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Bishop William Charles Abney Jr.

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1927 ~ 2007

Bishop William C. Abney was born September 9, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan to Mr. and Mrs. William Charles Abney Sr. William graduated frm Northern High School after returning home from serving a tour of duty in the United States Armed Forces. He also graduated from the Detroit Barber College in 1946, and soon after opened his first business as a successful tonsoriallist (Barber).

He received his call to the ministry in 1950, and later attended the Detroit Bible Institute. William obtained an Associate Degree from Bethel Practical School of Theology, and was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, (PAW) in 1960. He received as Honorary Doctorate Degree from Aenon Bible College in August, 1984.

Bishop Abney served faithfully in the service of the Master from his youth. Saved as a teenager, he was a great inspirational leader both to the young and the old. He was director of the church choir and youth auxiliary at the Bethel Apostolic Church in Detroit under the pastorate of the late Dr. Benjamin J. Goode, where he grew up. Bishop Abney was also a renown gospel singer with some recording experience to his credit.

Bishop Abney was elected pastor of the Bethel Pentecostal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in June 1961. He served as a great humanitarian as well as a spiritual leader to the Grand Rapids area. Bishop Abney married the former Lorraine Elaine Ross in 1948. To this union was born four children. After serving the PAW as a District Elder, he was elevated to office of Suffragan Bishop.

Tuesday morning, January 23, 2007, was his coronation day in glory as he looked upon the face of Christ. His memory will forever be cherished by all who loved him. The story continues, the legacy never ends! 

 Rev. Bryan Arthur Adkins

United Pentecostal Church International

1962 ~ Present

Bro. Bryan Adkins was born August 1, 1962. He is the fifth of ten children born to Charles and Vergie Adkins. Bryan received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1974, at the age of twelve. He began his ministry at the age of sixteen.

Bryan and Rebecca Lynn Bowman were married on November 22, 1980, in Archdale, North Carolina. From this union was born two sons. He assisted his father-in -law (the late elder Bill Bowman) becoming the pastor of the church after elder Bowman's untimely death in 1981.

Brother Adkins is a composer of songs and a skilled musician. He has recorded several CD's, including his two very talented sons. He has blessed Apostolic churches all across North America with his preaching and singing.

Rev. Calvin Albert

United Pentecostal Church International

1913 ~ ?

Calvin Albert was born January 15, 1913, at Reber Place in St. Louis, Missouri, to John David and Margaret Ellen Post Albert. There were four other children in the family: Ethel, Lela, Ruth and Roy. His parents were in the Christian Church.

Albert was introduced to Pentecost by his Aunt Sarah when he was about eight years old.  Aunt Sarah took his mother to a Pentecostal mission on Cardinal Street. It was that night that Mother Albert received the Holy Ghost with a glorious experience, speaking in other tongues. Later they attended the Pentecostal Church at 1414 North Grand Avenue, where they met Brother B.H. Hite. Brother Albert considered this man a great influence in his life. It was there on Grand Avenue in February 1921 that Brother Albert was baptized in Jesus' Name. He received the Holy Ghost in 1925. He grew up in this church.

The congregation witnessed great outpourings of God's Spirit. Hundreds came to God. During this time Brother Hite felt led to build a new church. They moved into the new building at 3105 Cass Avenue about 1926. Brother Albert served in various capacities in the local church. He also served as sectional youth director and was the one who started the Labor Day youth rallies. As a youth he gave sermonettes in the local church and in churches in the surrounding area.

Calvin married on June 30, 1935. There were two children born to this union. Brother and Sister Albert pastored a church in Roadhouse, Illinois, in about 1943 for a short time. They moved to Hannibal in July 1945. Through the years Brother Albert was active in district work. When Brother Hite passed away, he served as District Secretary to Brother Harry Branding (about 1948 to 1952). He became presbyter in 1945.

Brother Albert had the privilege of preaching on some of the mission fields: London, England; Bangkok, Thailand; Kyoto, Japan; Semarang, Java; Manila, Phi;ippianes; Honolula, Hawaii; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Mexico City, Mexico. He preached revivals and speaking engagements in several cities of the United States. He made one trip around the world and two trips to Jerusalem. He stated that he was looking for that New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven.

