Rev. Dr. Reginald F. Davis, Pastor of The Historic First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, holds a Master of Divinity degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in New York and a Doctorate in Humanities, with a concentration in African American Studies from Florida State University. Pastor Davis received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas. He has served as the Dean of Students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

Dr. Davis has also served on the faculties of Barry University and Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. In 2004, the Journal of Religious Thought accepted publication of his article titled “African American Interpretation of Scripture.” His scholarship and ministry have contributed to conversations on Scripture, African American religious life, discipleship, moral leadership, and community healing.

Dr. Davis is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, the American Baptist Churches of the South, the American Academy of Religion, the NAACP, Ministers' Alliance, and Business Operating Self Support (BOSS) in Memphis, Tennessee. Pastor Davis has been a frequent radio guest in Memphis, Tennessee, and lectures at colleges, universities, and churches across the nation.

He was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Having previously served as pastor of the First Baptist Church in North Chicago, he was installed on March 7, 2004, as the 21st pastor of The Historic First Baptist Church. Pastor Davis currently resides in Williamsburg, Virginia, with his wife, Myrlene Petit-Frere Davis, and their three children, Isaac, Nandi, and Joel.

Myrlene Petit-Frere Davis is a native of Haiti. She grew up in North Miami, Florida, where she attended North Miami Beach Senior High School. As a high school student, she was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). In 1987, she entered Miami Dade Community College where she received her Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. In 1990, she entered Florida State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs with a minor in Public Administration.

While at Florida State University, she served in student government as a Lobbyist and Public Relations Coordinator. She also served as President of the Haitian Cultural Club at Florida State University.

Mrs. Davis received extensive training and worked at Telephone Counseling & Referral Services (TCRS) in Tallahassee, Florida, as a Counselor. She is a translator of Creole to English and has worked for Berlitz International Incorporated. She has been the host of “Kids’ Minutes” on WLQY 1320 AM radio station in Hollywood, Florida.

Mrs. Davis joined First Baptist Church in Williamsburg in 2004 to co-lead the congregation as First Lady. She serves as a Primary Grade Sunday School Teacher and volunteers in the Grove Community outreach food distribution ministry. After months of extensive training, Mrs. Davis was commissioned as a Stephen Minister in July 2016.