May 21, 1951 – September 24, 2026

The life and ministry of the Reverend Barton Elliott Harris reflected a remarkable journey of faith, scholarship, leadership, and service—a story deeply rooted in two cities: Nashville, Tennessee, and Boston, Massachusetts.

A native of Nashville and a third-generation member of Westwood Baptist Church, University Center, Reverend Harris was nurtured in the Christian faith from an early age. Westwood was the spiritual foundation where he accepted Christ, was baptized, answered his call to the Gospel ministry, and ultimately returned to serve as pastor.

A distinguished scholar, Reverend Harris graduated from historic Pearl High School in 1969 and earned his bachelor's degree from Fisk University in 1973, graduating magna cum laude with departmental and General University Honors. He was also inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Awarded a Protestant Fellowship from the Rockefeller Foundation, he continued his theological studies at Boston University School of Theology, earning a Master of Divinity degree and pursuing additional postgraduate studies.

During his years in Boston, Reverend Harris distinguished himself as both an educator and spiritual leader. He served as a teacher and later principal of St. Francis de Sales School, where his leadership earned national recognition, including coverage in The New York Times. His pastoral appointments included Myrtle Baptist Church in West Newton, Metropolitan Baptist Church in Dorchester, and Bethel Baptist Church in Roxbury, where he served as Senior Pastor from 1980 to 1987.

In December 1987, Reverend Harris returned to Nashville to assume the pastorate of his beloved home congregation, becoming the tenth pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, University Center.

For 37 years, Reverend Harris faithfully shepherded the Westwood congregation, providing visionary leadership, sound biblical teaching, and a steadfast commitment to Christian education, spiritual growth, and community service. Under his leadership, the church expanded its ministries, strengthened its community outreach, and acquired more than 20 properties in the surrounding neighborhood, helping establish a foundation for future generations.

His dedication to education extended beyond the church. Reverend Harris taught mathematics at Tennessee State University and McMurray Middle School within Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Through his mentoring initiative, Men of Distinction, he encouraged academic achievement, leadership, and personal excellence among young African-American males. His commitment to education was recognized with Teacher of the Year honors in 1995.

Throughout his life, Reverend Harris served numerous religious, educational, and civic organizations, leaving an enduring impact on the communities he faithfully served.

He shared more than 48 years of marriage with his beloved wife and Fisk University classmate, Carolyn Alvina Washington Harris. Together, they exemplified a life of love, partnership, faith, and service.

Following his retirement from active pastoral leadership in December 2023, Reverend Harris was bestowed the distinguished title of Pastor Emeritus, honoring his extraordinary contributions and decades of faithful service to Westwood Baptist Church, University Center.

On September 24, 2026, Reverend Barton Elliott Harris transitioned from this earthly life, leaving a profound legacy of spiritual leadership, educational excellence, compassionate service, and unwavering devotion to God.

His influence lives on through the countless individuals he mentored, the families he shepherded, the students he inspired, and the generations whose lives were enriched by his ministry.

His legacy remains forever woven into the history, heritage, and heart of Westwood Baptist Church, University Center.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:21