Only heaven will show the extent of the ministry of Brother Calvin Albert.

Rev. Archie Lee Allen

United Pentecostal Church International

　1927 ~ Present

Archie Lee Allen was the last of three children born to Walter Lee Allen and Anna Estelle Carter Allen. He was born May 14, 1927 at 12:00 noon, in Aberdeen, Mississippi. The story goes that his mother chopped cotton until 10:00 on the day of his birth.

From the time he was a young boy, music played a big role in Archie’s life. He was no older than 14 when he and his brother, Hansel, along with a couple of friends, formed a little band and called themselves The Mississippi Ramblers. Archie played the steel guitar and rendered his very first solo while performing with the group. The Mississippi Ramblers could be heard every week on the old WCBI radio station out of Columbus, Mississippi. They performed at store openings, and occasionally at local school functions. Archie also began writing songs at an early age, and would later use this gift for the glory of God.

In 1945, at the age of 18, Archie received the Holy Ghost, and was baptized, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, under the ministry of Bro. Charles Webb. Two years later, Archie felt God’s call to preach the Gospel.

In 1948, while attending a sectional rally, Archie saw a young woman singing and playing the accordion and wanted to meet her. Ruth Kynerd was the young woman. After their meeting, it wasn’t long before she and Archie struck up a friendship and began playing and singing together. They became a popular duet at church functions in the Mississippi district and soon began dating.

On May 28, 1949, Archie and Ruth were united in marriage in Kosciusko, Mississippi, by Bro. Buford Miller. That summer, they preached revivals in and around the Philadelphia, Mississippi area.

In the fall of 1949, the newlyweds rented an apartment in Columbus, where Archie worked part-time in the timber business, while preaching out as often as time allowed.

The following summer found the Allen’s traveling to Louisville, Kentucky, where they assisted Bro. Homer Hall in a large tent revival. They also provided the special singing for this revival and saw many come to the Lord.

Following their time in Kentucky, Archie and Ruth began evangelizing full-time, ministering in numerous states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Illinois.

In January of 1951, the Allens traveled to Indiana for an extended time of revivals. They enjoyed being with Bro. Doyle Jenkins in Lebanon, and Bro. Elmer Jenkins in Sheridan.

After returning home in May, 1951, the Allens began a revival for sectional presbyter, Bro. Boyd, in Booneville, Mississippi. It was during this revival that Bro. Boyd asked Bro. Allen to consider the church in Iuka. Bro. Allen agreed and became pastor of the Iuka Pentecostal Church soon after. The church experienced revival and healings—both physical and spiritual. In September of that same year, the Allens welcomed their first child, Elaine, into the world.

In August, 1952, the Allens moved close to the Gulf Coast and assumed the pastorate of the United Pentecostal church in Moss Point. They would remain there for the next three years. It was during their time in Moss Point that the Allens met former assistant general superintendent and former foreign missions director, Oscar Vouga and his wife. Bro. Vouga was pastoring in Prichard, Alabama, just a few miles from Moss Point. He and Bro. Allen preached for each other often and a friendship was formed that lasted until Bro. Vouga’s death in 1978.

In May of 1955, Bro. Allen was elected pastor of the Mt. Pisgah United Pentecostal Church, near Leakesville, Mississippi. The church experienced revival and a season of growth, as did the Allen family. In October of the same year, Sis. Allen gave birth to identical twin girls, Dayle and Gayle.

In the fall of 1959, Bro. Allen accepted the pastorate of the Goodway Pentecostal Church in the delta town of Marks, Mississippi. Even though their time in Marks was brief, the Allens established deep friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

In 1960, Bro. Allen felt God’s leading to accept the pastorate of the church in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

The ensuing years brought a great move of God in Vicksburg, with many souls being renewed in the Spirit and filled with the Holy Ghost. In 1963, the church purchased property on Grove Street. A building program soon began. Bro. Allen had a vision for the structure of the new building, and worked long hours assisting in its construction. The new church was completed in 1964, and received a brand new name: Calvary Tabernacle.

It was in the summer of 1964 that the Allens recorded their first album. With their daughter Elaine joining in, they were known as The Allen Trio. Their music blessed not only their local congregation, but many campmeetings and conferences across the nation for many years to come.

