kenneth and Cassandra Mission House was established to provide food and clothing to the Marietta community. Additionally, the KEM 5K Run/Walk, launched in 2019, has raised thousands of dollars for mission initiatives and continues to draw hundreds of participants annually.
Dr. Bright is a distinguished scholar and preacher. He earned his Bachelor of Theology with honors from Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary. He later graduated with honors from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia, earning a Master of Divinity in Theology and Homiletics in 2001. He went on to receive his Doctor of Ministry degree with distinction from ITC in 2008.
His contributions to ministry and theology have been widely recognized. In 2022, he was inducted into the Turner Theological Seminary Alumni Hall of Fame, and in 2024, he was honored with induction into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers.
Dr. Bright continues to serve the broader church through various leadership roles. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for Turner Theological Seminary and AME University in Liberia. He also serves as Chair of the Sixth Episcopal District Board of Examiners and Vice Chair of the Atlanta North Georgia Board of Trustees.
Dr. Bright is married to his high school sweetheart, Dr. Retta S. Bright, a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Married since 1995, they are the proud parents of two adult children, Tar-U-Way, Jr. and TaRetta Melody.
Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Bright enjoys running and cycling. His life and ministry are anchored in his favorite scripture, Psalm 27:4. Above all, he remains committed to allowing God to use him as a vessel to proclaim messages of hope, healing, and restoration to all people.