Meet "Pastor Rick"

Rev. Ricky C. Allen Jr., "Pastor Rick" officially joined Bethany Covenant Church as Pastor in November of 2023. He is joined by his wife of 23 years, Nichole, and they have two sons: Ricky III and Chavito.

A native of Kenbridge, Va. Ricky his mother, Rev. Dr. Irene Allen serves as Senior Pastor of Mt. Gazarine Baptist Church in Blackstone Va. His father, Rev. Ricky C. Allen Sr., serves various churches in the Lunenburg County Va. area. He is the oldest of six children.

After graduating high school in 1995, he entered the U.S. Navy a few years later eventually becoming a Navy Journalist. Year later, this job evolved into Mass Communications. His assignments while on active duty include tours on board USS Guardian (MCM 5) serving as the Asst. Public Affairs Officer , Staff Writing assignments at Naval Station Rota, Spain, and serving as a Broadcast Manager onboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) . His Navy Reserve tours include time with Naval Information Bureau 102, Fleet Public Affairs Center Norfolk, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East, and Amphibious Construction Battalion Two. Rev. Allen completed his Navy Career with the Joint Staff, a Reserve department of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2020. He finished his career as a Petty Officer First Class.

Medals received include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for news coverage of the 9/11 attacks while stationed in Rota, Good Conduct Medal (2), Naval Meritorious Service Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal. He is also the recipient of two Chief of Naval Information Awards and one Rear Admiral Thompson Award for Public Affairs Excellence.

He is the graduate of the London School of Journalism where he earned two diplomas in Journalism and Newswriting, and Sub Editing and Design. He is also a graduate of Averett University earning a Bachelors in Business Administration, a Masters of Divinity Degree from the Virginia University of Lynchburg, and a Masters of Arts w/a Concentration in New Testament studies.

Nichole, also a Navy Veteran, leads one of the largest "Gift Economy", Blessed Neighbors , in the Clearfield County area. Ricky Allen III is a graduate of Point Park University, earning a degree in Animation and Visual Effects. Chavito is currently enrolled in the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, and will begin his Junior year in the Fall.

The Allen family loves the Dubois community, and enjoys participating in various productions at the Reitz Theater. The family also supports various ministry efforts in Africa.

You can contact Pastor Rick @navjoallen@yahoo.com