"SAY, YES!" is a familiar phrase often heard reverberating throughout the services at the Cathedral International, the Historic Second-Baptist Church of Perth Amboy, NJ.  It has become a trademark of Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., the visionary leader who, at the age of 26, became the church's Senior Pastor.

Dr. Hilliard's willingness to say, "Yes" to the Lord has fostered his ability to provide leadership in the growth of the church from 125 members in 1983 to over 6,000 members today. Consecrated as Bishop in 1995, Dr. Hilliard is the Presiding Bishop and Founder of the Covenant Ecumenical Fellowship and Cathedral Assemblies, Inc. In this role, Bishop Hilliard serves as the spiritual advisor and mentor for several pastors and churches across the United States and West Africa.

Bishop Hilliard is a visionary coach, artist, author who has written seven books and is the owner of Joy3 gospel recording company.  In addition, he has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern College (now Eastern University), St. Davids, Pennsylvania, The Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ, and an earned Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, as a Dr. Samuel D. Proctor Fellow.  He is also the recipient of various honorary doctoral degrees.

Hilliard has received numerous awards and citations for his efforts inside the church and beyond, including his role in the ongoing renewal of downtown Perth Amboy.  He is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ (1995) and Eastern College, St. David's, PA (1997), as well as The American Baptist Church, USA Evangelism Award (1996).  He was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA (1995).  He also received the Perth Amboy Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year Award (1994) and the Drew University Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award (1994).  Dr. Hilliard received the prestigious New Jersey Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Award (1999) and the Roberto Clemente Special Recognition Award (2001) from the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Perth Amboy, NJ.  He is a member of The Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops, is a lifetime member of the NAACP and has received the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice; and has also served as a commissioner for the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Authority.

Hilliard partners in ministry with his wife, the Minister Phyllis Thompson-Hilliard and they are the proud parents of three wonderful daughters.

Bishop Hilliard is a servant of God who continues to say, "Yes" to the Lord's call on his life, and by doing so positively affects the lives of thousands with his gift to turn a glimmer of hope into opportunity.