Bro. Allen pastored the church in Vicksburg from 1960 to 1966. Many souls came to the Lord during these years and his ministry there continues to have far-reaching effects at home and around the globe. To God be the glory!

In 1966, Bro. Allen accepted the pastorate of the United Pentecostal church in Meridian, Mississippi, following Bro. Kenneth Phillips in this field of labor. A new parsonage was built the following year, and the church experienced revival on every level.

The year 1969 brought big changes for the Allen family. In the early summer, Bro. Allen resigned the church in Meridian and began evangelizing full-time. He ministered in Word and song in a number of states over the next five months. After much prayer, Bro. Allen left his roots in Mississippi and assumed the pastorate of the Chamberlin Drive United Pentecostal church in Beaumont, Texas. During his tenure in the Mississippi district, Bro. Allen was honored to have served in the following capacities:

Secretary-Treasurer of the Pentecostal Conquerors

Member of the Mississippi District Board

Member of the Board of Directors, Pentecostal Bible Institute

When Bro. Allen accepted the pastorate of the Chamberlin Drive UPC in Beaumont, Texas, he knew a little bit about building programs from his past experience, which was a good thing, because the church was in the middle of a building program upon his arrival.

A new sanctuary was being constructed, and Bro. Allen set right to work, helping bring his vision, and the vision of the church members, to fruition the following year. The church was also given a new name: Calvary Tabernacle.

Calvary Tabernacle in Beaumont, Texas saw tremendous growth over the next eight years, with many souls being saved, healed, and set free.

In 1977, Bro. Allen resigned the church in Beaumont and evangelized full-time for the next eight years. His evangelistic ministry took him to numerous states, including Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Kansas, Georgia, and California. By this time, he had written a number of songs and recorded four solo albums.

In 1985, Bro. and Sis. Allen returned to their home state of Mississippi to accept the pastorate of the Park Drive Pentecostal Church in McComb. They maintained their home in Texas, but would pastor the McComb church for the next 12-1/2 years, witnessing a great move of God, with many souls being refreshed and renewed in the Spirit.

Bro. Allen recorded his final CD entitled, “Songs That Last,” in January, 1998.

In September, 1998, Bro. and Sis. Allen semi-retired and moved back to their homeplace in Vidor, Texas to be near family. The next few years found the Allens enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle, while continuing to serve the Lord through ministry and song in not only their local state, but also in Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, North and South Dakota, and West Virginia.

The year 2007 marked Bro. Allen’s 60^th year in ministry, as well as his 80^th birthday. His daughters surprised him with cards from over 200 friends and family members, all expressing their deep appreciation for his influence in their lives, and in the lives of their children. An article about this occasion appeared in The Pentecostal Herald.

Throughout Bro. Allen’s more than 60 years of ministry, he and Sis. Allen have witnessed numerous healings, and a host of souls born again and renewed in the Spirit. Bro. Allen has been especially blessed, and humbled, to witness the making of ministers and minister’s wives during his pastoral leadership, who, in turn, have raised ministers and missionaries of their own, and the harvest continues. To God be the glory!

On May 28, 2010, Bro. and Sis. Allen celebrated 61 years of marriage. They have three daughters, three granddaughters, and their first great-grandchild (a girl) is scheduled to arrive in December, 2010. At the time of this writing, the Allens are still active in the Kingdom of God, preaching and singing in churches, seeing souls filled with the Holy Ghost. To God be the glory!

Rev. Luis Antonio Alvear

Apostolic Churches of Brazil

1901 ~ 1979

Luis A. Alvear was born August 5, 1901, in the city of Los Andres, Chile. On May 18, 1928 he and Maria Susana Maturana were married. Not long after their marriage, they were both converted from Catholicism and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost during the outpouring of the Spirit in the early past of the 20th Century. Thirty seven of their fifty years of married life were spent preaching the gospel in Chile, and later in Brazil.

