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Bishop John T. Leslie Jr.

Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith

John T. Leslie Jr., was born in Macon, Georiga to John Leslie, Sr. and Essie (Fields) Leslie. At the tender age of 9, John was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and was filled with the Holy Ghost under the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ (COJC) founder, the late Pastor Lena Sears. It was at this age when he dedicated his life to the ministry of Jesus Christ. By the time John was 15 years old, he began teaching Sunday School classes. At the age of 16, he began preaching the Godpel of Jesus Christ. He held his first revival in Atlanta, Georiga at the age of 17, and at the age of 18, he received his first ministerial License from the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (PCAF). During his college career, Elder Leslie began to evangelize across the United States.

In 1965, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Howard University. He also pursued a graduate degree in Business Management at American University, but it was at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, where he earned his Masters in Business Management. He also earned his Doctorate of Theology from the Pentecostal Bible College in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Elder John Leslie became an ordained Minister in August 1967 at the PCAF National Convention. Since that time, Bishop Leslie has served the PCAF in several capacities: including Assistant Secretary of the PCAF; Bishop of the 6th Episcopal District, Secretary of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Auditing Committee, Treasurer of the National Youth Conference, and General Secretary of the PCAF.

Bishop Leslie has been pastoring the COJC since 1980. He is married to Louise (Moore) Leslie. From this union, they are blessed with five children.

Bishop John B. Lambeth

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1932 ~ 2006

Bishop J.B. lambeth was born in Kilgore, Texas, and from birth he was reared in the First Pentecostal Church of Kilgore. He was baptized in 1942 by Elder Taylor Ford, the general manager of the South Central Council and Pentecostal Publishing House of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ situated in the city of Kilgore, Texas, and he received the Holy Ghost, on October 12, 1946 under the ministry of Sister Nona Freeman. For eight years Elder A.W. Buie Sr. served as his pastor and counselor.

 J.B. Lambeth attended Apostolic College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Apostolic Bible Institute, in St. Paul Minnesota. He later did graduate work in various colleges and universities throughout the world. Wanda Louise Mason Lambeth received the Holy Ghost under the ministry of evangelists Charlotte and Nila. She was reared in the baptist  Church. Elder A.W. Buie Sr. baptized her in Jesus' name in January, 1949, and served as her pastor until her marriage to J.B. Lambeth. The couple established churches, before going to Brazil, in the cities of Beckville, Tatum, and Longview, Texas. They had applied for an appointment to Africa, but the country in which they desired to work, ws closed to missionaries. J.B. agreed to assist in the work in Brazil, and after a five year term, felt Brazil was truly his field of calling.

J.B., Wanda, and John Bradley Lambeth arrived in Brazil on April 20, 1960. The flight originated in Houston, Texas, arriving in Porto Algre, R.G.S., Brazil at midnight. There was no one to meet the Lambeths, and in their desperation, having a small hungry child of 18 months, and being unable to speak the language, they began to earnestly pray. The only person who spoke English in the airport was a young man who worked in the control tower.

They went to Brazil to assist the Samuel Baker family, who had trained in the capitol city of Urigual. The American Consulate assisted them in making contact with the Bakers. This was the beginning of a partnership that ushered in the Jesus Name movement in the country. The New Birth message, in its fullness, to their knowledge, had never been preached before in Brazil, but from that humble beginning evolved a following that numbered in the thousands. There are now dozens of mini-organizations, traditional denominational groups, and independent movements throughout the country, but they all stemmed from that original endeavor. The Bakers, during a six month period assisted the Lambeths in language study and adjustment.

The Lambeths then relocated to San Paulo. In Rio Grande do Suil, two years passed before there was a single conversion. This was a dark and discouraging experience for the Lambeths. Visitation, door to door, continued. Then a couple in Vila Mathias Velho, Canoas, manifested an interest in the Jesus Name message, and shortly afterward they were among the first to be baptized in Jesus' name under the Lambeths. The wife had cancer, and much prayer was offered for her healing and salvation; but she did not receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. However, on the day of her burial, at the funeral service, her husband and twenty-one others were filled with the Holy Ghost. The revival fires spread from the funeral service into the mountains, and across the valleys of Southern Brazil, and seventeen churches were raised up as a result. 

Preaching points were established in cattle barns, under trees, and inpeasant huts, houses and halls in seventeen cities. It was during this time that oppositions became acute, and Noemi, an eighteen year old girl, who had just received the Holy Ghost, was martyred by a strong Catholic activist. There were other dedicated men and women that gave their lives in the  service of the King during those early years, and the Apostolic churches still remember those soldiers of the cross as heroes.

