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Rev. Lulu Jackson

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1907 ~ 1994

Dr. Lulu Jackson pastor and founder of the Pentecostal Assembly Church, Waterbury, Connecticuit, was born October 17, 1907, in Cobbs, Georgia to the late Martha Laney Sapp and Isaiah Harris. At the age of ten, Dr. Jackson moved to New Jersey. At the age of 21, she was baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the Holy Ghost the same night, at Emmanuel Church of Christ in Newark, New Jersey.

In 1937, the Lord sent Dr. Jackson to Waterbury, Connecticuit, to establish a Jesus Name Church. The Church started in a rented store-front. Dr. Jackson's ministry has taken her across the United States and into many foreign countries. She has been awarded numerous trophies and plaques from various councils around the world.

Through her ministry, eight churches were established. Dr. Jackson also excelled in other areas: She attended Aenon Bible College on a scholarship awarded her by the International Missionary Auxiliary of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Later receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Aenon College. She was also one of the directors of Aenon Bible College.

On the State level, Dr. Jackson served as Treasurer of the Connecticuit District Council in its pioneer days. President of the Missionary Auxiliary for 21 years, President of the Church Extension, 2nd Vice Chairman of the Council for eleven (11) years, and 1st Vice Chairman for six (6) years. In August of 1960, she was elected Vice President of the International Missionary and Women's Auxiliary of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. From 1964 to 1980, she served as President of the same International Auxiliary. Dr. Jackson was the first woman to be elected to the Executive Bishop Board as Lay Director of the North East District of the P.A.W. She served in this capacity for six (6) years.

After serving her generation by the will of God Dr. Lulu Jackson fell on sleep October 15, 1994.

 Dr. Norma Elaine Jackson

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1931 ~ 2005

On October 31, 1931, a great woman of God, Norma Elaine  was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Wesr Indian parents who loved God - Felix and Christine Cayenne. She was the last of four daughters. Norma was educated in the New york public school system at Girls High School, where she excelled in her curriculum. She later went on to attend various schools of higher education including, City university of New york. During this time, she met and married the late Leo Sylvester, and they had two children, Leroy and Jeanette.

Norma was a spiritually minded young woman who loved the word of God and was destined for the ministry. She was ready to receive the Lord when the children's babysitter led her to the Lord. She was baptized in Jesus' Name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at King's Chapel in Harlem, New York.

After receiving the Holy Ghost, she became very active at her church and the New York State District councel. It was at a Council meeting that she heard about Aenon Bible College. At age 26, Norma received a scholarship to attend Aenon Bible College in Columbus, Ohio, but many of the pastors and ministers discouraged her from going because they felt that being a single woman ot two children it would be a hardship.

Neverthe less, Norma being a strong, determined woman of God, she was convinced that God wanted her to go to Aenon. Therefore, she packed a trunk, took off for Ohio, and spent the next eight years studying the word of God and preaching whenever she could.  She received her degree in Religious Education from Aenon while attending the church of Christ of Apostolic faith pastored by the late Bishop Karl F. Smith.

Norma admired her pastor, as he was very instrumental in her ministry, and she profited from what he taught her. As her ministry continued to grow in 1967, the Lord directed her to move to Los Angeles, California, where she would attend the apostolic faith Home Assembly pastored by the late Bishop Frank R. Bowdan. She got bust working in the house of the Lord, holding such positions as director of the Senior Choir, and Christian Education director. In 1972, the Lord directed Bishop Bowdan to ask Sister Norma Sylvester to become the Dean of the newly formed West coast school.

Sister Sylvester was already a graduate of Aenon Bible College East Coast and an inrense Bible scholar. Sister Sylvester's knowledge of the Word of God, her unique ability to deliver in a dynamic manner, her knowledge of school and business operations and most of all her sincere dedication to the service of the Lord made her a top choice as a leader. She accepted the position with zeal to serve. For many years, she would stand at the helm of the school bringing it into full stature as one of the most recognized schools of learning on the West Coast.

