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 Bishop Oscar Haywood Sanders

 Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1892 ~ 1972

 Bishop Oscar H. Sanders, was born December 2, 1892 in Lanoke, Arkansas. He was the 10th child born to Laura and Haywood Sanders. Oscar was educated in Lanoke. He embraced Christianity at the tender age of 14 years, and after hearing of a holy life, was baptized in Jesus' Name and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He lived a beautiful life of holiness under the late Bishop G.T. Haywood.

Bishop sanders was pastor of Christ Temple Church. He was Bishop of the State of Indiana of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He was founder, and Bishop of the Home Board of Indiana.

Bishop Sanders was small in stature; however, when he spoke he stood tall among his contemporaries. He was misunderstood by many because he was blunt, straight-forward and very plan spoken at time. Bishop was one of the most profound Bible teachers of his time. He possessed such a keen mind and chronological knowledge of the Scriptures that he could cause you to practically sit on the edge of your seat as he taught the fathomless riches of God's word.

There was an absolute sternness and positiveness with which he worked for God. He stood by his convictions. On October 15, 1972 this stalwart soldier of the cross, laid down his earthly burdens. For by the will of God, after that he had served his own generation, Bishop Oscar Haywood Sanders fell on sleep. Audio Recordings of Bishop Oscar Sanders are available in our audio library.

Bishop Willard Eddie Saunders, Sr

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World 

1925 ~ 1994

 Bishop Willard Eddie Saunders, Sr., devoted Husband, Father, Bishop, Diocesan, Pastor, Mentor, Friend and Master Builder was born May 22, 1925, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He was the fifth of nine children born to the union of George and bettie Lee Saunders. Willard attended Pounds School in Sutherlin, Virginia and completed his education in Dunbar Evening School. He later attended Morgan State College (Now University), Maryland, baptist Training Bible Center and held an honorary doctorate from Indiana University and Aenon Bible College.

At the age of nine, he was baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, under the pastorate of the late Elder J. nathaniel Walters. Heeding the voice  of God to preach in His vineyard, he was licensed as a minister of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. In October 1945, Brother Saunders left Danville, Virginia and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Here he affiliated himself with the First Apostolic Faith Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop Winfield A. Showell. Brother Saunders' first meal was at the table with the "Showells." This was the beginning of a lasting relationship. Bishop Showell became his spiritual father and mentor.

On September 1, 1947 Willard was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Martha Jones. To this union were born two children. In June of 1954, Elder Saunders was installed as Pastor of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. In 1965, he became District Elder. He was elevated to Bishop in August, 1981. He was the Diocesan of the Seventh Episcopal District of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota.

Bishop Willard Saundars Sr., departed this life quietly on Wednesday, August 10, 1994, and is now asleep and resting in the paradise of glory, awaiting the trump of God. He left many to cherish his memory and anticipate a glorious reunion.   Audio Recordings of Bishop Willard Saunders are available in our audio library.

Rev. Arthur W. Sassman

United Pentecostal Church International

Arthur W. Sassman was born in the country on December 28, 1906, in a very religious Methodist home. The Bible was read in the morning before the family atr breakfast and in the evening before they ate supper. The Sassman family prayed together! And Arthur recalled seeing his dear old dad bathe his face with tears nearly every day in prayer.

While growing up, he went regularly to the Methodist church and Sunday School. Every summer thay had what they called a revival meeting, or camp meeting. The family moved onto the campground with a covered wagon pulled by two white mules, Molly and Jack. They camped right on the ground for two weeks. They had morning, noon, and night services. There were testimononies, altar calls, praise and hallelujahs. Of course it did not affect Arthur too much. His impression of religion was that it was more or less for old folks about ready to leave. When they'd hear about Heaven they felt good enough to shout.

Arthur remembered in his boyhood days going to hear a missionary speak and tell how the heathen would throw their little babies to crocodiles. It touched his heart. He actually went to the altar and knelt down and wept and cried.  He said, "Oh, Lord, if it is your will, I'm willing and ready to be a missionary to go to teach them different than to throw their babies to crocodiles.