A camp ground was purchased, a Bible Training School was founded, a down town central hall was leased on the street of Lima and Silva, and for the first tme in the country, a radio broadcast was initiated that propagated the Jesus Name message. The Apostolic College and New Life university was founded and a four year liberal arts graduate program was established. There are branch schools in the states of San Paulo and Santa Catarina. The apostolic Churches of Brazil sponsors Ministerial Study Seminars, training and adult study programs, two annual Youth Congresses, a National ladies Retreat, a Circuit Ministry Project, and a School of Music. The Evangelism Department is progressive, and through their efforts, numerous churches are initiated each year, as well as buildings and chapels that have been erected for the glory of God.

Bishop J.B. Lambeth has been mightily used of God over the course of his ministry. His legacy will long remembered as his work for God stands as a perpetual memorial to what this man of God has accomplished over his lifetime. In 2006 Bishop Lambeth graduated from his earthly labor and went home to be with the Lord.  Audio Recordings of Bishop J.B. Lambeth are available in our Audio Library.

Rev. Jack Thomas Langham

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1920 ~ 2002

Reverend  Jack T. Langham was born on May 20, 1920 in Mineral Wells, Texas. He was  the first of four children born to Otis and Jewel Langham. Jack was raised in Mineral Wells, and attended High School in that town. Afterward, he attended Junior College in Beaumont, Texas. Before his calling into the ministry, Jack was employed at the United States Post Office. In 1940, he joined the United States Army and became a Sargent. His discharge came in 1945.

On April 6, 1946, Jack and Marie were united in holy matimony. Three children were born to this union. Their only daughter preceeded him in death.  In 1948 at the age of 27, Jack was baptized in Jesus' Name by his pastor T.W. Burke. It was during that same time that he received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in Odessa, Texas.  He attended International Bible College in San Atonio, Texas, and then attened Apostolic Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma for four years. He was ordained in Tulsa in 1951 by C.P. Williams.

In 1955, Elder and Sister Langham went to Monrovia Liberia, West Africa as a Missionaries. They remained there for seventeen years. Elder Langham pastored the Headquarters church in Bomi Hills and established eight other churches over the course of time. In 1968 he joined ranks with the newly formed Apostolic Minister's Fellowship. In 1973 he returned to the United States. He then pastored for six years in Chandler, Texas. Afterward, Elder Langham traveled as a full time Evangelist until he suffered a stroke in 2000. On February 18, 2002, after serving his generation by the will of God, Elder Jack T. Langham went home to be with the Lord. He will be remembered as a Man of God who loved the Apostolic message. Audio and Video Recordings of Elder Jack T. Langham are available in our Audio Library.

Bishop Austin Augustus Layne

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1891 ~ 1967

 Bishop Austin A. Layne was born on April 2, 1891, in Barbados, West Indies. He was one of nine children born to the Reverend and Mrs. Samuel Layne. Austin was educated in the private and public schools in Barbados. During his childhood he always had godly inclinations, and was converted at the age of ten. Austin was foremost in Sunday School, and the young people's group.

On Sunday's the young people held street meetings and Austin was their preacher. He was always on preaching tours with his father after school. The call of God was ever on his heart. Austin came to the United States at the age of twenty-two, and settled in New York City. He met Selena Alberta Stewart while living in New York, and they were married on October 12, 1916. Eight children were born to this union.

He took a graduate course in theology from Columbia University in New York City. He received two certificates from Moody Bible Institute, and was a member of the Society of Psychology. One sunday while walking down fifth Avenue at the corner of 134th Street, he saw a street meeting, and because he always respected religious services, he stopped, and as he stood there, a child about the age of fourteen mounted the stand. This girl was the sister of the late Fats Walker. This was the beginning of his start in holiness.

In the summer of 1914, while sitting in an early morning prayer meeting, God came and filled him with the Holy Ghost. Later, he was enlightened to baptism in the name of Jesus, which he also accepted. The late Bishop G.T. Haywood ordained and appointed him as District Elder, and he was called in 1918, to pastor the Temple Church of Christ in St. Louis Missouri, which he did for 48 years.

Bishop Layne was the Diocesan of the 12th Episcopal District of the P.A.W. He was one of St. Louis' most prominent ministers who believed in progress. He had unstinting faith in God, believed in prayer and fasting. With those ingredients he was able to bring forth one of St. Louis' largest churches. The Temple Church of Christ.

Bishop Layne started this church in a storefront in 1918, located on Market Street. After a long and fruitful ministry, Bishop Layne fell on sleep in his home, located at 3909 San Francisco Court. He was 76 years of age. Final rites were held on October 21, 1967.