As a national evangelist with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Dean Sylvester continued to give superb, untiring service to the school. After working in the ministry for many years, as  a single woman, God sent her a man who would become the love of her life. On July 16, 1983, she married Vernon C. Jackson who was also a faithful member of the Apostolic Faith Home Assembly. Together they are the proud parents of five children who serve in various professional capacities.

In 1994 at the PAW Mid-WinterConvention in San Diego, California, Dean Norma Jackson was bestowed the Honorary Doctorate degree of Divinity. This special honor represented 22 years of faithful service. She later went on th become Vice President/Executive Provost and in her final capacity, she became Administrative President of the Aenon Bible College.

Dr. Jackson was on a mission to teach and preach the Word of God to those who would hear, clearly being directed by divine purpose. For over 30 years, she taught prominent pastors, evangelists, teachers, missionary leaders, youth leaders and many others who are now providing exemplary service to their congregations in their God-given capacities.

After a lengthy illness, Dr. Norma Jackson departed this life on Friday, April 29, 2005. The Lord chose to take her "Home." She kept her eyes on the Prize and she has reached her goal. 

 
Rev. Bruce Jarrell

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

Deceased 1971

In the fall of 1954, under a tent revival in the Lee Road Community of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Bruce Jarrell, a (25) year old, walked into a Pentecostal service for the very first time. On October 2, 1954 he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and was baptized in Jesus' Name. On November 9, 1956 he married Eloise Reviere. Brother Jarrell attended Pentecostal Bible Institute during 1957 and 1958 as he prepared himself for the ministry.

He preached a number of revivals before accepting the pastorate of the First Pentecostal Church of Hulden, Louisiana. He served there from September, 1959 to June 1965. On June 5, 1965 Brother Jarrell went to Zachary, Louisiana to build a church. He started in a tent, and after several months, he began work on a building. He served there for four years.

In 1969, Brother Jarrell began evangelizing again. During the last six months of the year he saw over 100 people receive the Holy Ghost. On January 6, 1970 he became the pastor of the Pentecostal Church in Jeanerette, Louisiana. In (17) months, the church grew from (12) members, to over one hundred, filled with the Holy Ghosty, and baptized in Jesus' Name.

Brother id not live long, but he lived a full life. He served God well in the (17) years that he was saved. He offered himself, gave himself, and spent himself. He used himself up ij his driving effort to do something for God. In early June of 1971, he told Brother Ray Majors, "I am about through. I won't be here much longer. I am about used up". On June 30, 1971, at 3:10 in the afternoon, after he had served his own generation, Brother Jarrell fell on sleep, and went to his rest and reward. Brother Jarrell will be remembered as one of God's select General's, who helped to lead many souls into the fulness of this great Apostolic message.

 Bishop Sherrod C. Johnson

Church of the Lord Jesus Christ

1901 ~ 1961

 Bishop Sherrod C. Johnson was born on November 24, 1901, in the little town of Pine Tree Quarters, Edgecomb  County, North Carolina. It has been said that the lovely night that Sherrod came into the world was calm and serene. The stars spangled the skies with a florescent brightness as the whole horizon of the world seemed to shine with luster of mid-day around the tiny cottage amidst the pines. 

The birth of this infant son to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, marked a turning point in the history of the Apostolic Faith Movement in the 20th century. That fateful night everyone hustled about, and preparations were made for the birth of one who was to become a world figure, one who would bring to the world a new concept of things that pertain to God's word.

His childhood began in Pine Tree Quarters. At the age of three months, he took his first steps. Always active as a child, he began working in the cotton fields at the age of nine - chopping cotton for the meager amount of twenty-five cents per day. Eventually, due to his faithfulness, his boss raised his wages to forty-cents per day. The memories of his childhood were not always pleasant to think about neither were they altogether tranquil. The turbulent experience of his early years were the underlying factor in the the molding of his distinctive qualities; his moral, as well as his eccentric characteristics which later in his life would produce in him an advantage in everything he attepmted to do.