But as he grew older the call left him and all he knew about preachers was that they were all college educated. The older he got the more he got away from feeling a call of God. He decided the only way he could get out of preaching was to quit school, so he bener finished high school. He felt he had it all whipped down and would not have to preach. But God had different ways. So finally he told his dad, "Now, Dad, I don't expect to be a farmer. I want to go to town to learn the barber trade." His dad reluctantly gave him the money and gave him leave to go learn the barber trade at the barber college in San Antonio, Texas.

After graduating from barber school, he started barbering. After working in a beauty shop with just ladies, Arthur bacame business partners with  another young man as they opened their own barber shop. He met his future wife, Agnes, in a cafe. Her being a Methodist, thay shared the same background. After a courtship they got married. Every once in a while Arthur would say to his wife, "Honey, somehow or another I feel like someday I'm going to have to preach." That didn't suit Agnes at all. She had said, "There are three kinds of people I won't ever marry. One is a farmer, another is a doctor and the other is a preacher."

One day a big tabernacle was erected in San Antonio, Texas, on the street where Arthur and Agnes were living. People began to gather around and the Sassman's curiosity got to them.  The preacher began preaching things Arthur had never heard of before. Divine healing, the infilling of the Holy Ghost, baptism in Jesus' name,  etc. His Methodist pastor began to fight the meetings. He said, "It's of the devil, stay away from it." But Arthur kept on attending. In 1932, early one morning, they went to the Tabernacle. The preacher took Arthur's hand and looked into his eyes and said, "Young man, the Lord wants you!"

That day, Arthur and Agnes Sassman were baptized in Jesus' name! Shortly afterward he was filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues. He realized that his time had come, and he had to fulfill his calling to preach the gospel. His first sermon was preached at a little church on Rattlesnake Hill in San Antonio.  From there, his ministry seemed to take off.  Brother Sassman had a dynamic faith ministry. He was an inspiration to Apostolics everywhere. His positive, faith-building message, backed by a life of prayer and dedication, inspired many.  He became a renown evangelist, traveling all across the country. In the summer of 1940, Brother Sassman stretched his gospel tent on a beech tree hill in Jasper, Texas. A tall, black-haired, young man from Louisiana, hitchhiked  to the meeting, with one thing on his mind. To receive the Holy Ghost. In the sawdust, flat on his back, Murray E. Burr began speaking in tongues with Brother Sassman's hand on his head. Brother Burr, in time, became a great preacher himself. Brother Sassman was licensed by the United Pentecostal Church International.

On June 26, 1986 Sister Agnes A. Sassman passed away. After many years of ministering the gospel, Brother Sassman went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 1984. He is buried in Perkins Cemetary, in Dequency, Louisiana. Audio Recordings of Brother A.W. Sassman are avalible in our audio library.

Dr. John Fread Scheel

Independant Ministry

1948 ~ Present

Dr. John F. Scheel was born on July 16, 1948 in Dewitt, Arkansas. He was baptized in Jesus' name on May 9, 1961 at Kingdom Come Resivour in Humphry, Arkansas. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on May 1, 1961 in Stuttgart, Arkansas. John received his early ministerial training under the leadership of the late Reverend Buddy Looper.

In July of 1962, Dr. Scheel went to Beebe, Arkansas to preach his first revival for Brother James Blackwell at the age of 13. He had been preaching approximately one year at that time. After the small home missions work that was there was discontinued, he went back to the area in June of 1966, with a burden to build a work for God.

A small brick building known as "Old Show Building" was rented in McRae, and the first service was conducted on September 14, 1966 with only Dr. Scheel, and two other families in attendance. In January of 1969, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Vickie Hackler from North Little Rock, Arkansas. To this union was born three children.