 Bishop Samuel Austin Layne, Sr.

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1919 ~ 1997

Bishop Samuel A. Layne was born July 13, 1919, the second of eight children. He assumed the position as pastor of the Temple Church of Christ upon the death of his father, the late Bishop Austin Augustus Layne, Sr. in October 1967. At the age of 9, he was baptized and received the Holy Ghost; at age 16, he became youth leader in the church; at age 27, he was called to the ministry. His wife of 45 years, Elvie J. Layne, preceeded him in death on january 29, 1997. She was baptized May 20, 1926.

Bishop Layne also took the young people to heart. He organized the first Inter-City Young People's Fellowship throughout the St. Louis area, among Pentecostal Churches; he served in the capacity of General Treasurer of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Bishop Layne was a graduate of the St. Louis Publis Schools, and majored in Music at Kansas University and Northwestern University. He applied his education and training in the music field to serve the Lord.

In 1963, Bishop Layne was elected as the first Assistant Pastor of the Temple Church of Christ by the membership. Four years later, after the death of his father he became pastor and overseer of the church. He continued preaching holiness and truth throughout the years.  In the mid-70's he began weekly radio broadcasts in which he was able to reach a broader listening audience. He held various offices throughout the years. He served as National General Treasurer of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He was also appointed as District Elder.

In August, 1980 he was elevated to the office of Bishop at the National General Convention in Miami, Florida. Bishop Layne was then appointed to the office of Diocesan of the 36th Episcopal District of the Eastern Caribbean District Council of the P.A.W. In October, 1987 he was appointed Diocesan of the 14th Episcopal District. He also served as the director of the International Pentecostal Young People's Union of the P.A.W.

Bishop Samuel A. Layne was a dynamic preacher and Bible teacher; always encouraging the younger generation. His wife served faithfully at his side as his personal Secretary. Bishop Layne dedicated his life to teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to further the "movement" of Pentecost. He reached out, touching lives through his ministry; always encouraging young people and the younger ministers coming up and told them the phrase that was quoted to him by his father, "Coat the Lions tongue with honey and stay out of the way of his teeth."

Bishop Layne was the pastor and overseer of the Temple Church of Christ for 30 years. Throughout his ministry, many souls were added to the church. He died June 11, 1997. Bishop Layne and his wife proved to be true saints of God with the essence of God through faith and devotion, which had greatly reflected in their spiritual lives.

 Bishop Clester Richard Lee

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1896 ~ 1991

Bishop C. R. Lee  was the eldest of nine children born September 28, 1896, in Hart County, Kentucky and moved to Marion, Indiana where he attended public schools. A vetren of World War I, he was married to Mary Ellice Garrett and became the father of one son and three daughtes. He founded and co-owned Lee and Lee Wall Cleaners which served the Mansfield, Ohio area.

Clester's first encounter with Christ was at the age of seventeen at an old-fashioned mourner's bench in the  Allen Temple A.M.E. Church at Marion, Indiana. It was not until the year 1927, that he learned of holiness and the  Apostolic doctrine through his in-laws who had received knowledge of the truth as a result of street meetings held in their little town of Alexandria by zealous workers from Christ Temple in Indianapolis, Indiana. After much struggle against this  "new doctrine", careful investigation and observation of the lives of these "Jesus Only" people, combined with diligent searching of the Scriptures, Clester and his wife, the late Mary Garrett Lee, were baptized in Muncie, Indiana by the late Bishop Oscar Sanders in December 1929.

The young converts returned to Mansfield after the Christmas holidays and soon began witnessing to others and transporting prospective converts to Columbus, Ohio to hear more of the truth under the ministry of the late Bishop K.F. Smith. Soon cottage meetings commenced and eventually a store-front church was opened with Elder Lee having the overssight though not the pastorate. After several unsuccessful attempts by other ministers to pastor, Elder Lee eventually said "Amen" to the will of God and accepted the pastorate of the Apostolic Church of Christ, originally named the Temple of Christ. Elder Lee was not only founder, but also builder of the church located at 245 North Adams Street, Mansfield, Ohio.

Following the demise of Sister Mary Lee, Elder Lee was married to Sister Ada Brown-Haines, a devout woman of God remembered for her dedication and faithfulness to the work and people of God in the Ohio District Council. Elder Lee's work in the Ohio District has included serving as treasurer, vice-chairman, chairman, and member of the advisory board. Subsequent to being made Suffragan Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, he was elevated to full bishipric and assigned to Episcopal District 10 (the Southren Tri-State Council) where he served until 1972, when he became diocesan of the Ohio District Council. He was a man of faith by precept and erxample, having trusted God for physical healing for almost 58 years without benefit of any medication. Bishop Lee departed this earthly life, August 8, 1991.