After their conversion to Pentecost, they became active members of the Methodist Pentecostal Church of Chile, and some years later, Brother Alvear was ordained to the ministry by the same organization. He was then assigned to evangelize and pioneer churches in the Southern part of Chile, living entirely by faith. His ministry in this area involved tremendous hardships and sacrafices while serving his master. Brother Alvear thought it nothing to walk whole days at a time in order to reach towns and villages to preach the gospel. Oftentimes he encountered great opposition and persecution along the way.

Many times he would arrive at his destination soaking wet from the incessant rains in that part of the country, and without getting completely dried out, he would go on to preach in the next place. Poverty and hunger were quite familiar to the Alvear family as their children came along.

On October 31, 1979 at the age of 78, Brother Luis A. Alvear passed on to his eternal home from Curitaba, Parana in the country of Brazil.

 Dr. Marvin M. Arnold

Independent Apostolic Ministry

1921~2001

Dr. Arnold was born on March 24, 1921, in Neodesha, Kansas. He was saved as per Acts 2:38 in May, 1938, at Buchanan, Michigan, and he resided in Holland, Michigan. He entered formal theological training, in time obtaining his Bachelor and Master degrees. He received his Doctor of Divinity degree from the Pioneer College, Beebe, Arkansas. The Parkerburg Bible College, Parkerburg, West Virginia presented him with a Dctor of Theology degree.

Dr. Arnold was a recognized historian. Religious history was his main field of expertise. Eighty-eight Oneness Apostolic Christian organizations accepted him as their historian. He was the founder and Chairman of the Biblical Apostolic Organization.

Dr. Arnold spent the last thirty-three years of his life relentlessly researching and compiling Oneness Apostolic history. His literary works also include, Apostolic History Outline, The Origin and Spread of Man, Pentecost Before Azusa, The Bible, Trinity and Matthew 28:19, Nicaea and The Nicene Council of AD 325. He incessantly taught that the Upper Room Church of Saint Matthew 16:18 and Acts 2:1-38, had eternal longevity. He emphasized that the Church of Pentecost has been alive, extant, doctrinally intact throughout each day unto this moment. It never died; it never ceased to function; it never digressed to become something else. It's Apostolic doctrinal structure never fell; it needed no so-called restoration. It did not suffer a torturous step-by-step restoration by inept European gentile reformers. Also, he documented that between ca. 1670 and 1901-1909, in America, there were many Jesus' name people. He affirmed that Oneness Apostolic doctrine did not evolve from out of Topeka or Azusa teachings, nor from 1916 phenomena. Instead, the doctrine of Acts 2:38 has always been available to those who wanted it. Always, someone, somewhere, preached this biblical doctrine.

Dr. Arnold has traveled in Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. In Taiwan at a conference he met with the leading officials of the True Jesus Church of China. His travels also included England, Canada, Newfoundland, the Azores, Africa, and many nations of Europe. He also traveled in Iraq, and has seen the ruins of Babylon. He visited the archaeological ruins of the Tower of Babel in the Shinarian Plains. He researched the bagdad Museum, the British Museum, and the University Museum of Philadelphia. He traveled in Israel, and visited Qumran. He saw Jordan and Syria. He traveled Greece and saw Mars Hill and Corinth.

With an Iraqi government guide Dr. Arnold traveled to the city-state ruins of Uruk (Warka) near the Euphrates  River. He investigated the preflood citystate ruins of Lagash, Erida, and Ur. He has researched in many major libraries in the United States, and has had researchers work for him in great European libraries at Cologne, Paris, Oxford, Upsala, Berli, and othersw for information concerning ancient religious history.

In Turkey he researched at Nicaea, where the Nicene Council of AD 325 was held. He visited the interesting sites of Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Laodicea, and Aphrodisias. He traveled along the Kizilirmak, Ceyhan, and Seyhan Rivers. He visited the Ancient Hittite capitol, Kayseri. He saw the unique Goreme Valley, almost a fairy-tale land of exotic pyramids of stone. Also, located there are 360 solid stone cave churches and complete underground cities.

Dr. Arnold went through the afore mentioned efforts to obtain detailed information pertaining to Apostolic history that transpired during past centuries. His literary works have greatly impacted the Oneness movement, and his legacy has become greatly realized among Jesus' name people world-wide. After an exceptional ministry, Dr. Marvin M. Arnold went home to be with the Lord on November 24, 2001.