James R. Harden has accepted his call to the ministry, and will preach his initial sermon at 4 p.m. today, July 20, in Sixth Street Baptist Church, 324 Goodman St., where the Rev. James B. Williams is the pastor.

Harden was born in Manhattan, N.Y., but grew up in Suffolk, where he attended Holland Primary and Driver Elementary schools. He is a 1985 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. After that, Harden enlisted in the U.S. Army, 16 Ciera/Field Artillery. He is employed at Berry Plastics Design.

Harden is a member of Sixth Street Baptist and its Music Department, the Inspirational Choir, Male Chorus, the Pastoral Concern Ministry, and Drama Ministry. He is a former drummer for the New Gospel Singers and the Singing Larks. Harden sings with the Mighty Pearly Gates.

Harden credits his spiritual growth to his pastor of his church and the Rev. Joyce Myrick Wooden of Life Changing Ministries.

He is married to Mrs. Annie Thomas Harden and has two daughters, Lakesha Harden and Lasheena Harden, and three stepsons, Derrick Thomas, Tyron Thomas and Antonio Thomas, all of Suffolk.