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Rev. William Coffey Parkey
United Pentecostal Church International
Reverend W.C. Parkey was born July 29, 1931 in Paoli, Oklahoma, the 7th of 8 children born to Robert Olen Parkey and Nelle Fay Randolph. William graduated in 1949 from Paoli High School. He was baptized in Jesus' name in 1940 under the ministry of Elder Charles E. Carter. He received the infilling of the Holy Ghost in 1941. Brother Parkey is a third generation Pentecostal. His father's parents received the Holy Ghost in 1930. His mother and father received the Holy Ghost in 1934, during a tent revival conducted by the late C.P. Kilgore. The tent was set up in the middle of a pasture in "Randolph Community" close to Paoli, Oklahoma.
William went on to graduate with a B.A. degree from Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma in 1954. Afterward, he became a full-time student, and did some farm work as well. After graduating, Brother Parkey taught in Apostolic Faith School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where R.C. Wise was principle of the school.
Brother Parkey accepted his call into the ministry in 1952. In 1953 he was licensed with the United Pentecostal Church during a district conference in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was elected to serve as Secretary of the Pentecostal Conqurers in 1953. He became President of the Pentecostal Conqurers in 1955. Later he became Promotional Director for Harvestime Radio Broadcast, and served from 1963-1964.
On July 4, 1961 William Coffey Parkey became engaged to Miss Betty Lou Morgans. On September 1, 1961 they were united in Holy Matrimony. Four children was born to this union. Brother Parkey's first pastorate began in September, 1958, at "The Oneness Pentecostal Church" in Sperry, Oklahoma. He served there until December, 1963. During his pastorate in Sperry, he started a daughter work in Independence, Kansas in 1962. His second pastorate was in 1965 at the First Pentecostal Church in Kansas City, Missouri, founded by the late Winfred I. Black. He held this pastorate until August, 1974. While pastoring in Kansas City, Brother Parkey became President of Gateway Bible College in St. Louis, Missouri in 1968. He served the College until January 1, 1970. In1974, he became President once again of Gateway, and served in that position until August, 1980.
In August 1980, he moved to Popular Bluff, Missouri and began serving as pastor of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church. In 1983 a new church was built, and the name of the church was changed to Cornerstone Tabernacle. Brother Parkey has authored one book entitled, "Treasure and Truths" published in 2006. He has written 25 songs with 11 having been published. One of his most recognized songs is "Don't Let Me Forget". Brother Parkey has also written 200 poems. W.C. Parkey is a man of integrity! He has built a strong legacy over the course of his illustrious ministry, and will definately be remembered in the annuals of Apostolic church history as a man who loved truth. He has stood for truth and defended it with a passion. Audio Recording's of Brother W.C. Parkey are available in our Resource Department.
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Dr. John Fread Scheel
Independant Ministry
Dr. John F. Scheel was born on July 16, 1948 in Dewitt, Arkansas. He was baptized in Jesus' name on May 9, 1961 at Kingdom Come Resivour in Humphry, Arkansas. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on May 1, 1961 in Stuttgart, Arkansas. John received his early ministerial training under the leadership of the late Reverend Buddy Looper.
In July of 1962, Dr. Scheel went to Beebe, Arkansas to preach his first revival for Brother James Blackwell at the age of 13. He had been preaching approximately one year at that time. After the small home missions work that was there was discontinued, he went back to the area in June of 1966, with a burden to build a work for God.
A small brick building known as "Old Show Building" was rented in McRae, and the first service was conducted on September 14, 1966 with only Dr. Scheel, and two other families in attendance. In January of 1969, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Vickie Hackler from North Little Rock, Arkansas. To this union was born three children.
In October of 1969, the church was moved to Beebe, to the "Putman" building. From there, a new church was planned, and became a reality on April 14, 1973, when the first service was held in the new facility. Dr. Scheel has a passion for Christian education. He holds a B.A., degree from Central Baptist College; a Master of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary; a Ph.D., from Toledo Bible College and Seminary; a Doctor of Religious Education from Moody Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Human Letters from Washington Saturday College. He is currently working on a Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford Graduate School. In September of 1975, a Christian Day School was begun by the church. In 1979, a College for the training of ministers and Christian School teachers was begun. Today Dr. Sheel is Chancellor of the Lighthouse Christian College and Lighthouse Seminary and Graduate School in Beebe, Arkansas. The College and Seminary are fully accredited, and members of the Accrediting Commision International.
In 1990, a new church was dedicated to the glory of God. Dr. Scheel is truly an anointed man of God, and one of the leading voices in the holiness movement. He stands tall in the defence of the Oneness message. Audio Recordings of John Scheel are available in our resource department.
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Rev. Harry E. Scism
United Pentecostal Church International
While Ellis and Marjorie Scism were attending the Bible Training Center in Oakland, California, Harry Ellis Scism (named after Harry Morse) was born on March 9, 1934.
After Living in Tieton, Washington, where Harry's sister, Ferne, was born, the family mved to Idaho. Harry was baptized in Jesus' name at nine years of age. The Family eventually made Oregon their home. Here his father served as district superintendent for the Northwest District. Ellis and Majorie had felt a burden for India for over fourteen years. They were given missionary appointment and plans were made to travel to India. Thankfully, Harry received the baptism of the Holy Ghost after an all-night prayer meetings in Bend, Oregon, before leaving for India.
On January 30, 1949, Harry, at fourteen years of age, along with his mom, dad, and sister ferne waved goodbye to their family and friends from the deck of the China Mail, not knowing when they would meet again. As the ship was leaving, somebody asked Harry's grandfather how he felt about the departure of his caring son. His answer was: "I would rather see Ellis's bones bleach on the shores of India than for him to miss the will of God."
The sea voyage of two months took them to many ports in six nations and finally to Madras, India, by the end of March. Harry arrived in India at fifteen years of age to begin a new and very different life.
Harry was placed in a boarding school in Kodaikanal, South India. His parents spent time in this hill station when possible to escape the heat of the plains and to be with their children. During his four years in Kodaikanal school, Harry hiked with a group of boys to Berijam Lake. When the dugout canoe filled with boys overturned, Harry, not knowing how to swim, almost drowned. He was pulled out by a classmate and revived.
After completing high school at ninteen years of age, Harry, who had already become involved in missionary work when going to the pains during the school holidays, was appointed as an assistant missionary. As a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church, and as an appointed missionary, his work began in 1953. He was grateful to receive along with his father and mother $50 per month as personal support.
Following two years of missionary work, Harry, with his family, returned to the USA for furlough in 1955. He has planned to spend four to five years in Bible college and secular college. At the beginning of the first year attending Conquerors Bible College in Portlnd, in prayer he felt he should return to India at the conclusion of the first year of study. Edwin Judd, as dean, did everything he could to equip Harry during that year for work in India. At the conclusion of the school year, Harry married Audrene Hruza, from Rupert, Idaho. Their honeymoon was spent traveling on deputation.
In October 1956 they began working in the Bible school in South India. Here their first child, Stanley, was born. They felt the need to evangeize and plant churches in North India. At last, they made the long 2000-mile trip by jeep to language school, where they studied the Hindi and Urdu languages.
In time, they were able to open churches in North Central India. The Lord blessed them with a daughter Loretta. They founded Calvary Bible Institute, which over the years has trained hundreds for the Northeast harvest.
T.F. Tenney, asked Harry to go to Thailand to travel with Billy and Shirley Cole for three weeks. One day Billy Cole told Harry that there was a plan to have four regional field supervisors to work under the director. He then stated that Harry was being considered for the Asia/South Pacific Region. He also expressed that he felt this was the right choice. Billy Cole explined that this would involve a lot of travel and being away from the family. Immediately Harry answered that he was very happy in India and did not want to be away from his family. He was not available.
Returning to Bancock, one evening in the Landrover, Bro. Cole stopped beside the highway. He laid his hands on Harry's head and began to prophecy. The prophecy gave assurance that if Harry would do the will of God, God would keep his hand on his wife and children. Harry knew that God was speaking to him. When T.F. Tenney contacted Harry a short time later, he could not say no.
Eventually, Harry and family moved to Manilia, Philippines, as this was a central location for the region and travel was easier. Travel was extensive and expensive, so he, with his family, arrived in Portland at midnight from Hong Kong in January 1976 to raise more support.
Early the next morning he was awajened with a call from Robert McFarland, general secretary of the UPCI, explaining that with T.F. Tenney's resignation as General Foreign Missions director, the General Board had appointed Harry to fill the unexpired term. He then asked, "Will you accept this appointment?" Robert McFarland explained that he had to have an answer within two hours.
Harry and Audrene moved to St. Louis in May 1976 where many adjustments had to be made. Harry had said several times that he would never want to live in St. Louis and work at headquarters. Now here he was in the middle of a huge responsibility, not even knowing where to begin.
The general officials, executives, and office staff were all so kind and patient. At times, Harry and Audrene longed to return to the mission field. They felt so out of place in St. Louis. Eventually, with the help of the Lord and the kindness of many, they felt more comfortable in this new responsibility.
After two years of sickness with cancer, Audrene passed away in October 1989. Missionaries and nationals all over the world loved her. The staff at the office was so kind and patient as Harry struggled with grief and heartache.
On December 8, 1990, Harry Scism and Helen Stewart of Columbus, Ohio, were united in marriage. Helen has been a wonderful wife and has traveled extensively around the world in missionary work.
Harry and Helen both knew two years in advance when they should step out of this heavy responsibility. The General Conference elected a wonderful and dedicated general director, Bruce Howell.
For twenty-five years, Harry was privileged to serve as general director. He traveled all over the world meeting precious people everywhere he went. The missionaries he served were outstanding. The North American church each year increased their foreign missions support. Those were indeed wonderful years. His co-workers at WEC were great friends.
Harry and Helen are now appointed missionaries traveling to different parts of the world in teaching and evangelism. Looking back over the past fifty-plus years of missionary work, Harry makes this observation: "My life has been a pilgrimage-constantly learning, growing, and maturing. An unseen hand has guided me throughout this pilgrimage. I have been kept by His power. only because of His grace wil I someday be able to see my blessed Redeemer face to face." Audio Recordings of Harry Scism are available in our resource department.
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Bishop Alfred Singleton
Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith
Bishop Alfred Singleton was born the third oldest of seven children. His father and mother (Willie and Verona Singleton) had five boys and two girls. He was born and spent his early childhood in the heart of dixie...Montgomery, Alabama. Alfred began school perhaps as the typical youngster normally does by showing up for class, getting good grades, getting some not so good grades, doing average work, and moving right along. He received what he termed a sporadic education. However, in his later years he had a tremendous quest for knowledge. After completing his elementary education, he immediately enrolled in the Cass Technical High School. This being a technical school, it offered him a greater educational option and advantage in the career mart. After Cass he went on to attend Southwestern Adult School in Detroit, Michigan.
Bishop Singleton's biblical education was enhanced by the late Bishop S.N. Hancock, who for four years, schooled him in the knowledge and practical application of the Holy Scriptures. (It has been said that during this time Bishop Hancock was listed as one of the nation's top Bible scholars at an institute in Texas.) Later after tutorship, he found it necessary to take on correspondence courses at the La Salle University in Chicago, Illinois, thus appeasing his great quest for knowledge. Alfred Singleton married Elizabeth M. Hawkins of Detroit, Michigan, February 24, 1951 the Lord blessed this union with twelve children.
Bishop Singleton, was a member of a Methodist Church, however, he did receive catholic teachings. He comes from a long line of ministers, dating back to his great uncles. His younger brother is also a member of the clergy. He moved to Detroit, Michigan and while there visited the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, 2238 Clinton. He was baptized in Jesis' Name in March of 1949. Later he received the gift of the Holy Ghost on April 17, 1949 under the late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock who was the pastor of the church. After receiving the Holy Ghost, he decided to dedicate himself to the learning of his new found faith. So he readily engaged himself in the quest for knowledge by fasting, praying, and learning the apostolic doctrine. He recalls: "There were many nights when I would pray all night long at church." He holds an honorary doctorate degree in Theology and is the Chief Executive Coordinator of the Michigan Campus of the Midwest Apostolic Bible College.
Alfred Singleton's ministry began two years after he had embraced this truth. He was in the Army at the time that the Lord dealt with him in regards to the ministry, He recalls the happening as being a mystery at first. "This happening was a mystery, I told Him, 'Lord if you want me to preach, knowing my inability to preach, you will have to let me know and someone else too.' In 1958, he held that God had called on him to move to California. During this time he experienced great sorrow. Being heavy of heart, he managed to inform his pastor, (Bishop Hancock), of this calling. Bishop Hancock is noted as saying with tears i his eyes..."whether it be my wife or my assistant pastor, I always want to make God first in my life." The young man's resignation was accepted and Bishop gave him his blessing.
In December 1958, he arrived in Los Angeles, California not knowing what to do or what doors would be opened to him. He started with house to house prayer. As a result of his obedience to a divine will, the doors of the Greater Bethlehem Temple were opened there in 1959, (a year later). He was also successful in founding and organizing the Bethlem Temple Church of Monrovia, located at 445 Monrovista Street in Monrovia, California. Another Temple was founded some time later in Harbor City.
In 1961 he was promoted to District Elder, and became a bishop in 1964 at the young age of 36 (one of the youngest in the PCAF). Having lived in California for 13 1/2 years, Bishop Singleton was made aware of the change that was soon to take place. He felt that God was once again calling him, this time to come back east. Having a family and not knowing just what and where God wanted him, he came to Cincinnati, Ohio and attended the Mid-Winter meeting. While in attendance he was invited to Lansing, Michigan to visit a church that was open for a pastor. Taking District Elder Eugene Thompkins' advice, he went to Lansing, and immediately he knew that he was in the right place.
In March 2000, at the Midwinter Convention that was held in Atlanta, Georiga, Bishop Singleton was elected and voted upon by the Board of Bishop's and District Elders as the unanimous choice, for the seat of the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith. In March 2001, at the Midwinter Convention in Florida, Bishop Singleton was installed as the Presiding Bishop of the P.C.A.F. (Audio and Video Recordings of Bishop Singleton are available in our resource department).
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Bishop Horace E. Smith
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
Dr. Horace E. Smith is the second of six children born to Albert and Shirley Smith. He was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the age of 17. He graduated an honor student from the Lindbolm High School in Chicago, Illinois, and continued his education, becoming a recipient of the following degrees:
Bachelor of Science (with honors) Chicago, State University (1971) M.D., University of Illinois medical Center (1975) Completion of Pediatric Residency, University of Illinois Hospital (1978) Completion of Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children's Medical Hospital/ Northwestern University (1980)
Dr. Smith is director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell/Thalassemia Program at Children's Memorial Hospital, and is recognized world-wideas an outstanding pediatrician in his field. He became Pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church on March 28, 1980. He was appointed a District Elder of the Illinois District Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1983; served as Chairman of the I.D.C. from 1986-1991; appointed to the Board of Aenon Bible College of the P.A.W. in 1989; appointed a Suffrigan Bishop in 1994; served as the General Secretary of the P.A.W. 1996-1997, and was elevated to the office of Bishop in August 1997.
In June 1998, Dr. Smith was installed as Dioceasan Bishop of the 14th Episcopal District of the P.A.W., which includes the states of Kansas, Colorado and Western Missouri. On Thursday, July 29, 2004, Bishop Smith was elected to the office of Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.
Bishop Smith is an avid and accomplished Bible scholar and has been part of many organizations within the church, from its boy scout troop of his youth to singing in the choirs. His dedicated ministry reaches not only the congregation but, his belief in God and the power of salvation and healing extends to his medical profession as a concerned and committed pediatrician for critically ill children. Through his prayers and faith in God as a healer, Dr. Smith has seen God's healing power reverse the course of illness in the lives of his patients.
Dr. Smith has been married since 1976 to Susan Davenport Smith and they are the parents of three daughters. Audio Recordings of Bishop Smith are available in our Resource Department.
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Bishop William Lugene Smith
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
1906 ~ 2008
William Lugene Smith was born February 7, 1906 in Montgomery, Alabama. At the early age of 16 years, he received the saving knowledge of salvation and was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost in February, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, under the pastorate of Bishop John Silas Holley. With Bishop Holley's consent, William became the young minister leader, and later, an assistant pastor to the late District Elder William Wonders of Chicago.
God unfolded His will to Elder Smith and in 1924 he organized the Bethlehem Temple Assembly with the blessing of the late Bishop F.I. Douglas in sunny California. His job as a railroad porter brought him often to Los Angeles. One day, while driving down Hooper Avene, the Lord brought his vision to immediate reality, for there before him was the little white church he had seen years before in his dreams. He knew he would pastor that church one day for God had already brought the vision from hope to reality. He knew that he would soon lead the people of God in Los Angeles, California.
In the home of Mother Branscomb and Sister Ethel Arnold about seven blocks from the church, "Brother Willie" as he was known, joined a prayer group. Later his job brought him to Los Angeles, and after it did, he would pass the little white church to join his prayer group on 57th Street. Along with the Lord's leading, he one day sought the sanction of his pastor, and then the permission of the late Bishop F.I. Douglas to start a work in Los Angeles. In the upper room of Mother Gordon, on 54th & Compton Avenue, bethlehem Temple began. From a prayer to a vision of hope and faith, Bethlehem Temple became a reality.
During his leadership two churches were bought and paid for. As the will of the Lord was, the first church was purchased from Sister Geneva Andrews, who later became his faithful wife. The late First Lady Geneva Smith worked untiringly by his side for many years as he labored in the Lord's vineyard. In 1996 Bishop Smith, after 54 years of faithful and dedicated service as the pastor, passed the mantle onto his son in the gospel, Dr. Gentry W. Richrdson, Sr.
In 1960, Elder Smith became a District Elder. In 1968, he was elected as the International Chairman for Foreign Missions. In 1974, he was elevated to the Bishopric. He first served the Eastern Caribbean Council, then served the Oklahoma Council for 16 years.
Bishop Smith's extrodinary spiritual career spanned over eight decades. He served with integrity, making a difference both in the community and the world. On August 17, 2008 Bishop Smith entered into his eternal rest. Audo Recordings of Bishop Smith are available in our Audio Library.
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Rev. Bervick Atwood Spell
Apostolic Ministers Fellowship
Reverend B.A. Spell was born on January 7, 1930, in the small town of Eunice, Louisiana to Tony and Floy Spell. In 1939, at the age of nine Bervick was baptized in Jesus' name, and was filled with the Holy Ghost. His home church was the United Pentecostal Church in Richie, Louisiana, and his first pastor was Brother Henry Dunn. Elder Spell recalls as a child how his parents were poor, and money was scarce in those day's. His father would turn out the old oil burning lamps early, in order to make the oil last as long as it could. Then he would gather his wife and children around him, and have devotions, and pray before going to bed. It was things such as this that instilled deep into the heart of young Bervick the desire to walk with God, and to learn of His ways.
At the age of nine he first met a young eight year old girl named Dorothy Brown. They went to church together, played together, and fought as children, but on June 22, 1947, they were united in holy matrimony. Their pastor, Brother J.S. Hoyt performed the cerimony at the Richie, Pentecostal Church. To this union was born seven children. Afterward they settled down in Eunice, Louisiana, but attended the church in Richie.
In 1950, Brother Spell went into business as a part owner/manager of the Piggly Wiggly Grocery store in Eunice, Louisiana where he worked until 1953. In 1953 at the age of twenty-three he received his call to preach. His first sermon was from the book of Isaiah, where the prophet said, "Here am I, send me." This historical occasion took place in "Church Point, Louisiana". In 1954 he was ordained by S.L. Wise at Tioga, Louisiana. It was also during this same year that he became affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church organization.
The first church that he pastored was the First Pentecostal Church in Pine Praire, Louisiana. He took the church in 1953, and stayed one year. The second church he pastored was the First Pentecostal Church in Turkey Creek, Louisiana. He held this position for five years, from 1954 until 1959. On November 1, 1959, he moved his family to West Baton Rouge, Louisisna, and started the First Pentecostal Church in Port Allen. This was a home missions outreach. He began services in an old store-front building on Rosedale, and 12th Street. In this same year Brother Crawford Coon preached the first revival for the church, and a great number received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
In 1965 a tremendous revival broke out as a young evangelist named Verbal Bean came to Port Allen with a burden for souls on his heart. Brother Bean felt like God was going to give him a one hundred soul revival, but he had no confirmation as to where it would take place. When the confirmation came that Port Allen was the place, God began to move. It was a mighty revival that lasted for fourteen weeks, and during this time 106 people received the Holy Ghost. In 1968 the church purchased ten acres on Plank Road, and built a new sanctuary, and Sunday School department. The same year Brother Spell started the Robert Livingston Acadamy, with grades 1-12. The school enrolled 430 students, and remained open until 1978.
From 1970 until 1972, the church experienced a series of revivals, and the congregation doubled in size. In 1979, a new spacious 1200 seat santuary was built. 1968 was the beginning of the annual July camp-meeting held at Life Tabernacle. Elder Bill Buie was the first camp evangelist fir this historical occasion. In 1985 another santuary was built. When you think about Apostolic-Pentecost, you have to think about B.A. Spell. He is a "Living Legend" throughout the Oneness movement. In 1968, he became a charter member in the formation of the Apostolic Minister's Fellowship (AMF).
When asked the name of someone he most admired, his reply was, "The late Verbal W. Bean". When asked why? Brother Spell answered, "Because of the impact that Brother Bean left upon my life. Brother Bean was a praying man, a dedicated warrior for God. He was uniquely different. What he said held value, and depth. He was no stranger to the things of God, and he died as he lived...walking with and serving God". When asked what he most wanted to be remembered for? He replied, "Mission work, both foreign and home". Audio and Video recordings of Elder B.A. Spell are available in our resource department.
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Rev. Tom Fred Tenney
United Pentecostal Church International
Tom Fred Tenney was born December 6, 1933, in a home on Pine Street in the city of DeRidder, Louisiana. His father, Fred Eugene Tenney, was of cajun descent, having moved north from the bayous to DeRidder when he was twenty years of age. There he met and married Jennie Veve Nichols. His mother's family were pioneers of southwest Louisiana. Prior to his birth, his mother miscarried a son and promised the Lord if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord and to ministry. Little did she know what that ministry would be-and how far-reaching the effects of her promise fulfilled would be.
T.F. Tenney's boyhood years were spent on a farm-600 acre and 200 head of cattle. When he and older sister, Nelda, played church, as kids often do, he was always the preacher.
The Tenney's family members were what one would call "good Baptist folks" - attending the First Baptist Church in DeRidder. Thesincere preaching of some of those early pastors made a profound impact upon the young man Tom. He recalls, "The Baptists taught me that the Bible was the infallible, inerrant Word of God. This served as a backdrop when I literally read my way into the full gospel experience.
The summer of 1949, at the age of sixteen, Tom Fred Tenney had an encounter that forever changed his life. Slipping into the back row of the Pentecostal church across the tracks to hear a nun give her testimony, more on a lark than anything else, he found himself fascinated as the nun spoke for about twenty minutes; then a lady preacher delivered a semon. He had never heard such preaching-and from a woman! It simply was not done that way in the Baptist church. Yet, feeling something he could not escape, he found himself back there the next night. He did not understand their doctrine. He did not understand their worship. He did not understand their lifestyle. But he could deny what he felt. The connection had been made. The Holy Spirit was drawing and before school started in the fall, Tom Fred Tenney was a new man in Christ.
Almost immediately he felt called into ministry and service. Opportunities were given for him to speak at youth rallies and fellowship meetings. Remembering those early days of his experience, he says, "I felt that you had to do whatever the Word said and whatever leadership told you to do."
His mentor and spiritual father was a great Christian, George L. Glass Sr. He was a man of prayer and of the Word. Consequntly, in those early days of his walk with Jesus, T.F. Tenney made a commitment to prayer and to the Word. He promised the Lord he would pray at least an hour a day. He says today, "By His grace, I faithfully fulfill that." He also made a vow to God that he would study and, as far as he could, master thre chapters of the Bible a day. It took him over thre years to go through the Scriptures in this manner. He had very little reference material. His mother bought him a Jameson-Fawcett-Brown Complete Commentary. He had a Cruden's Concordance, a Bible dictionary, and later a set of books called Handfuls on Purpose. "Some nights I was up until two or three o'clock in the morning, keeping my vow-especially when I got to the 119th Psalm! It wasn't just a cursory reading-but it was looking into the Scriptures, searching everything I could find on the subject. Things that God gave me then-when I was sixteen, seventeen, eighteen years of age-are still with me today."
In 1952 T.F. Tenney was elected Louisiana District youth secretary. From 1952 until this day, almost without exception, he has held some position within the United Pentecostal Church International.
Tom Fred Tenney and Thetus Caughron were married in West Monroe, Louisiana on December 27, 1952. They have two children, Tom Gregory and Teri Denise (Spears). They have been blessed with five grandchildren and now two great-grandchildren.
T.F. Tenny was ninteen, and Thetus was eighteen, when they were elected to the pastorate of a fine home missions church in Monroe, Louisiana, in February 1953. He comments today, "Those were such precious people! Many of them to this day bear in their bodies the marks of T.F. Tenney and his immaturity. They were patient and kind."
During their time in Monroe, T.F. Tenney was elected as sectional youth leader. In 1954 he was subsequently elected district youth president. He continued in that position until 1960 when he was elected international youth president-a position he held until 1969.
During the time T.F. Tenney was Pentecostal Conquerors president, the Bible Quizzing program was launched, a number of youth camps across the country wre initiated, and Youth Conventions were founded. Sheaves for Christ reached all-time highs and was expanded to bless a number of other divisions of the church. The Conquerors Tread was first published under his leadership-the forerunner of today's Conquerr magazine.
At the General Conference in 1969, the name T.F. Tenney was one of the three presented for election as Foreign Missions director. The votes were tallied, and it was announced that he had been elected. He was only 36 years old. It was unprecedented for a man of his age to be elected to one of the highest offices-and one of the most responsible offices in the United Pentecostal Church International.
He assumed the responsibility of Foreign Missions director the first week in January, 1970. According to his recollection: "I walked into the office in St. Louis that first week in January totally ignorant. All I knew to do was pou myself into it. I would take stacks of files home at night and read through entire files of missionaries and past missions experiences, reading both current and history. In those days I had somewhat of a photographic memory. I am sorry to say that at my age now I've evidently run out of film! The Division had faced a major financial crises. We were in deficit. That year, Partners in Missions was launched. It was two years before there was a turnaround. But when it came, Foreign Missions zoomed! I can remember the year we passed the million dollar mark, and then the two million mark. It was unprecendented. God was with us. New nations were opened. We began an emphesis on Bible schools and a number of new Bible schools were opened around the world. Regional field supervisors were appointed. The School of Missions was begun. Short-term evangelistic policies and programs were implemented. Field conferences and regional conferences for missionaries were established. The fields were opened up for more participation from pastors and evangelists to make overseas trips and assist in the work. Missionary morale was on the rise.To God be the glory-revival came! Oh, the stories I could tell of my experiences as Foreign Missions director, if only time would permit."
In the latter part of 1975, Pastor George Glass Sr. resigned the church at DeRidder, Louisiana. The church immediately called the Tenney's and asked if they would consider the church. He promise to make it a matter of prayer. The reality was simple: he was leading a world-wide effort to proclaim the gospel-that he would even consider going to a small town of 12,000 people in Louisiana was almost beyond comprehension. But he did promise to pray. So he did. Some weeks later, seated on a swing on his back porch, meditating and praying, he knew he had to go.
From 1975-1978, Thetus and T.F. Tenney served the city of DeRidder and the people of the First Pentecostal Church untiringly. At that time, even though it was a small town, they averaged around 400 every Sunday. God was gracious and good. He blessed. Revival came. Before thay left, there were in excess of 200 active men, and they had seen attendance as high as 1200. Every Sunday morning the building would be filled for the morning worship service. Even the balconies were full. People from various denominations across the community would go to their Sundsy school and then come to First Pentecostal Church for the morning worship service.
The final night of Louisiana Camp Meeting in 1978, C.G. Weeks, who had been the district superintendent for twenty-five years, left the platform and called for an ambulance. By the next day, he had gone to his eternal reward and Louisiana was in need of a leader. An election was called for to be held in August. In forty-one years of existence, the Louisiana District had only two superintendents. It was a tense day that hot August afternoon when hundreds of preachers and delegates gathered from across the state for an election held in the tabernacle on the campground. The meeting was presided over by General Superintendent N.A. Urshan. T.F. Tenney was elected. It was a day of deep mixed emotions. To have been asked by the brethren, among whom he had labored and with whom he had been reared, was one of the highest honors of his life. In his first remarks to the ministerial body, he pledged to them an adminiatration of "progress and peace under the hand of God."
From that summer day in 1978 throuh 2005, the Tenney's servd the Louisian District and kept that marvelous portion of the family of God on the cutting edge of preaching, prayer, outreach, and giving. During their tenure, new departments and ministries were launched and the existing departments were strengthened and experienced growth. In the last couple of years, the Louisiana District's giving to each of the UPCI programs placed them as first in the nation, being the first district to accomplish this. Conferences, seminars, camps, and camp meetings continue to be hallmark events benefiting ministry and laity alike. As pledged, they were days of progress and peace!
The Tenney's have entered their retirement years. They continue to travel and speak. They continue to share the gospel and invest themselves in people-teaching and preaching the whole gospel to the whole world. Thetus Tenney continues to serve as the coordinator of the World Network of prayer. T.F. Tenney is the bishop emeritus of the Louisisna District and serves as an honorary member of the UPCI General Board.
"I have often said I could see further because I stood on the shoulders of giants. If I had another life to give, I would want to give it again for this lovely Lord and His great gospel."-T.F. Tenney Audio and Video Recordings of T.F. Tenney are available in our resource department.
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