SEEKERS
In early 2025, Larchmont Avenue Church launched a new speaker series called SEEKERS. At a monthly gathering in Russell Hall (typically at 7 pm on a Thursday evening), an expert will speak on an issue of interest and relevance to our community, followed by an informal time for questions and reflection facilitated by Rev. Bynum. Following this pattern, SEEKERS will explore contemporary topics, help attendees discover new paths to health and wholeness, and connect us as neighbors in valuable conversations that serve our entire community. Bring your family… bring your friends… all are welcome! While prior registrations help us plan (see below), they are not required.
NOVEMBER EVENT: “THE POWER OF VIRTUE: Building Character & Community for a United Future” Guest speaker: Joseph Holland, November 13, 2025 @ 7 PM (Russell Hall)
The Power of Virtue: Building Character and Community for a United Future
Discover the powerful stories of trailblazers whose lives of virtue helped shape America’s core values. This inspiring presentation connects their history-making examples with timeless lessons we can apply today—guiding us to develop Christ-like character, strengthen our families, and create more united communities. Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and equipped with principles that transform lives and society.
ABOUT…
Joseph H. Holland (josephholland.com) is an attorney, entrepreneur, writer and ordained minister with several decades of experience serving the community. Holland has operated a real estate law practice and used his management skills to build commercial enterprises and expand employment opportunities in Harlem. He was instrumental in establishing an American Express Travel Office, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor, a Body Shop retail store, and Harkhomes, a homeless shelter whose residents found work in these businesses. Holland also led the trailblazing development of two Harlem mixed-use real estate projects -Fifth on the Park and 380 Lenox; co-founded the Beth Hark Christian Counseling Center (bethharkccc.org), which will celebrate forty years of community service in October 2025(givebutter.com/c/Beth-Hark40); and presently serves as an elder of Harlem’s Bethel Gospel Assembly.
Holland has served in government in several capacities, starting with Director and General Counsel to the New York State Senate Committee on Housing and Community Development. He subsequently held the gubernatorial appointment of New York State Housing Commissioner where he managed over 1,500 employees and orchestrated the planning and funding of thousands of units of affordable housing in various locations across the state. He also served on the boards of the following New York State-sponsored entities: the Harlem Community Development Corporation, the Municipal Assistance Corporation and the Empire State Development Corporation.
Holland has been active as a writer of various genres throughout his career. He has written two NYC-produced stage plays, several screenplays/teleplays six books as well as the inspirational life skills curriculum Holistic Hardware (myholistichardware.com).
A graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a B.A. and M.A. and was an All-American and Academic All-American football player, Holland has served as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees since 1988. He holds his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School.
Holland has received awards and honors for both his business and social service accomplishments. In 1993 President Bill Clinton recognized Holland in a White House ceremony for his community-building initiatives. He received an honorary degree from the City University of New York Law School, was recognized for his career accomplishments by the Ivy Football Association and by the City of Yonkers, New York, which proclaimed “Joseph Holland Day” on June 7, 2017.
Holland and his wife Jacquie have a blended family of six children, all of whom are young adults. The couple loves to travel together, near and far.