Reverend Emmanuel Bourjolly

Member

Reverend Emmanuel Bourjolly is a dedicated community leader with a rich background in education, theology, and public service. Born on July 7, 1950, in Les Cayes, Haiti, he was the fourth of eight children of Luc and Germaine Bourjolly, who emphasized education and strong character. Reverend Bourjolly earned two Bachelor’s degrees from the State University of Haiti and a third Bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State College after immigrating to the United States in 1985. He furthered his studies at Rider University, Drew Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity in 2006 and a Doctor of Ministry in 2013. 

In Haiti, Reverend Bourjolly served as a teacher and principal for 12 years. In the United States, he worked in the Trenton Public School System for 12 years and as a New Jersey Transit bus driver for over 18 years. He later served as Chaplain Supervisor at the Albert Wagner Youth Correctional Facility, providing pastoral care and supervision of religious volunteers, and teaching Practical Theology to seminary students. During his academic years, he volunteered as a behavioral counselor and translator in various facilities. 

Ordained on September 9, 1973, Reverend Bourjolly is the founder of the Haitian American Association of Mercer County and the Haitian American Children’s Book Club at Princeton University. He joined the Boy Scouts early, became a Scout Master by 1968, represented Haiti in the 1973 Regional Bicycle Championship in Mexico, captained the “Les Titans Noirs” soccer team, and was a member of the Haitian Olympic Tae-Kwon-Do team from 1965 to 1980. Reverend Bourjolly gives all glory to God for guiding him through the hardships in Haiti and remains devoted to helping the disenfranchised and marginalized in his community.