W. Randolph Rylander was born in Newport News, Virginia, to the late Rev. F. A. Rylander and the late Rhada Rylander. He attended Newport News public schools and is a graduate of George Washington Carver High School. He completed his undergraduate courses at Hampton University in Business Administration and business Management.

 

His other schooling includes United Christian College, Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he graduated valedictorian of his class with a Bachelor of Theology degree, the National Theological Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland where he received his Master of Divinity degree.  He also received his Doctor of Divinity degree from United Christian College, Goldsboro. 

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Rev. Rylander accepted his call to the ministry in 1980 and was licensed to preach in September, 1980. On December 27, 1981, he was ordained in the ministry. Prior to accepting the call to pastor, he was an instructor of Theology. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the School of Theology.

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In 1984, he accepted the call and was installed into the pastorate of New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hampton, Virginia, at which time the attending membership had dropped to about 13 active members. Through the institution of organized Bible Study, evangelism class, debt free class, couples and singles ministries, marriage seminars and extended fellowship and outreach ministries, the membership has grown tremendously. The Unity Investment Corporation was founded through the debt free class. Also started was the 3M Ministry, the Young at Heart Ministry and the Family Ministry.

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During Reverend Rylander's tenure, a new Church building was erected in 1990-1991 which includes a Sanctuary, Chapel, classrooms and offices. Adjacent properties were purchased and additional parking spaces were added. In 1999-2000, the New Mount Olive Christian Academy - Preschool Division was constructed on Aberdeen Road and began operating June 19, 2000. The New Mount Olive Christian Academy Elementary Division was completed in August 2010.

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Pastor Rylander is married to the former Lois Elaine Rivers of Yale, Virginia and from this union, God blessed them with three children - Rhonda, Randolph and Kenquanya.

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