A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N

O   P  Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z

Rev. Carl Joseph Ballestero

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1919 ~ 1994

Reverend Carl Ballestero was born on December 6, 1919, in East, Los Angeles, California. His father was Catholic, and his mother was Assembly of God. During the Depression Carl became a gang leader of the "Crypts and the Bloods". As a young man he ran away from home. One day he jumped on the box-car of a train, and got trapped for (24) straight hours and could not get off. The sound of the wheels on the track created the rythmn, (clickty-clack, clickty-clack, clickty-clack, clickty-clack). Carl heard a message within the rythmn, that seemed to be saying to him, "You gotta get right, you gotta get right, you gotta get right with God". He made a deal with God that night, that if He would intervene, and allow the train to stop so that he could get off, that he would start going to church.  

In 1939, after visiting a church pastored by Charles Price, Carl received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. His old gang friends did not receive the news very well. After a period of time, Carl went back into the world, and became caught up in the web of a sin-filled life. He did some prize fighting while trying to survive. Carl spent two years in San Quenton Prison, and while there, his cell-mate was given a tract that he did not want. carl read the tract and received the revelation of baptism in Jesus' Name. While in prison, Carl received his call to preach. One day while standing in the court-yard of the prison, he preached his first sermon to the other prisoners. His subject was, "Though thy sins be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow".   

Carl went from prison to a civilian, conservation corp, an organization for the rebuilding of America. He then joined the military. Being able to type (90) words per minute on a manuel type-writer, Carl became the private secretary to the Colonel. He searched for two years for someone to baptize him in Jesus' Name. After being transferred to Oregon, he discovered a Jesus' Name church. There, he found Andrew Baker and was baptized in Jesus' Name.! Brother Baker was one of the early fathers of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Content (Connie) Faith Gleason was a niece to Andrew Baker, and this is where Brother and Sister Ballestero first met. They were subsequently married in 1943. Brother Ballestero was discharged from the Army and went full-time into the Apostolic ministry.

Brother Ballestero pastored for (25) years and evangelized for (25) years. Altogether, he pastored nine churches. His first pastorate was in Clinga, California, followed by tenures in, Aneheim,  and Vista, California; Yakeymo, Washington; Columbus, and South Bend, Indiana; salt Lake City, Utah; and Sulphur, Louisiana. He was in South Bend from 1960 to 1972.

Brothet Ballestero made visits to the Azusa Street Mission, and to the house on Bonnie Brae Street, where the Holy Ghost was first received in Los Angeles. There he spoke to some of the people who knew first hand of the events that had made history in 1906. In his early twenty's, he would visit Sister Amy Simple McPherson's, Angelus Temple, in Los Angeles, and listen to her preach.

Brother Ballestero will alway's be remembered in the anuals of Apostolic history as one of the spiritual Giants of the 20th Century. One of his most famous sermons was preached in San Antonio, Texas in 1964, during the UPC General Conference. The title of his sermon was, "The Handwriting on the Wall". On September 11, 1994, after battling with Alzheimers desease, Brother Carl Ballestero completed the race that he had so nobley began and endured. It could be said of him, "Another Soldier has come home". Audio and Video recordings of Elder Carl Ballestero are available in our Audio Library.

Rev. Martyn Ballestero

United Pentecostal Church International

1944 ~ Present

Reverend Martyn Ballestero was born on February 2, 1944 to Carl and Content Ballestero. In 1958 at the age of fourteen he receved the baptism of the Holy Ghost during children's church. He began preaching at the age of sixteen.

In 1965, he married Marcia Starr. There were five children born to this union. In 1968 Brother Ballestero became the pastor of a church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and remained in that city until 1971. Afterward he began to assist his father (Eld. Carl Ballestero) at Christ Temple in South Bend, Indiana. After the 'Elder' Ballestero resigned, and moved to Salt Lake City to start a new church, Brother Marty Ballestero assumed the pastorate of Christ Temple in South Bend on January 1, 1973.

Brother Ballestero is an anointed preacher, whose ministry has impacted the lives of everyone who has had the opportunity to hear him expound the word of God. He carries with him a tremendous heritage, while at the same time preparing to leave behind a powerful legacy. Brother Ballestero served on the Board of Elders for the Apostolic Minister's Fellowship as General Secretary, and Editor of their official organ, "The Apostolic Standard." He is presently licensed with the UPCI, but evangelizes throughout North America, preaching for a variety of Apostolic churches. Audio and Video recordings of Brother Marty Ballestero are available in the audio/video library.