Bishop A. William Lewis

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

 1896 ~ 1973

Bishop Arthur William Lewis was born on August 22, 1896, in the State of Pennsylvania. He was the son of William E. and Catherine Lewis. In his early twenties, he married Anna Strickler, who preceeded him in death in the year 1968. To this union was born one daughter, Barbra; she also preceeded him in death.

On April 19, 1969, he was joined in marriage to Sister Sue D. Gentry in Los Angeles, California. Shortly thereafter they moved their residence from Santa Anna, California to Buchanan, Michigan where he spent his last days. It was while living in Plymouth, Indiana and studying to become a Lutheran minister that Arthur came into contact with the "Great Apostolic Way" as he expredded it. The late Bishop G.B. Rowe, then pastor of Midway Tabernacle, convinced him of the authenticity of baptism in Jesus' Name, and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost to which he yeilded.

He continued to pursue the ministry in his newly found Apostolic faith, evangelizing locally at first, and later in other states. e pastored in Cleveland, Ohio, and was elevated to the Bishop Board of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1928. In later years when his health did not permit him to be an active bishop, he served in an honorary capacity. This seeming disadvantage caused him to develop with painstaking efforts his beautiful luminous charts. These visual presentations of the gospel are lasting memories in the hearts and minds of many saints, and exemplify the deep love he had for God's Word.

Bishop Lewis played a very significant role in the ranks of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1931. After Bishop Haywood's untimely death in 1931, the organization fell upon distressing times. During the General Convention held in Chigago in 1924, the majority of the white brethren conscientiously pulled out of the organization due to a parade of inexcusable reasons.

Most of the issues at hand were racially oriented. Although there were Jim Crow laws that effected many of the black brethren from freely traveling throughout the South, an assortment of excuses began to surface as to why some of the white brethren could not remain in the P.A.W. One of which was the complaint over Elder Haywood's signature appearing on their credentials as the General Secretary. 

Some felt that it was a hinderance for them to carry their fellowship cards with a black man's signature on it. This is a sad page in the past history of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. A page that nearly destroyed the entire organization. Bishop Lewis with Bishop F.I. Douglas, and Bishop Samuel Grimes held the organization together while the greater part of the brethren attempted the merger with the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ to form the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ.

After a long and fruitful  ministry, Bishop A. William Lewis went home to be with the Lord. Final rites were held in Sana Ana, California, Tuesday, October 30, 1973, with Bishop Frank R. Bowdan officiating. Although his trophies were laid down, he now awaits that glorious day when he shall exchange that old redemptive cross for his crown. Audio and Video Recordings of Bishop Lewis are available in our Audio Library.

Bishop Willie Lee

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1901 ~ 1969

Bishop Willie Lee was born February 16, 1901, in Starksville, Mississippi. He was the son of Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Hester Lee. He attended public school in Starksville. He was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Taylor, September 22, 1918, in Parkin, Mississippi. To this union, one son was born who preceeded him in death July 13, 1968.

Willie was baptized in Jesus' Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in February, 1925, under the ministry of the late Bishop G.T. Haywood. Later, moving to Detroit, Michigan he was selected the assistant pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple under the leadership of the late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock. Promoted by God to higher heights he became pastor of Christ Temple Church in Musekegon Heights, Michigan for a number of years and erected a church edifice.  

Bishop Lee returned to Indianapolis by request of the official board and accepted the pastorate of Christ Temple and for 15 years he served faithfully. With many accomplishments, provinf God's favor with him in the addition and erection of a saints home and annex. Also the purchase of a new parking lot across the street from the church. October, 1957, Bishop Lee ws elected the Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. Later, succeeding to the Senior Bishopric after the death of Bishop S.N. Hancock.

Field trips, conferences and general pastoral duties became the way of life for him until Sunday, June 15, Bishop Lee expressed himself to his assistant pastor, District Elder Nathaniel Madden, "I am tired, I am going to rest." The sweet rest in the Lord came on June 19, 1969 at the age of 68 years and 4 months and 3 days. Although another great warrior and champion of the faith fell in battle, Bishop Willie Lee will forever be remembered for his love of Apostolic truth.

Claudie Earl (Buddy) Looper

1938 ~ 1999

Independant Ministry

Rev. Buddy Looper was born on, January 19, 1938 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Rev. Sam and Lorene (Johnson) Looper. Brother Sam Looper was a Penecostal preacher who served as both a pastor and an evangelist. Buddy attended school in Little Rock. He was raised in the Apostolic faith and attended Bishop A.O. Holmes' church in Little Rock. Buddy received the Holy Ghost at the age of 15 in 1954. Shortly after his conversion he began preaching. In May of 1956 at the age of 17 he went to Stuttgart, Arkansas, and started the First Pentecostal Church.

