Reverend Dr. Anthony Eugene Neal was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. 

He is the oldest of three sons born to Jessie Claggett and B. Eugene Neal.  He received his early education from the Montgomery County Public School System and is a graduate of Seneca Valley High School. Reverend Neal participated in organized sports to include football, baseball, basketball, wrestling and track, throughout his youth and in college.

He proudly served in the United States Army for three years and received several awards during his military service.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Bowie State University, Bowie, MD.  He received his Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the M. Christopher White Divinity School at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.  Pastor Neal received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary, with a concentration in Leadership. He is also a member of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Reverend Neal has excelled in a career in Information Technology (Management, Network and Desktop Support) since 1997.  He answered his calling to preach and teach the gospel in 2008. 

He served as an Associate Minister at Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert L. McGowens, Sr. prior to being called to the pastorate of First Baptist Church.  At Greater Galilee Baptist Church, he served on the Pastor’s Aide, Family Ministry, Male Mentoring and Men’s Choir, as Assistant Servant Leader of the Outreach/Evangelism Ministry and Servant Leader of the Couples Ministry.  Reverend Neal was licensed by Greater Galilee Baptist Church in January 2010 and ordained by the United Missionary Baptist Association in April 2012. 

In February 2014, Reverend Neal was elected as Pastor of First Baptist Church in Badin, NC.  This union between Pastor Neal, Lady Neal and First Baptist Church has been a blessing.  The Lord has given Pastor Neal a vision to lead the church and serve the community through various forms of outreach and community involvement. Equipping God’s people for His Purpose is what Pastor Neal strives to do in this ministry.