Bishop Harry Barnett

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1888 ~ 1952

Harry Barnett, the son of William and Fanny Barnett was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 15, 1888. Barnett has the distinction of being the only Jew that served as a Bishop in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

He was educated in the Indianapolis school system. He and Vertoria Fingerly also of Indianapolis were married on September 6, 1912. He was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost in the month of June, 1918 under the ministry of Bishop G.T. Haywood. After doing the work of an evangelist for three years, he was sent to pastor the Full Gospel Assembly in Niles, Michigan.

He labored tirelessly there 22 years until his death. In August of 1932, Barnett was elevated to the board of Bishops of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Later he was elected chairman of the Northern District Council (Michigan) and served faithfully as long as his health permitted. He and Vertoria never had children of their own but raised Donna May Williams in their home from infancy.

Bishop Barnett was greatly loved for his charm, humorous disposition, and outgoing nature. Few men could equal his loyalty and faithfulness to the kingdom of God. Weeks before his death, he was confined to his bed but would insist on being dressed in shirt and tie and being groomed to "The Nines".

He always felt his role as a pastor dictated that he look like one even when he was too sick to do anything but sleep. He died on July 9th 1952.

Bishop Ralph Bass

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

 1893 ~ 1972

Bishop Ralph Bass was born October 6, 1893 in West Jefferson, Ohio. In 1913, Bishop Bass was married to Elmira Mack , and from that union six children were born. From the time that he voiced his opinion with the little group that met at the Center St. Y.M.C.A.  in Springfield, Ohio, he served faithfully in many capacities. he served as pastor of El Bethel Temple, Springfield, for sixteen years. He was made a District Elder in 1932 and held this office for thirty years. Served as vice-chairman to the council and was appointed to serve on the advisory board.

He accepted the pastorate of Bethesda Temple in Dayton, Ohio in June 1936. In 1955, he was elevated to the office of Chairman at the General Convention in New York.  After serving faithfully for eleven years, in 1966 he asked to be relieved and be permitted to watch another serve.  

His petition was granted two years later, in July of 1968 he laid down the gavel. In 1959 he was elevated to the office of Bishop and a year later was assigned to the State of Arkansas.

In July of 1970, after Bishop Karl F. Smith resigned the office of diocesan (due to failing health) and was appointed to emeritus status, Presiding Bishop Ross P. Paddock appointed Bishop Bass to serve until the General Convention. He was later elevated to the office of diocesan and served faithfully and untiringly until he was beset with illness. With what strength he had, he continued to fulfill his duties along with preaching, teaching and admonishing in the service of the Lord. Always reminding the saints that the coming of the Lord is nigh. 

His service touched the lives of many, and in every area of the council. With sons and daughters (in the Lord) serving likewise, having been guided by the loving hand of Bishop Bass. God had work for him to do and God left him here until his work was finished. He left beautiful footprints on the sands of time. He could have no greater joy than to know that the Ohio District Council was operating in the true light that he had taught by precept and example.

Bishop Bass preached his last sermon on Sunday afternoon of March 5th. He was not very strong in body but mighty in the spirit. He spoke of what was, what is, and what is to come in his own life, and he let it be known that he was ready to meet the Lord. He spoke of the many other occasions in the last year before his passing. On June 24, 1972 Bishop Ralph Bass departed this life. Another Soldier went home to be with the Lord. Audio Recordings of Bishop Bass are available in our Audio Library.

Rev. Irvin L. Baxter Sr.

United Pentecostal Church International

1921 ~ 2000

 Reverend Irving Baxter Sr. was born July 24, 1921 in Pendleton, Indiana. He worked at General Motors in Indianapolis, Indiana before his conversion. In 1939, he was baptized in Jesus' Name and on January 1, 1940 he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in Ingalls, Indiana. The church was pastored by Sister Ruth Miriam Olson, who later became his wife when they were married in 1940.