During this time is when Sherrod's heart was drawn to the Lord. As of yet, however, he knew little of God or thr fact that man should serve Him. That is something that was revealed to him much later in his life. As a child, Sherrod had a vision of seeing himself being buried one day. His fears greatly overcame him. His mother held him in her arms until his fears subsided. Gently she explained in her own way the difference between life and death. The fact that if a man lived a life acceptable unto God he had hope of eternal life, but on the other hand if he lived a life of sin, he was destined to a life of eternal damnation.

Perhaps the underlying factor in his coming to Christ, can be accredited to his contact with some people in his community who were members of a Holiness Church in the vicinity. To most people in the settlement they were an erratic group. This group was so diverse from the average religious gathering, until their fame spread throughout the community as being religious fanatics. One day a lady said to Sherrod, (then just a lad) "Son, how would you like to be holy?" This question stayed with him, and took root, and then began to grow until it became a reality.

In Halifax, N.C., there was a holiness church. This is where Sherrod C. Johnson first heard the holiness message preached. Here is where he deeply considered holiness. To the other spectators who came mostly out of curiosity, the words might have been the fanatic babbling of some fanatic minister.However, for Sherrod his entire soul cried out for the gift of the Holy Ghost. One night while in bed, God poured out on him the gift of the Holy Ghost, as it was received in the Bible in Acts 2:4. His cup was indeed filled to overflowing. From the moment that he received the Holy Ghost, he went around fighting for Christ, as much as he knew.

Eventually, he moved to Philadelphia, PA., where he came in contact with a man who told him about water baptism in Jesus' name. He immediately went to 1720 South Street and was baptized, thus completing his salvation according to God's eternal Word.Bishop Johnson became pastor of his first church (a storefront) in 1919. He became a member of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in New York City, and was ordained by presiding bishop, R.C. Lawson. He apparently had a problem with some of Bishop Lawson's teachings. While he accepted some of the main points of Lawson's theology, Sherrod became "tired of the slack" as he put it, over the improper dress attire that Lawson allowed for women.Upon this, he separated himself from Bishop Lawson in 1932., and started his own organization, which he named, "The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic faith."

Bishop Johnson was indeed a charismatic and unique individual. He ruled the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ with an iron fist and a velvet tongue until the time of his death. On February 25, 1961, while in Kingston, Jamacia on vacation he fell on sleep. He was 62 years of age, and said to be a multi-millionaire. He will long be remembered in the annuals of Apostolic church history as someone who marched to the beat of a different drummer. He was deeply controlled by his own convictions, and once stated that unless a man had been baptized by him in Jesus' name, he had not been baptized. Audio Recordings of Bishop S.C. Johnson are available in our Audio Library.

Apostle Lymus Leewood Johnson was born a few years before the Great Depression, on February 22, 1922 to Edward and Rosetta Johnson of Lusby (Calvert County), Maryland. He was the youngest of eight children. At around the age of six or seven he began preaching around the house and when it became too small and confined for him he eventually took his little ministry outside.

After gathering a group of friends together he organized them into a church. He received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues at the tender age of nine while attending a revival at a Church of God In Christ assembly.

Shortly thereafter he was allowed to preach his trial sermon at his home church St. John Methodist Church. As he grew he hungered for more of God and was deeply influenced by the radio ministry of Bishop S.C. Johnson. Over a period of time he decided to leave home and go up north to seek his fortunes.

He had an aunt, Mrs. Elam Dickerson, who lived in Asbury Park, New Jersey, so he decided to go and take a room in her home. After moving to New Jersey he began attending the church pastored by Bishop S.C. Johnson. This is where he was baptized in Jesus' name. While attending services there he met and married Ruth Robinson. It would be the Robinson family who introduced him to the man who would later become his pastor and spiritual mentor, Bishop R.C. Lawson.

It is from this point that his ministry began to take a greater form. Through much observation during his travels he noticed that many souls were being baptized, but not enough were receiving the Holy Ghost. He also noticed that some pastors didn't work with souls to receive the Holy Spirit. For this reason he decided that his would be a ministry whose main focus would be on assisting souls to come through with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Sprit of God gives utterance.

