Reverend Ralph E. Blanks

PASTOR

Rev. Ralph E. Blanks is Pastor of the Vine Memorial Baptist Church, where the Rev. Dr. James S. Allen, Sr., is the Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Blanks served as pastor of Harry Hosier, Mother African Zoar and Janes United Methodist Churches and Central District Superintendent.

As an advocate of a holistic ministry, he has sought to enhance the quality of life for others by working with the following organizations: Prudential Insurance Company of America, Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, North Philadelphia Health System, Korean Community Development Corporation, First Hospital Foundation, Greater Philadelphia Health Action, and the City of Philadelphia’s Fair Housing Commission.

Rev Blanks has been recognized for his work by several organizations and has received the Community Spirit Award from the African American Interdenominational Ministries, Past President’s Award from the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Human Rights Award from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, the Preacher of the Year Award by the Black United Methodist Preachers, the Outstanding Service to Community and Church Award from the City Council of Philadelphia, and the Liberty Bell Award from the City of Philadelphia.

A Masters of Divinity graduate from the Drew University School of Theology, Rev. Blanks has pursued post-graduate studies at Princeton University. He received the Bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College in Arkansas and a diploma in East Central European Studies from the University of Graz, Austria. Rev. Blanks has traveled extensively preaching, teaching, and doing mission projects around the world including: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Korea, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. He is married to Paula Marie Sharp and they have a blended family of 6 children and 8 grandchildren.