Brother Baxter started preaching in 1942. He and Sister Baxter pastored together in Ingalls until 1944. He served in the Army from June 1944 until December of 1945. In May of 1947 they moved to Joplin, Missouri and set up a tent on the corner of 16th and Pearl Avenue, and started a church. In 1948 he bought an old Army Chapel from Fort Crowder in Neosho, Missouri, and relocated it to the corner of 15th and Pearl Avenue. Brother Baxter pastored in Joplin for (10) years. In May of 1957, he resigned the church and turned the pastorate over to Elder William J. Garrett.

Brother Baxter evangelized for the remainder of the year until November, then he went to Richmond, Indiana, and started a church in that town. Under his ministry several preachers have been developed, such as: Tom Johnson, Robert Arthur, Larry Cummings, Bill Heimer, and David Saurs. After (16) years in Richmond, Brother Baxter turned the church over to his son. In October, 2000 Brother Baxter went home to be with the Lord.  He will always be remembered as a spiritual giant, and someone who fought for the preservation of the apostolic message. Audio and Video Recordings are available in our Resource Department.

 Bishop Dennis Rayford Bell

Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith

1923 ~ Present

Bishop D. Rayford Bell was born July 9, 1923 in Carroll County, Mssissippi. Dennis was the youngest of two children born to Mae Ella Hawkins. Unfortunately, he was not blessed to be raised by his parents. He never saw his father.

Growing up in the racially tense suburbs of the south and having seen, felt, and tasted the conspicuous injustice that surged from the opposition, still he somehow managed to acquire a bit of classroom education. A great deal of credit goes to Dennis' grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Hawkins who readily assumed the responsibility of raising him and seeing to it that he received the little education that was made available. Dennis was unable to attend classes, but could freely go when there was no work to be done on the farm. His grandparents, being quite poor, were for three years unable to buy his textbooks. Therefore, he was kept out of school during that time. Black schools unlike the white schools, were only open five or six months out of the year. In spite of all these obstacles, he completed his basic education and was graduated from the eighth grade.

Nevertheless, nothing could stop Bell now. His teacher wanted him to attend Alcorn College in Lorman, Mississippi, but his folks simply couldn't afford to send him. Since they couldn't and there was nothing to do at that time of the year, he went back through the eighth grade, two or three times. It wasn't until he came to Chicago that he finally finished his high school education at LaSalle University. When referring to his early obstacles, he said, "I concur with President Lincoln; 'The little advance I now have upon this store of education, I picked up from time to time under the pressure of necessity'."

At age 15, before attending High School, Dennis left Mississippi and went to Morley, Missouri in search of a better life. Discontented in Missouri, realizing life was not as easy as he had hoped it would be, he returned to his hometown in 1938 still in search for a better life or perhaps, something better in life. Once back at home, he discovered that some new girls had moved into the district. One of these was named, Darlene. She came from a good family and her strong puritan background had a haltering affect upon his life. It wasn't but a few years before Dennis and Darlene were joined together in holy matrimony. This took place inj Cruger, Mississippi, July 20, 1942. To this union two children were born.

D. Rayford Bell understood the importance of securing a job and providing for a young family. He worked as a plater for the Chicago Plating company and later as the head-mixer in the Bulk Department of the Inter-Chemical Corporation whose headquarters was in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1958, Bell resigned in order to give his full time to Christian service. The most interesting point about that decision is that, he was not a pastor nor had he ever conducted a revival. Bishop Bell believed that God Himself had spoken to him and told him that he should serve Him in full time ministerial capacity. Therefore, Bell obeyed and resigned from his job.

Being the pastor of many people from various walks of life, Dr. Bell felt that it was expedient that he further his education, especially in the religious field. This led to his enrollment at Southwestern College in Oklahoma. Here he received his Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating with honors. In his book entitled, "The Philosophy of Christ," Dr. Bell stated that his congregation forced him to study. At the American Bible College in Pineland, Florida, he maintained a straight A average and went on to receive his Master of Theology degree, graduating March 10, 1978. August 5, 1979, from Toledo Bible college and Seminary in Tennyson, Indiana, Pastor Bell received his Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with honors.