As he labored in the prayer room God began to answer. Suddenly in his revivals 5,6,7 and even ten souls at a time began to be filled with the Holy Ghost. As he continued he found that he could sometimes lay hands on someone and the Holy Ghost would instantly fill the believer. He continued to fast, pray and work with souls, sometimes into the wee hours of the night, and all of a sudden he was in demand all over the country.

It was on the occasion of one of Bishop R.C. Lawson's trips to Africa that he called the young Elder Lymus Johnson and told him to run a revival at the Temple (Refuge Temple 125th Street NYC COOLJC HEADQUARTERS) until he came back. During this revival, which lasted almost a month, one hundred (100) souls were baptized in Jesus' name and seventy-five (75) were filled with the Holy Ghost.

In reference to Elder Lymus Johnson’s revivals at the temple the late Frederick Eikerenkoetter (Rev. Ike), who was a young minister in those days, said "Goodness, gracious, great balls of (Holy Ghost) fire! Was my impression of the then Evangelist Lymus Johnson, as I witnessed God use him to set fire to the hearts of saints, "aints" and sinners. In his revivals, he showed up and blazed! People were saved, blessed, delivered and baptized with the Holy Spirit. I remember those weeks of revival in New York City. They were like the solid weeks of the Day of Pentecost.”

Apostle C.L. Long (Scripture Church, Washington D.C.) states, "When it comes to pure evangelism, I would have to rate him as one of the greatest evangelist ever. Apostle Lymus Johnson would run revivals and fill the place up and then come back and add to it. When you see 25, 30 and 40 people being filled with the Holy Ghost at the same time it has a profound effect on you."

Mother Opal Wills of NY says, "He is a man that has a heart for souls. He could reach souls where others could not. I have a brother who no one could reach, but after Bishop finished preaching, to our entire family's amazement, my brother was completely broken and came to the altar repenting of his sins ready to be saved.

Sometimes people were frightened by the forceful way he would preach and thought that he was speaking directly to them and would repent and get baptized in Jesus' name. That infamous scream was truly for sinners, for upon hearing it they were convicted of sin and ready to be saved."

Bishop R.C. Lawson promoted Elder Johnson to the office of National Evangelist. As a consequence many of the churches benefited greatly through souls being filled with the Holy Ghost as this man of God ministered in their churches causing them to grow and prosper. His ministry extended through the various Apostolic Faith organizations including, but not limited to COOLJC, PAW, UPCI, WOTC, BibleWay, Progressive COOLJC etc.

Wherever he went he left a trail of souls filled with the Holy Ghost. In many cases he didn't receive much in compensation, but nevertheless he continued to go. He is often heard telling young ministers that he ate apples for breakfast, apples for lunch and apples for dinner (baked, fried and stewed). Traveling on Amtrak, buses and taxicabs he was diligent in meeting the need of souls thirsty after the Holy Ghost experience. After the death of his beloved wife Ruth, he established the Evangelistic Churches of Christ, Inc. It is through this organization that he continued his work nationally and internationally. It can be truly said that he has a great influence in the lives of preachers holding up the Apostolic Doctrine in the church world today.

  Rev. Tom Johnson

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1935 ~ Present

Reverend Tom Johnson was born on February 6, 1935 in Sprigg, West Virginia. On June 20, 1955 He married Rosa Mae Norman. Three children were born to this union. In 1960 Brother and sister Johnson were baptized in Jesus' name and received the Holy Ghost in Richmond, Indiana. Their pastor was the late Irvin L. Baxter Sr.

In 1962 Brother Johnson accepted his call to preach the Apostolic message. He received his ministerial training under the tutledge of Brother Baxter. In 1963 He felt a burden to go to Connersville, Indiana, and there He started Bethel Apostolic Church..

Elder Tom Johnson's ministry has left a profound impact on the lives of many, many people. He has a unique style of preaching. He possesses a strong determination to stand for the truth. He is an intimidating force against the power of sin. He has been a spiritual leader to young ministers, and a true friend to both pastor's and evangelists. Elder Johnson was ordained in the United Pentecostal Church International. He has also served on the General Board of Elders of the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship. He has preached numerous conferences, anniversary's, and camp-meetings throughout North America. Elder Johnson is truly, a man of God, and a great inspiration to those who know him. Audio and Video recordings of Elder Tom Johnson are available in the audio/video library of the Apostolic Archives International.

