Carey N. Ingram is a native of Rome, Georgia. It was always his desire to give back to the community where he grew up. He is certainly doing that. A minister for over 31 years, he is in his 21st year as pastor of the Lovejoy Baptist Church.

            He is involved in various local community activities. He is a disc jockey whose Gospel program, “The Upper Room Experience”, has one of the highest ratings in the region. He has received the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” for Northwest Georgia Education Program in 1987. He is a member of the “Leadership Rome Alumni” for Northwest Georgia after having successfully completed the leadership development course in 1989 of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. In the year 2000, Reverend Ingram was one of six named as a recipient of “the Heart of the Community Award.” This award recognizes the volunteer services of those who help make Rome that special place to live.

            For 16 years (1987-2003), Reverend Ingram lent his expertise to NYSP (National Youth Sports Program) where he has served as the liaison officer in the summer time. He is the founder of the Lovejoy Community Services, Inc., the service branch of the church; a member of the 100 Black Men of Rome, Inc. that mentors students in the middle school grades.  Reverend Ingram is on the Rome Boys and Girls Club Directors Board, Rome and Floyd County Jail Ministry, a Georgia Public Radio Broadcast committee member, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) member, and 211 Board for Disaster Preparedness of Rome, GA. Carey enjoys Fine Arts and is a member of the African American Connection for the Performing Arts and has appeared in several plays, portraying King David in the Bible,  Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and “The Wizard” in the musical, “The Wiz”. He is an enthusiastic writer and is a member of the Rome Area Writers Club (RAWC).

            Reverend Ingram received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Shorter College in 1976; served a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, 1976-1980; attended the ITC Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia 1980-1982; and received a Masters of Education degree from West Georgia College in 1987.

            As an ordained minister, he is the Moderator of the Northwest Georgia Association, a member of the Georgia State Convention, and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.  For the last 6 years Pastor Ingram has served on the faculty of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.

            Reverend Ingram’s first book, “Marriage is Suppose to be Forever” was released in June 2001. His latest book, “Steps Toward Abundant Living” was released in December 2007. 

            For more information on Pastor Ingram’s ministry go to www.fruministries.com.           

He is married to the former Judy Slack and they have three children and three grandchildren. His hobbies include golfing, writing, and spending time with wife and grandchildren.

"Let the Praise Begin"
Fred Hammond