In 1957, D. Rayford Bell's pastor, Elder Barnes, left the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. This was the same year that the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith Association was formed. Dr. Bell states, "It was only natural that I would leave also, therefore, I resigned from the Illinois District Council of the P.A.W." The first National Convention of the P.C.A.F. was held in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was here that Bishop Bell was ordained. In August 1961 Bell was promoted to the office of District Elder. Just a mere three years later, in August, 1964 he was promoted to the Bishopric. In August of 1970, he was elected Assistant Presiding Bishop of the P.C.A.F.

Bishop Bell can best be characterized as one who possesses the strongest of human wills. He has that kind of mind and determination that once he's intrigued by and attracted to something, there is simply no stopping him until the object of attraction has been completely conquered. A realist more so than an optimist, Dr. Bell is not easily taken by trickery, false representation, and the like. He possesses a kind of uncanny ability for discernment.

As for pulpit expertise and style, he's highly regarded as one who speaks with great authority. He does not use a high volume of words nor does he give into a preacher's temptation to use repetition of phrases or words. But like a great skilled swordsman, he uses the Word of God to pierce, divide and discern even the very thoughts and inents of man's heart. Audio Recordings of Bishop Rayford Bell are available in the audio library.

Rev. Larry L. Booker

Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship

1952 ~ Present

Reverend Larry Booker was born November 17, 1952 in Pueblo, Colorado. He lived a hippy life-style before his conversion. On April 6, 1972 he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at Truth Tabernacle in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. His pastor was Ray Moss. Brother Booker was called to the ministry that same year. He remained in his home church for four and one half years.

Brother Booker evangelized from November 1976 until July 1977. On July 1, 1977 he became pastor in Miami, Oklahoma., and remained there until July 1, 1981. He then traveled to California, and evangelized from November 1981 until May 1984. On May 1, 1984 he then became pastor of the Gospel Lighthouse in Arroyo Grande, California, and remained there in November 3, 1996.

Today Brother Booker is a successful Author, having written several books pertaining to the Apostolic life-style. He pastors the Inland Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Rialto, California, and continues to  be mightly used of God all across North America. He also preaches camp-meetings, conferences, and anniversary services. In January, 2008, Brother Booker was instrumental in he formation of a new, Oneness organization called, "The Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship". The organizaton has headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Audio and Video Recordings of Brother Larry Booker are available in the audio/video library.

 Bishop Paul A. Bowers

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1929 ~ Present

Bishop Bowers was born in Oxford, Pennsylvania in 1929, and was saved under the ministry of Elder R.L. Hancock. He was called to the ministry in 1946, and attended his first PAW Convention in Cleveland, Ohio in 1947, where he slept on the floor of the church, then pastored by Elder Francis, for the lack of delegate housing.

Bishop Bowers was ordained in 1950, at the PAW Annual Convention held that year in Boston, Mass., becoming the youngest minister to ever be ordained with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. He served as a National Evangelist from 1950 to 1956 and began pastoring Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Temple in Cincinnati in January, 1957. In January, 1992, The Greater Emmanuel Church Family celebrated Bishop Bower's 35th Pastoral Anniversary.

Bishop Bowers attended Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a B.S. Degree, and Aenon Bible College where he earned a B.Th. Degree. He taught High School Social Studies in the Cincnnati Public School System several years. In 1962, he was elected PAW Assistant General Secretary serving along with Bishop James A. Johnson who was then PAW General Secretary. He was elected General Secretary in 1968, when Bishop Johnson was elevated to the Bishopric.

Bishop Bowers served as PAW General Secretary until 1976, when he was also elevated to the Bishopric in Chicago at the Annual Convention that year. He was assigned Diocesan over the Carolinas Council. Since his appointment several new churches have been established and several others have been directly helped financially and otherwise by Bishop Bowers. He was married to the late Sister Elma Jean Bowers, and is the father of three daughters. In 1992 Bishop Bowers was elected Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He served as the Prelate until 1998. Audio and Video Recordings of Bishop Bowers are available in the audio/video library

Rev. Harry W. Branding

United Pentecostal Church International
1891 ~ 1968 

Reverend Harry Branding was born in 1891 near Granite City, Illinois. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1929 through the ministry of Benjamin H. Hite, and began preaching a short time later. For (34) years he was pastor of Apostolic Pentecostal Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and saw it grow from a small congregation into one of the largest churches in the United Pentecostal Church.