On February 21, 1958 Buddy and Shirley Hodges were united in holy matrimony. To this union was born four children. Brother Looper was a strong advocate for the things which he believed in. He believed in holiness, and stood for the the Apostolic faith. He held credentials with the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship, but spent most of his ministerial career as an independant.

After a short illness, Brother Looper suffered a heart attack while attending a camp meeting in Racine, Missouri. He passed away on July 28, 1999 in Joplin, Missouri.  Audio Recordings of Brother Looper are available in our Audio Library.

Rev. C. Norman Luna

United Pentecostal Church International

Rev. C. Norman Luna was born February 14, 1925, in Desark, Missouri. He received the Holy Ghost in 1948. He and Sister Luna evangelized, singing and preaching throughout many states, before beginning their first pastorate in Greenfield, Illinois, in 1955. Brother Luna served as pastor for a brief time in Herrin, Illinois, and from 1962 - 1972 he pastored in Anchorage, Alaska. From 1972 until his death, Broither Luna pastored the White Hall Pentecostal Church in White Hall, Illinois. During this time he also served as Harvestime district director for Illinois, a position he held until 1993.

The Lunas were actively involved in the Harvestime ministry from its beginning in 1961. They gave their gospel recording to Harvestime to be marketed, with the proceeds going to the radio ministry.

After a successful ministry of Apostolic excellence, Brother Luna went home to be with the Lord on August 6, 1994

Rev. James G. Lumpkin

United Pentecostal Church International

1929 ~ 2007

Rev. James G. Lumpkin was born on October 26, 1929, in Columbus, Georgia. The little mother who gathered the newborn baby boy close to her heart knew that he would be great. She knew that she would teach him to love God. She knew their hearts were irrevocably bound together until death. But what she could not know was how hard the road to manhood would be for him. She had no idea of the hurt the little 7 year old would endure as he watched his friends interact with their fathers, knowing that his father had chosen a different road...one that led him away from him, his dear mother, and his big sister. She had no idea how trying the road ahead would be for her as she, a single mother, endeavored to teach her two children that beauty and God and love really DO exist in spite of the unfairness of life.

That special mother poured into that little boy all the goodness that was in her heart and soul. She trained him up in the way he should go and prayed earnestly that he would find a special partner in life, one who would share in his good and his quest for life's best. He met that partner as a young soldier. She was beautiful and he knew his heart was gone forever. On August 13, 1949, James G. Lumpkin  Sr. brought Jean Rosebraugh home with him for good.

Althouigh the Lumpkin-Rosebraugh union was a major milestone in the life of the Lumpkin family, the most important event occured in the spring of 1951, in Sherman, Texas. The union that began on a dance floor was eternallt sanctified as the Spirit of the holy Ghost entered the lives of the young couple. The course of the little boy from Georgia was forever altered.

He immediately bfelt that there was a special call from the Lord on his life. Brother Joe Lane, his pastor from Montgomery, Alabama, had a profound impact upon his new life and his decisions; and in 1956, James and Jean moved with their family, which now included Jim Jr. and Mickey to St. Paul, Minnesota for him to attend Apostolic bible Institute. He graduated from there in 1959, and became a member of the school faculty for one year. In 1960, he assumed the pastorate of his foirst church in Knoxville, Iowa. While he was pastoring there, the secind Lumpkin daughter, Tanya, was born.

James Lumpkin returned to his alma mater again to serve on the faculty of ABI from 1964 to 1965. The following year, in St. Louis, MO., he became Promotional Director of the Harvestime Radio Broadcast, a position he held for one year. He then became Director of the Harvestime Radio Broadcast, a position he held for four years. In 1969, he began pastoring in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a role he filled until 1984. In 1974, he was elected the District Superintendent of the Arkansas District and was an exemplary lreader of that state until 1996. He was founder of Northside Christian Academy in Fort Smith in 1978, and received the national Accelerated Christian Education "Sword of the Spirit" award in 1979.

Brother Lumpkin served as a member of the Executive Board of the UPCI, and as Chairman Pro Tem of the Budget Committee of the UPCI. For more than 25 years, he served annually as the Captain of the Tabulating Committee for the General Conference of the UPCI. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Lighthouse Ranch for Boys and as Chaplain of the Arkansas State Police.

After a beautiful life in the ministry that touched so many lives, God called Brother James G. Lumpkin to his eternal rest on April 17, 2007.