PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Joseph Scott Jr. has been a pastor for more than 50 years.
He has dedicated his life to serving others — helping families keep the heat on in the winter, giving toys to kids during the holidays, attending court with young men and women. And, he wants no attention for it.
“I do it because I came up in a large family,” he said. “I do it because I understand some of the struggles. Because it doesn't matter how many scriptures you quote, but you have to show that you care.”
In 2019 his church in Camden, St. James Apostolic Temple, sustained major damage from a fire. Scott has led the church without walls ever since.
“We have a Samaritan concept, wherein we search out for help. We know, as a small group, we can’t turn the world upside down, but we can join in with those that are helping people,” he said.
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As one of 12 kids born and raised in Philadelphia, Scott, who is now in his 80s, said his parents were his greatest inspiration.
Growing up, he said it was the community that helped steer kids in the right direction.
“There are good people who chased me off the block, told me I don’t belong there, made sure that they invested in me not being there. And this was without church. So my heart is for people,” he added.
Scott established a senior food bank, a high school GED training course, and a drug and alcohol program. He said serving others has been his life’s joy.
“I’m like David the King, who has the title but not the great finance. The crowning day hasn’t come, but I’m on my way home now, so I basically try to plug into legacy.”
During Black History Month, KYW Newsradio’s GameChangers honors 10 individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in communities of color in the greater Philadelphia region. KYW community affairs reporter Racquel Williams will host an evening honoring this year’s awardees on Feb. 22. View the 2023 honorees here.