From the beginning of his ministry, Harry Branding was active in organizational work. In 1943 he served as general secretary of the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated. After the formation of the United Pentecostal Church, he was, for a time, a member of the Foreign Missionary Board anf of the Board of Christian Education. At the time of his death on September 8, 1969, he was district superintendent of the Missouri District, a postion he had held since 1948; a member of the Board of Publication; a trustee of Tupelo Children's Mansion; and chairman of Gateway College of Evangelism, which he had helped establish in 1968. Audio Recordings of Brother Harry Branding are available in our Audio Library.

Bishop David Braziel

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1920 ~1982

Bishop David Braziel was born June 9, 1920 to Mr. and Mrs. John L, Braziel in Polk County. He was educated in the Polk County School. In 1939 David heard the Gospel call and was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost. Shortly thereafter in the same year, God called him into the ministry.

In order to enrich his blessing from God into the ministry, he attended Aenon bible college. The Lord blessed further and on April 7, 1942, he was married to Mary Jackson. This union was blessed with five children, four sons and one daughter.

Bishop Braziel served as District Elder for twenty years and later on was elevated to the office of Bishop of the Georiga State council of the P.A. of W. He was the Pastor of the Greater Bethlem Temple Holiness Church for twenty-six years.

Bishop Braziel's legacy leaves to us his true love for people, a strong determination to live saved, sanctified and holy, and a lot of years of wonderful memories of his always wanting the best for other people. On February 20, 1982, like a mighty Oak that had fallen, such was the passing of Bishop David Braziel, as he took his early leave. His Home Going Services were held on Wednesday, February 24, 1982 at the Bethlehem Temple Holiness Church in Rome, Georgia, and was officiated by Bishop Paul Bowers.

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1921 ~ Present

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier was born in 1921, in the Hyde Park Community of Chicago, Illinois. He was born in the third floor apartment at 5210 Lake Park Avenue. During that period, most Black children were born at home because few hospiotals admitted African Americans due to the racial climate at that time. He was born to Robert and Geneva Brazier, who had migrated from the state of Alabama in 1917.

Arthur was raised on the South Side of Chicago, and attended Francis E. Willard and Douglas Elementary Schools. After graduation he attended Wendell Philips High School, but left in 1938, at the height of the Great Depression to go to work to assist his family financially.

In October 1942, Arthur was inducted into the U.S. Army. He received his basic training at the Myrtle Beach Bombing and Gunnery Range in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and at the Dyersburg Army Air Base in Dyersburg, Tennessee. He left the United States for overseas duty in India and Burma, July 1943, and returned to the United States December 24, 1945. He was honorably discharged on December 28, 1945. In July 1947, he met his future wife, Esther Isabelle Holmes, and they were married February 21, 1948. Four children were born to this union.

Arthur was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in September of 1947, at the Morgan Park Assembly Church under the pastorate of Elder Herbert C,. Moore. However, he joined his mother's church, the Universal Churcj of Christ, where she was the pastor. She passed away in 1949, and Elder Steven Lucas was named pastor. Arthur, who had already been called to the ministry, was named as the assistant pastor, and he served under Elder Lucas until his deasth in 1952.

He served the small congrergation of about 30 members until 1960, when he was asked to serve the Apostolic Church of God as its pastor. Both churches saw the value of a merger, and led by Elder Brazier, the churches merged with 100 members. Today the church has has approximately 16,000 members.

In 1967, District Elder Brazier was elevated to the office of Diocesan Bishop and assigned to the Diocese of Illinois. Although Bishop Brazier has committed his life to the Christian ministry, he has recognized the need for being active in the civic life of the city and working for the well-being of African Americans and other minorities. 

Bishop Lawrence E. Brisbin
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

  1915 ~ 1994

Bishop Lawrence Brisbin was born on May 23, 1915. On January 31, 1943 he was filled with the Holy Ghost after he was baptized in Jesus' name some days earlier. The joy of his salvation was expressed in both song and testimony, and he often marveled at the deliverence from alcohol and nicotine at the moment of his baptism. Lawrence attended the Apostolic Faith Church faithfully, never realizing that he would someday be its pastor.

