Church Leadership Team
Meet the individuals ensuring spiritual growth and governance.
Pastor Ernst Vice Chair and Head Treasurer
Brother Ernst J. Isaac currently serves as the vice chair and head treasurer of PWCP, roles he has faithfully held for five and twelve years, respectively. He grew up in a Christian family with four siblings, under the guidance of his father, a minister and devoted missionary, whose example deeply shaped his faith and passion for ministry. Since joining the PWCP family in 2010, Brother Ernst has remained a dedicated, humble servant, beginning on the Finance Committee, where he serves alongside Brother Choubert Philippe, a faithful servant who has contributed to the treasury ministry for over 20 years.
His love for God and His church drives his ongoing commitment to serve wherever needed. He regularly preaches the Gospel on select Sundays, teaches in Bible Club, is a member of the PWCP Worship Team, and interprets the pastor’s weekly sermons from English to Kreyol. Brother Ernst also served on the Wesleyan Penn-Jersey District Board (DBA) from 2018 to 2020, trusting God to use him wherever He leads.
In 2024, he answered God’s call to ministry and is now a ministerial student at Kingswood University and WNY Ministry Training, pursuing ordination. Married for 15 years to his beloved wife, Esther they are blessed with four beautiful children. Brother Ernst considers service to Christ the greatest honor of his life, continually guided by his favorite Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
Jean Ritz Joseph Secretary and Men's President
Brother Ritz Joseph was introduced to Jesus Christ at the age of six while attending a Christian elementary school affiliated with a Baptist church. This early experience planted the seeds of faith that would grow into a lifelong commitment to serving the Lord.
For more than 21 years, Brother Joseph has been a devoted member and servant of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Philadelphia. He began his ministry journey humbly as a church janitor and, through faithfulness and dedication, has served in several key leadership roles, including director of communication, Sunday school teacher, Bible club director, senior church secretary, and president of the men's ministry.
Brother Joseph is deeply passionate about helping believers grow in their understanding of God’s Word and strengthening their spiritual foundation. With the guidance and support of Dr. Pastor Barthélemy, he founded a Bible Club that meets every second Sunday of the month to encourage discussion, fellowship, and deeper study of the Scriptures.
He is happily married to his wife, Nancy, and together they are blessed with three wonderful children: Chris, Bastien, and Emily. Brother Joseph’s devotion to his family and to the work of God continues to inspire others to serve faithfully and live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Kirby D. Gerlus Assistant Secretary
Kirby D. Gerlus is a wife and mother of two beautiful, miraculous boys. She was born and raised in the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Brooklyn and continued her spiritual growth in our Philadelphia location at the tender age of 14. From being an active member in the children’s choir to the youth group, later working in the children’s ministry as a volunteer, she currently serves in several other capacities.
Kirby is a spiritual adviser to the youth group, the women's group secretary, and the assistant secretary within the local board administration. She has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to serving her church community, from her adolescence and now into her adulthood. Not only is Kirby passionate about serving others through her work in the body of Christ, but she also has her master's degree in social work and has devoted herself to advocating for underserved children and families in the city of Philadelphia. Her love for Christ has compelled her to love beyond the church walls, and she demonstrates that love every day. In saying the above, Kirby is led by one of her favorite verses:
Proverbs 11:25 — “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”
Joan Estelly Women's President
Sister Joan Barthelemy Estelly has been a devoted member of our church and active participant in various ministries since giving her life to Christ at the tender age of 13. As she continued to grow in her faith, she was blessed to lead ministries such as the PWCP Youth Choir and the PWCP Worship Team. Currently, she serves as president of the women's ministry. Joan has dedicated her life to service and is intentional about living by example. Joan is married to her husband, Lindbergh, and has three beautiful children. Her prayer is to allow God to use her in any way He chooses and to one day hear her Heavenly Father say, "Well done my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23 NLT)
Patrice Manasse - Youth President
Patrice Manasse has been part of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church family since birth. Her journey in ministry began at the young age of 12, when she started teaching Sunday School and leading Children’s Church. As the eldest daughter of four siblings, leadership and service have always come naturally to her.
Growing up in PWC, she has been blessed to learn, serve, and grow spiritually within a church community that truly feels like home. Over the years, she has had the privilege of being a member of the youth group, and she now has the honor of serving as the youth president. Outside of ministry, she works in higher education and is a National Certified Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Patrice is passionate about integrating faith, mental health, and personal growth; helping young people discover who God says they are; and guiding them toward the cross. As Youth President, her goal is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to today’s youth while helping them build a firm foundation in Christ.
She strives to empower young people to go out and expand God’s Kingdom, build friendships, and foster fellowship and connections with like-minded believers who encourage one another in faith. It is her prayer that every young person who walks through the doors of the church knows that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.
As 1 Timothy 4:12 reminds us: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Nadege Fulton, Member-at-large
A dedicated leader and ministry builder, Nadege served as the former youth president of PWC for nearly 15 years. During that time, she played a key role in mentoring young people, organizing impactful programs, and fostering a spirit of growth, service, and unity among the youth. With a passion for leadership and empowerment, she will continue to inspire others to reach their full potential and make a meaningful difference in various ministries as a member-at-large.
Sister Marie Laguerre - Fundraising Coordinator
Sister Marie Laguerre serves as the Fundraising Coordinator at Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Philadelphia, where she is dedicated to developing innovative social activities and events that encourage church and community members to support the church, its ministries, and various causes. With a heart for service and a passion for making a difference, Sister Marie has played a key role in organizing efforts that provide tangible help to those in need.
Under her coordination, the Fundraising Team has collaborated with the Outreach Ministry to donate clothes, canned goods, and perishable items both locally and internationally. One of the largest recipients of these efforts is the Bethesda School of Raymond in Jacmel, Haiti. Through her leadership and God’s grace, the ministry has achieved significant fundraising success, though continuous support remains essential to meet the ongoing needs of these children. Those interested in offering a donation are encouraged to contact Sister Marie Laguerre or Pastor Roland Barthelemy at (215) 927-1918. Monetary gifts of any size are always welcomed and greatly appreciated.
