Dr. H. K. & Margaret McKnight, D.Min., D.D., Founder-Pastor Emeritus

Dr. H. K. McKnight began his ministry at the tender age of 16.  During a revival in Gibson, Georgia in 1950, he met and fell in love with the organist Margaret, who also happened to be the pastor's daughter.  They dated for 3 months and after a special time of prayer and fasting, were married on June 29, 1950.

The McKnights traveled as Evangelist and State Youth Directors in Iowa for the Church of God (Cleveland, TN).  They founded 2 churches and ministered as pastors, associate pastors and evangelists throughout the Southeast.  Dr. McKnight and his associate, Rev. Harold Atkins, were conducting a revival in Augusta, Georgia in 1963, at Brigham's Grocery and several families approached him about the possibility of settling down in Augusta as their pastor.  The McKnight family had now grown to include a son and two daughters.  After a time of prayer and fasting, the McKnights agreed to accept their offer and in June, 1963, Bible Deliverance Temple was born.

The Dr. McKnight and Margaret have traveled to several foreign countries.  During a visit to Seoul, South Korea, where their son, Kelly, was overseeing the building of a Christian university, he ministered at the Yoi Do Full Gospel Church, which still remains the largest congregation in the world.  On a subsequent trip to the city, he was honored to receive the Key to the City of Seoul, and also received the "Ba Poong" Award for his part in promoting relations between South Korea, the United States and Mexico.

Dr. McKnight served as the corporate secretary and treasurer for the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers International for ten years.  He served as Chairman of the Board for the E.O.A. in Augusta, Georgia, and is very active in promoting a better economy for the citizens of Augusta, with special emphasis on the Harrisburg Neighborhood.

Margaret McKnight served as the church organist and office manager for over 40 years before their retirement.

All of the McKnight children are active in ministry, along with several grandchildren.