On May 18, 1945 Lawrencewas drafted into the United States Army where he served with the 114th General Hospital Unit. During his military service he began to preach and often spoke about how God had sent him to school while in the Army. When he returned from military duty, he began preaching on the streets of Grand Rapids and at the Apostolic Faith Church. He was ordained in Boston, Massashusetts in August of 1950. In 1951 Elder Brisbin was elected pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Under his leadership the congregation grew in number.

Elder Brisbin did not limit his service to the local assembly. He was active in the Northern District Council and was made a District Elder over the western portion of the Michigan diocese. In August og 1962 Elder Brisbin was given the title of "Bishop" and shortly thereafter was assigned the diocese of Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. He served in this capacity for several years and was later assigned the diocese of New York and Ontario. At its annual convention in August of 1980, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World selected Bishop Brisbin as their Presiding bishop, a position he held until 1996.

Bishop Brisbin was preceeded in death by his wife of fifty-five years, Mildred Elizabeth. After the death of Sister Brisbin, Bishop's health began to fail and he resigned his position as pastor on January 1, 1993. Bishop Lawrence E. Brisbin passed away on April 14, 1994. Although his voice has been stilled, his reputation and dedication to God continue on.  Audio Recordings of Bishop Lawrence Brisbin are available in our Audio Library.

Bishop George H. Brooks

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

  1897 ~ 1993

Bishop George H. Brooks, son of the late William and Pauline Brooks, was born in Brunswick, Maryland, December 13, 1897. He lived in New Haven, Connecticut. Raised in Brunswick, George attended public school and enjoyed the love of family and friends. After the death of his father, he assumed responsibility of helping his mother raise the family. This was when he began to actively exhibit his leadership abilities.

He served in the United States Army in World War I and was honorably discharged. Throughout his life he had a love for hunting and was an avid fisherman.As a young man, George never gave much real thought or time to church and did not consider that one day he would experience the call of God to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He often told the story how he heard the voice of God while sittingat a gambling table playing cards one night. The call directed him to get up and go forward to proclaim the pospel ...to preach the Word of God. Recognizing the voice as genuine, he was obedient in leaving the table never to gamble again.

George received his formal religious training while attending Bible College in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania before returning to Maryland. As a young clergyman, he ministered in various churches where he met and married the late Nellie Grayson. To this union were born nine children. Elder Brooks began his Christian life as a young baptist minister until in 1924 he was introduced to a new movement...the gift of the Holy Spirit speaking in tonguesas the Spirit gave utterance. Within a short time, he and his wife were baptized in Jesus' Name and began to move forward as servants of the Most High God. Their commitment was to do a great work for the Lord; and as fate would have it, they indeed did accomplish much for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God.

As a member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Bishop Brooks served as a Distrct Elder. In 1958 he was elevated to Suffragan Bishop, and to the full Bishopric in 1964, a position he held until his retirement to Emeritus status in 1988. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Aenon Bible College, in Indianapolis, Indiana, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.

Bishop Brooks was a tender man, who, like many men of his era, often found it hard to express the true love and profound sense of pride he had for his family. At times people may have thought him short on words, as if  nothing bothered or concerned him. Yet, his family and those who knew him saw beyond  that facade to the kind, soft man who was a loving father and pastor. He was a firm disciplinarian, stressing religious and moral values. Bishop George H. brooks fell asleep in Christ on Thursday morning, August 26, 1993. He left behind a host of friends, both in the P.A.W. and abroad to cherish his memory.

Rev. Aubrey William (Bill) Buie Jr.

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1942 ~ Present

Reverend Bill Buie was born on June 10, 1942 in Alexandria, Louisiana. The eldest of three sons born to Aubrey and Gloria Buie. He was raised in a preacher's home, and is himself a fourth generation preacher. In the winter of 1947, at the age of five, Bill was baptized in Jesus' name. At the age of seven he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in a revival conducted by Joseph Urshan, in Kilgore, Texas where his father, A.W. Buie Sr. was pastoring.

At the age of eleven, Brother Buie preached his first sermon, entitled, "The Five Wise and The Five Foolish Virgins"  As an evangelist he held over two-hundred revivals. Elder Buie has a very rich "Apostolic Heritage" that reaches all the way back to the great Oneness Pentecostal Movement that developed around 1913.  His great-grandfather Joseph Morgan was a circuit riding 'Oneness Preacher' from Pineville, Louisiana. His grandfather, A.T. Morgan, served as the second General Superintendant of the United Pentecostal Church International. Brother Buie's father, A.W. Buie Sr., is an outstanding preacher who has built many churches, and pastored in several locations throughout North America.