  Dr. Johnny James

Pentecostal Assemblies of thw World

1930 ~ Present

Dr. Johnny James was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, April 1, 1930. He is the second child born to a Methodist pastor, John Andrew James I, and Bertha Valentine James. The Rev. John Andrew James was a very serious person and an analytical thinker.

In 1931, Johnny James' mom, received the Gospel and was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the precious Holy Ghost. Sister Bertha lived a devoted life to God, and raised Johnny and his sister Susie in an Apostolic Pentecostal environment. Sister Bertha went to sleep at 94 years of age, and left a legacy of God inspired songs. The most widely known and sung around the world is, "When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus," written in 1936.

Johnny says that his first birth made him a citizen of the United States of America, and his second birth gained him citizenship in heaven. Johnny James ismarried to Anna Juanita. They are the proud parents to nine children, eight who live on earth and one that resides in "heaven."

Johnny and Anna are also the very proud grandparents of 16 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Johnny James attended Aenon Bible college, Detroit Bible College, and bethal School of Theology. He holds two degrees, and is an adjunct professor of hermeneutics at two Bible Colleges. He has preached, lectured, debated or taught in every one of the 50 United States. His ministry has been taken abroad as well. His travel includes Canada, England, the bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Australia.

Because of his ability to quote book, chapter and verse, he has become known as "THE WALKING BIBLE." He has read the Bible over 40 times, and his object, subject, and project is "JESUS CHRIST." Dr. James declares, "That until you see "JESUS"-"YOU HAVEN'T SEEN NOTHING WORTH LOOKING AT!" Audio and Video recording of Dr. Johnny James is available in the audio/video library of the Apostolic Archives International.

Bishop Jerry L. Jones

Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith

Bishop Jerry J. Jones, Sr. was born an only child to Rosalie Jones in Natchez, Mississippi. At the age of 11, he moved to Chicago and was educated in the Chicago Public School System. Upon making friends with one of the pastor's daughters, he visited the Victory Apostolic Faith Church and in 1967 was baptized in Jesus' name and received the Holy Ghost. After enlisting in the US Army, he later became a Sunday School Teacher at House of Prayer in Columbus, Georiga where he was stationed. Once back from the service, he became Sunday School Superintendent at Victory and eventually God called him to the ministry in 1980.

God's amazing plan was still in motion. In just three short years, Elder Jones was elevated to Assistant Pastor of Victory Apostolic Faith Church and in 1987, became the Pastor pf the Apostolic Assembly of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was elevated to District Elder the following year and assumed the diocese of the founding pastor, which included 65 churches in Nigeria, Africa.

In 1991, he was elevated to the Bishopric, where he received jurisdiction as 13th Episcopal Bishop of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. And as the new millennium took shape, his new millennium ministry took off and God granted him the office of Illinois State Council Chairman in February 2000 and 2nd Assistant Presiding of the P.C.A.F. National Body on July 28, 2000. To God be the glory! God's hand was also upon Bishop Jones in the secular world. In 1977, he began his career with the city of Chicago Fire Department as a Firefighter. Less than 10 years later, after serving in a series of other positions, he was promoted to Exempt Rank and is currently serving as Assistant Fire Commissioner and the head of the newly created office of Diversity.

Bishop Jones has attended the Moody Bible Institute, Midwest Apostolic Bible College and Trinity Bible College. In 1997, he was awarded an Honarary Doctorate from the Pentecostal Bible College. He was also a recipient of the 1999 United Negro College Fund's Distinguished Leadership Award. Pastor Jones and his wife, LaVerne, have six biological children. The Jones family was highlighted in 1991 when Ebony Magazine did a 3-page, featured story on Bishop Jones. As they put it, "he's the Firefighting Bishop" who puts out fires in the natural and sets ablaze in the spirit!

