Meet Our Pastor
In The Presence Of The Lord,
Forever In Our Hearts
October 23, 1946-March 31, 2025
First Lady Erna Harrigan
On March 31, 2025, our beloved First Lady Erna successfully completed her earthly race and was received by her Lord and Saviour into her eternal home.
With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we celebrate the beautiful life of Erna Delcie Connor Stamp Harrigan, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Born on October 23, 1946 with her twin sister Learna Patricia Connor, in the parish called "The Ticket" to Eudell Connor and Oliver Stamp, on the breathtaking Bay Island of Roatán, Honduras, Erna was a beacon of love, faith, and resilience. She was raised in a family deeply rooted in hard work, determination, and an unshakable bond of faith, a legacy she carried throughout her life.
Erna spent her early years in Coxen Hole, Roatán, under the loving care of her paternal grandparents, Nina and Solomon Stamp, and her beloved Aunt Rosita Stamp, who nurtured and guided her with unwavering devotion. Though she left Honduras as a teenager to build a new life in the United States, her roots remained strong, and she carried the love of her family and heritage with her always.
At just 17 years old, Erna was welcomed into the Brooklyn home of her Aunt Rosa and Uncle Percy Collins, a place that became a haven for many family members seeking new beginnings in America. Erna quickly embraced this new chapter, finding joy in the family gatherings that filled their home with laughter, love, and delicious food. These gatherings were among her happiest moments and she continued to treasure times of family togetherness.
As she built her life in the U.S., Erna pursued her education while working at New York Hospital in Manhattan, where she became part of a proud family tradition in healthcare. It was there the Lord brought her to the love of her life, Earl Harrigan. Though their first encounter was brief, their connection was undeniable. Their love story truly began with a providential meeting at the train station after work, leading to a lifelong partnership filled with unwavering love, faith, and commitment.
On March 2, 1968, Erna and Earl joined their lives in holy matrimony, embarking on a journey that spanned 57 beautiful years. Together, they built a loving home, first in Arlington, Virginia, where Earl served in the U.S. Army Chorus, singing for presidents and dignitaries. Then in Spring Hill, Florida where their love flourished through their shared faith, family, and a deep admiration for one another.
From their union, they were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Nicole Harrigan Knowlton and Monique Harrigan Santos, who, along with their families, brought Erna immense joy. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Briel, Cole, Zian, Joseph, and Rachel, and great-grandchildren: Gideon, Asa, Elias, Shiloh and Westin, who were the light of her life.
A woman of deep faith, Erna’s spiritual journey was a guiding force in her life. Raised in the church by her grandfather, Rev. Solomon Stamp, she remained a devoted servant of God. When her husband, Pastor Earl Harrigan, founded their church, New Beginnings Life Center, in Spring Hill, Florida, Erna stood faithfully by his side as First Lady offering love, guidance, and wisdom to their congregation.
She dedicated herself to ministry, service, and the nurturing of others in their faith. Erna and Earl traveled the world together, sharing their love for God and music. As Earl’s gospel music ministry flourished, Erna was his greatest supporter, accompanying him to concerts, churches, and prestigious events where they met world leaders, artists, and dignitaries. She beamed with pride as he graced the stage, spreading the word of God through song.
Beyond her faith and family, Erna was a woman of joy, laughter, and kindness. She loved to dance, celebrate, and surround herself with loved ones, always filling every space with warmth and hospitality.
Her heart was expansive, and she made every person feel like family. Erna’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Senior Pastor
Earl & Erna Harrigan
Pastor Earl Harrigan was born and raised in St. Thomas, US Virgin islands. At the age of 17, after attending the College of the Virgin Islands for a while, his mother consented to have him go to New York City to study music and to receive vocal training. While in NYC, he met his future bride, Erna.
Pastor Earl & Erna were married on March 2, 1968. After enlisting in the United States Army, Pastor Harrigan received orders to deploy to Vietnam, as he was preparing to leave with his unit, he was reordered to report to Washington, D.C. Those orders would change their lives forever. Pastor Earl would go on to have a long and successful career as a soloist for the US Army Band, which included singing for 5 Sitting Presidents (Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, & Bush-41), Queen Elizabeth, and many other Heads of State and dignitaries. In 1991, after 24 years of service, Pastor Earl felt the Lord calling him into full-time ministry. Pastor Earl has been a soloist for Dr. Morris Cerullo of Morris Cerullo World Evangelism (MCWE) for over 25 years. The Lord has taken Pastor Earl and Erna all over the world and they have ministered to thousands of people in many different countries. In May of 1998, Pastor Earl and Erna would become the founding Pastors of New Beginnings Life Center and over 27 years later, continue to lead us in fulfilling the vision the Lord placed with them for this area and the nations.
Pastor Earl and Erna have 2 wonderful daughters & sons (in-law), 5 amazing grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and countless "adopted" sons and daughters throughout the world.