During his formative years of ministry, Elder Buie spent some very valuable time at "Christ Temple" in South Bend, Indiana. There He served as the only assistant pastor that the late Elder Carl Ballestero ever had. Brother Buie's first pastorate was in 1963, at Dinuba, California. His second pastorate was in 1971, at New Iberia, Louisiana. His third pastorate was in Kingsport, Tennessee, which lasted for six-years. His fourth pastorate lasted over 20 years at Landmark Apostolic Church in Hollywood, Florida.  

As a member of the Apostolic Minister's Fellowship, Elder Buie served on the General Board of Elders, and also on the Missionary Board. For several years He was a contributing editor for the Apostolic Standard,  the official organ of the AMF. He was a popular speaker who was frequently called upon to preach conferences, anniversaries, and camp-meetings while affiliated with the AMF. Afterward, he continued traveling throughout the country, preaching and teaching due to the high demand of his ministry.

Elder Buie is a preacher's preacher! He possesses a dynamic command of words, and is truly at home in the Word of God. His extended education includes a Master's Degree and Doctor of Divinity. His education, coupled with the anointing of the Holy Ghost has made Elder Buie a superlative among his contemporaries. Today he is thought of as one of the greatest preacher's to ever live in the 20th Century.  Audio and Video Recordings of Elder Bill Buie are available in the audio/video library.

Cleveland M. Becton

United Pentecostal Church International

1928 ~ Present

Cleveland M. Becton was born September 21, 1928, in Jackson, Tennessee, the second son of parents, James M. and Christine M. Becton. At the age of two the Cleveland's family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where his uncle, Rev. G.H. Brown pastored a Pentecostal Church. They did not immediately attend the church that he pastored, however, after attending the First Baptist church for a short period of time; his parents felt that they should make a change. This was the beginning of their experience of Pentecost, both parents receiving the Pentecostal experience.

It was in the summer of 1940 in a revival meeting with brother Odell Cagle that Cleveland received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in the name of Jesus. From that time on he remained in the church.

Cleveland was always interested in learning to play the piano, and when he was ten, he began to take piano lessons, and a year or so later he began lessons on the accordian. He immediately began to play both instruments in church services. At the age of 15, he left home with his parents consent and properly chaperoned and played for the Stamps Quartette. At the age of 16 he was teaching piano and accordian in the Stamps School of Music in Dallas, Texas. This was the Summer of 1945 and he had strong feeling that this was not the life for him.

Pentecostal bible Institute was opening for their first year in Tupelo, Mississippi. It was the fall of 1945, and Cleveland became a pioneer student with about 28 others for the very first term. It was in the second semester of that year while in a weekend service in Iuka, Mississippi, that he felt the call into the ministry. He was 17 years of age and started in the evangelistic work when that term ended. His first revival experience was in Nashville, Tennessee. His evangelistic days continued until the fall of 1950 when he took his first church to pastor and that was in Bay City, Texas.

While growing up in the church in Little Rock, Arkansas, a family named Dyson was also members of that church. They had several children and one of them; a daughter was about the same age as Cleveland was. Her name was Margie. They started out at very young ages liking each other. This continued through the years and they were married in 1947. Margie became right away an evangelist's wife and three years later a pastor's wife. The Becton's had three wonderful children. Rudy, Ronald, and Renee. This made for a complete family.

In 1957, the Becton's became ther first pastor of a small group of people in North Little Rock, Arkansas. They moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1960 to become the pastor of the West Nashville Pentecostal Church, later the name was changed to the First United Pentecostal Church. 

The following positions were held by Bro. Becton in the UPCI:

1952-1957 Youth Secretary of the Texas District

1958-1960 Home Missions Director

1961-1967 Secretary of the International Youth Division  

1968-1976 General Secretary of the United Pentecostal Church International

1978-1981 Assistant General Superintendent of the UPCI

1982-1998 General Secretary of the UPCI

1982- Present One of two speakers on Harvestime

1999- Present Honorary member of the General Board of the UPCI

For more (B) profiles click on the following links.  B-2   B-3   B-4