The Most Reverend Dr. David Caius Hartman Davenport was elected 30th Senior Pastor at the First Congregational Church of Bay Shore in November 2025. He is the Chief Magistrate in Canon Law, and Dean of Education for the Ancient Church Global. His ministry began in 1978, at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church. During the expanse of his ministry, Dr. Davenport has served at Revelation Church of God in Christ, Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church, Rhema Christian Center, Battalion Pentecostal Assembly, and Azusa Christian Temple of Salvation. In October of 2002, he was appointed as the first African American Protestant Chaplain for the Taxi and Limousine Commission Police of The City of New York. On July 26, 2005, he was promoted to Chief Chaplain.
Dr. Davenport has served the law enforcement community for over two decades with the NYS Department of Correctional Services, and the New York City Police Department. He received his education from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations where he was credentialed as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist. He is a graduate of Full Gospel Bible College and Kingdom University.
Dr. Davenport holds a Ph.D. from Abundant Faith Catholic Theological Seminary, and on June 26, 2021, an Honorary Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred upon him from St. Michael’s Christian University. His favorite scripture is Luke 12:48, “...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”