Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue and Rev. DR. Paula B. Blue
Our Leadership
The leadership of our church is a testament to faith, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to God’s call. At the helm are Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue and Rev. Dr. Paula B. Blue, a dynamic ministry team whose service is rooted in excellence, spiritual integrity, and love for God’s people.
Rev. Dr. Derrill Antonio Blue, a native of Broadway, North Carolina, is the son of Jerry and Gail Quick. A graduate of Lee Senior High School (Class of 2001), Dr. Blue earned his undergraduate degrees in Business Management from North Carolina A&T State University and Organizational Leadership from the University of Memphis. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in Oklahoma City and, in 2024, earned his Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Boston University.
Dr. Blue preached his initial sermon on June 9, 2002, and began his pastoral career at the age of 23. Over the years, he has faithfully served multiple A.M.E. Zion congregations across North Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Connecticut. In December 2017, he was appointed pastor of Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Rochester, NY, and in July 2018, became the Presiding Elder of the Rochester-Syracuse District.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Dr. Blue brings a wealth of experience from the banking sector and higher education, specializing in assessment and accreditation. He serves as a Cultural Ambassador to the Yale Clinical Research Program and is an adjunct professor at Northeastern Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Paula B. Blue, a proud North Carolina native, is a wife, mother, educator, preacher, and passionate servant of the Lord. She finds her greatest joy in serving alongside her husband in life and ministry, while raising their two beloved children, Makis Antonio Blue and Norie Danielle Blue.
Dr. Blue's educational journey includes a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics, master’s degrees in Instruction and Curriculum and in Theology, and most recently, the completion of her doctoral degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University. Dr. Paula Blue began her preaching ministry in 2011 and is deeply rooted in the truth and power of God’s Word. Her guiding scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:8–12, reflects her steadfast spirit and testimony as a vessel of God’s grace.
Together, Rev. Dr. Derrill and Rev. Dr. Paula Blue exemplify what it means to serve with purpose, passion, and a deep love for the church. Their leadership is anointed, their vision is inspiring, and their impact is transformative