Reverend Wilner Maxy has devoted his life to serving the church and communities facing economic hardship. He prepared for ministry through studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Florida Memorial College, and Trinity International University, where he earned theological degrees and certificates.
In 1983, Rev. Maxy became Senior Pastor of Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church. His ministry has focused on evangelism, Christian education, leadership development, and service to the wider community.
Rev. Wilner Maxy was born on April 1, 1936, in Saint-Louis-du-Nord, Haiti. He was named after his father, Cepalasse Maxy, who died when Wilner was seven years old. His mother, Clotilde Chalumeau Maxy, raised six children and taught them strong values and beliefs.
Rev. Maxy spent his childhood in Saint-Louis-du-Nord and Port-de-Paix, where he completed his elementary and secondary education. Two years before completing Haiti’s Baccalauréat I and II, he moved to Port-au-Prince.
From 1957 to 1960, he studied land surveying and topography, earning a diploma. He worked in that field before moving to the United States.
Rev. Maxy arrived in the United States in March 1970. He soon enrolled at Lindsay Hopkins Technical School to study engineering and architectural drafting.
In 1971, he gave his life to Jesus Christ. The following year, he joined Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church, and he was baptized in 1973.
Church members and family recognized his good conduct, humility, and potential for leadership. In 1975, he was ordained as a deacon.
As a deacon, Rev. Maxy was deeply inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He admired Dr. King’s ability to communicate a clear vision and bring people together around a shared goal. Rev. Maxy memorized the speech and drew inspiration from Dr. King’s leadership.
At Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church, Rev. Maxy evangelized, developed outreach programs, taught Sunday school and Bible studies, and assisted the Senior Pastor in growing the church. His service and preparation led to his appointment as Senior Pastor in 1983.
Rev. Maxy continued his education to strengthen his ministry. In 1983, he began studying at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and received a certificate in 1987.
He then attended Florida Memorial College, where he earned an associate degree in theology in 1990. In 1997, he enrolled at Trinity International University (TIU/TED) to pursue a Master of Arts in Religion.
As Senior Pastor, Rev. Maxy made evangelism and Christian responsibility central to his ministry. He taught church members and encouraged prospective leaders to attend conferences and biblical seminars each year.
He worked closely with Sunday school staff, using lay leadership to help teachers lead classes and support evangelism. He also established programs to welcome new members and strengthen the church’s ministry.
When Rev. Maxy became pastor in 1983, Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church had approximately 300 members. Under his leadership, and with God’s help, the church grew to approximately 1,200 adults and more than 400 children and youth.
Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church has become a source of hope in its community and a model for many Haitian churches in South Florida, particularly in its organizational structure and development of leaders. Rev. Maxy has also shared his experience with other pastors, encouraging them to combine prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit with thoughtful preparation and active leadership.
Rev. Maxy has served on several boards and committees:
