Jimmy Davis

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1912 ~ 1991

Jimmy Davis was born in Soper, Oklahoma on March 22, 1912. He was the son of  Baptist preacher. Jimmy associated with the Assemblies of God until he was introduced to the Oneness of God, and baptism in Jesus' name by his sister, Jewell. Jimmy and his lovely wife, Lorraine, were baptized in the precious name of Jesus and were filled with the Holy Ghost. At the age of 28, Jimmy was called to the ministry. He served as an evangelist in his early church years, preaching in South America.

In 1947, Brother Davis went to (Weedpatch) the Lamont, California area to hold a revival. God spoke to him to stay and build a church. Apostolic Tabernacle was started with eleven souls in a 16x32 foot tent with sawdust floors. In the first year, over 100 people were baptized in Jesus' name, and received the Holy Ghost. From these humble beginnings the church became a powerhouse for the Apostolic message.

In September, 1991, at the age of 79, and 45 years as pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle, Brother Jimmy Davis went home to his eternal reward. Jimmy Davis was inducted into the Apostolic Ministerial Hall of Fame in 2004. Audio recordings of Jimmy Davis are available in the audio library of the Apostolic Archives International.

Robert Clarence Lawson

Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ

1883 ~ 1961

Robert C. Lawson was born on May 5, 1883 in New Iberia, Louisiana. Although he sprang from a generation of ministers as far back as his great-grandfather, he had no plans to enter th ministry. He wanted to become an attorney of law, and enter the business world. After finishing a course at Howe University in Louisiana, he travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada trying to determine a suitable destiny for his life's career. He was a successful young man. A much loved and attractive person, with intelligence, wit, and full of charm. Robert was talented and possessed a melodious voice which he used to sing in taverns, ministrel shows, and the night life spots.

It was about 1910 that Robert Lawson became ill with tuberculosis. A Holy Ghost filled woman whose son was hospitalized in Indianapolis, Indiana in the same room where he was, went to Robert's bedside and began to talk to him about his soul. She was an elderly woman who belonged to Elder G.T. Haywood's "Apostolic Faith Assembly". Little did she know that her one testimony did much to direct a man who would lead thousands to Christ. Thus, we all should note that testifying to one soul can make a difference in many lives.

It was not long after that Robert Lawson received the laboratory report confirming that he had tuberculosis, and was at risk of death. he remembered how the old woman had told him how to pray, and he went brfore the Lord for healing. The Lord healed his body and promptly made his way to the Apostolic Faith Assembly, where he was baptized and received the Holy Ghost. Within two years he was called to the ministry, and had founded three churches: St. Louis, Missouri, San Antonio, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio. During a short period after that he was appointed General Elder and Overseer in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

After much study of the word of God, Elder Lawson felt that the issue of divorce and remarriage, and women preachers were not being promptly assessed by the PAW. Shortly after in 1919 Elder Lawson felt the call of the Lord to go east, and he resigned from the PAW. While he differed on the aforementioned issues, he did not split or attempt to split the PAW. He left on his own, in good standing, and remained closely associated with the many friends and ministerial associates of the PAW. He remained close to the Haywood family alomg with many others. 

Bishop Lawson established Refuge Church of Christ in Harlem, New York, and after great increases occured, with multitudes being baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost, ministers were sent throughout the five boroughs of New York City, suburban areas, and to other states to establish churches for the glory of God. Thus began the process and formation of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, as a strong Pentecostal organization. Bishop R.C. Lawson went home to his eternal reward in 1961. Bishop Lawson was inducted to the Apostolic Ministerial Hall of Fame in 2004. Audio recordings of Robert Lawson are available in the audio library of the Apostolic Archives International.

Arlie Otis Holmes

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1911 ~ 1985

A.O. Holmes was born in Tyler Town, Mississippi, on June 10, 1911. He established churches in: Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas before going to North Little Rock, Arkansas in 1946.

Under his leadership, the First Pentecostal Church "Buckeye" grew from a small work to a large congregation. He was the founder of Buckeye Christian School, Lakeview Childrens Home, and a Nursing Home.

Bro. Holmes  preached the "Hour of Deliverance" radio broadcast for 25 years. He also started a jail ministry in Little Rock.

Arlis Holmes was responsible for influencing many to become ministers. Many Pentecostal Churches across the country can be traced back to his ministry and leadership. Brother Holmes dies on April 7, 1985. His son Joel now pastors the First Pentecostal Church in North Little Rock. Arlis Otis Holmes was inducted into the Apostolic Ministerial Hall of Fame in 2004. Audio recordings of Arlie O. Holmes are available in the audio library of the Apostolic Archives International.