Rev Paul Jordan

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1911 ~ 1993

 Reverend Paul Jordan was born April 2, 1911 in Brightwood, a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1932 he was filled with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and one year later was called into the ministry. He faithfully preached the Apostolic faith gospel for six decades. Brother Jordan assisted Sister Leona Spillman at Christian Tabernacle in Indianapolis for several years, and after her passing in 1953 he bagan his pastorate of the church.

The Lord raised up a great congregation under his anointed ministry. Brother Jordan was a gentle, truth loving soldier of the cross. He often said, "I want to live as long as I can, and die when I have to". On June 1, 1993 after many years of successful ministry Brother Jordan was called home to be with the Lord. He left behind his wife, Betty M. Jordan, four children and a host of grand and great-grand children. Audio Recordings of Elder Paul Jordan are available in our Audio Library.

Elder Henry Willis Jones

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1904 ~ 1996

District Elder Henry Willis Jones was born on August 14, 1904, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Elder jones was first of two children born to George and Lily Pearson Jones.

Henry W. jones received his early education in Spartanburg Public Schools and, after receiving his high school diploma, he later graduated from Ragsdale candy College in East Orange, New Jersey.

In 1923, Henry was joined in marriage to the late helen B. Smith. And, this union of forty-eight (48) years lasted until the time of Helen's death in April of 1971. It was in 1929 that the Jones's moved to Fort Wayne. After this move, they went into business making and selling candy and sandwiches in Fort Wayne's downtown area.

During the late 1920's no Apostolic Congregations existed in the Fort Wayne area. However, the Lord had a plan from which a new apostolic Church would spring forth. Under the leadership of the late Elder Luther W. Gray, Christ Temple Apostolic church held its first public service on July 4, 1932. It was during this meeting that the Holy Ghost moved on the hearts of henry and Helen Jones; the Jones' both wanted to receive the new birth experience.

With a conviction to be 'born again', on July 12, 1932, just eight days after the June 16 meeting, both henry and Helen Jones were baptized in the name of Jesus christ for the remission of sins. Subsequently, Christ Temple's first two (2) converts were filled with the blessed gift of the Holy Ghost!

With the influence of the Holy Ghost, Brother Jones and his wife began to work for the Lord under the guidance of their pastor, Elder Gray. Brother jones grew in his walk with the Lord and eventually acknowledged a call on his life to carry the Word of God. He later became a licensed Minister through the Apostolic Bible Students Association of Indiana, Inc.

In 1934, Christ Temple congregation grew in number, Elder Jones was called to work with Elder Gray as the church's first Assistant Pastor. As he continued to serve the Lord, Elder Jones not only studied the Holy Bible, he also attended Aenon Bible College where he graduated with a Degree in Divinity. Sometime later, Elder Jones became an ordained minister in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

In March of 1933, Elder Gray became ill and could not perform his duties. It was at this time that Elder Jones began to function as the acting pastor. After the death of Elder Gray in January of 1944, Elder Jones was installed as the new leader of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. As the church membership continued to grow, Elder Jones, who was fondly called "Elder," felt the call of God to lead the saints to build a new sanctuary. Recognizing the need to move soon, a property site located at 1327 Winter street was purchased and construction for the new church began. 1949, a dedication service for the newe edifice was led by, then Aenon Bible Student President, Bishop Karl F. Smith.

As  Elder Jones continued to serve the people of God, he fathered many sons and daughters in the gospel who have followed him into a ministry of preaching and teaching God's Word. And, throughout his years of service "Elder" grew in the grace, wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, and was therefore elevated to district Elder Henry W. Jones.

After serving as a Pentecostal Minister fifty-three (53) years, almost forty-four of which were spent pastoring Christ Temple Apostolic Church, the late Bishop Watkins, oversaw District Elder Jones' retirement services.

Fpllowing his retirement, District Elder Jones was still like a strong tree planted by the rivers of water; he ould not be moved. He fought a good fight in which he was both a friend and a servant of God; he finished his course; and he will be long remembered as for his good deeds. On August 15, 1996, District Elder Henry W. Jones departed this life.