In October of 1969, the church was moved to Beebe, to the "Putman" building. From there, a new church was planned, and became a reality on April 14, 1973, when the first service was held in the new facility. Dr. Scheel has a passion for Christian education. He holds a B.A., degree from Central Baptist College; a Master of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary; a Ph.D., from Toledo Bible College and Seminary; a Doctor of Religious Education from Moody Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Human Letters from Washington Saturday College. He is currently working on a Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford Graduate School. In September of 1975, a Christian Day School was begun by the church. In 1979, a College for the training of ministers and Christian School teachers was begun. Today Dr. Sheel is Chancellor of the Lighthouse Christian College and Lighthouse Seminary and Graduate School in Beebe, Arkansas. The College and Seminary are fully accredited, and members of the Accrediting Commision International.

In 1990, a new church was dedicated to the glory of God. Dr. Scheel is truly an anointed man of God, and one of the leading voices in the holiness movement. He stands tall in the defence of the Oneness message.   Audio Recordings of John Scheel are available in the audio library of the Apostolic Archives International.

Bishop Alexander R. Schooler

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World 

~Deceased~

 Even though Bishop A.R. Schooler was elected as one of the original first five Bishop's of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, there is very little information on the particulars of his life. It is known that he spent time in Indianapolis, Indiana and that his last known residence was in Victorville, California. He pastored churches in Chicago, Illinois (The Apostolic Faith Church) and in Cleveland, Ohio (The Church of Christ). He was also one of the founding fathers of the Ohio District Council.

Bishop David Thurman Schultz

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1889 ~ 1972

 Bishop David T. Schultz was born on April 29, 1889 in Mayfield, Kentucky. He spent his early years in this small community. The names of his parents are unknown. In 1898 when David was merely nine years of age, he sadly lost his mother. His father then relocated to east St. Louis, Missouri; this is also where his half brother, C.L. was born.

David spent most of his teens, and early adulthood acquiring an interest in classical music. When not playing the piano, he would shine shoes, and wait tables at some of the upscale restaurants in the St. Louis area. David then relocated to the city of Newton, Kansas, and began playing classical piano at the local show clubs.

In the early 1920's he moved to Wichita, Kansas. It was there that he would meet the lovely Grace Helen Starkey. Grace was born in 1892, in the city of Emporia, Kansas. She attended the Church of God in Christ of Emporia. In 1918 David and Grace were united in marriage in the city of Newton, Kansas. Two daughters were born to this union, Davine A. in 1925, and Grace C. in 1927. The girls were afforded the blessings of being raised with the strong and godly influence of their parents.

In 1921, David and Grace both received the revelation of baptism in Jesus' Name, and were thus baptized. They had received the Holy Ghost some years earlier. In 1922, Brother Schultz was called into the minietry. He devoted the majority of his time to prayer, and much studying of the Scriptures. He bagan his pastoral ministry in the city of Casper, Wyoming. However, the good times would not last long, due to persecution from the local people. The persecution would lead to the burning down of the church. Elder Schultz was led to go other cities, and begin works including Joplin, and Kansas City, Missouri.

In December of 1925, Elder Schultz was asked by Bishop G.T. Haywood to assume the pastorate of Bethel Temple Church located in Louisville, Kentucky. Elder Schultz, and his family arrived in Louisville with great anticipation. The church experienced major growth under his leadership. In 1935, Elder Schultz was nominated and elected into the office of Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

Bishop Schultz was at home in the pulpit. His persona would captivate those that were afforded the privilege of hearing him speak. He was not a "Hooper" as it was called in those days, but ministered on the lines of Bishop William Crossley, and Bishop Karl F. Smith. His messages were not lengthy, but struck at the core of those who sat in amazement of his words.

Bishop Schultz preached his last message on Sunday, August 6, 1972. Bethel Temple was filled to its capacity. He took his text from the book of Nehemiah 8:10, "Then he said unto them, go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto the Lord; neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

On August 11, 1972, while preparing to leave home on a Friday for church, he complained that his stomach did not feel well, and that he would just lay down and rest. Mother Schultz went on to church, and after being there a while she was overcome with the need to return home, and check on the Bishop. Upon arriving back home, she would find him departed into his rest. Bishop Shultz was eighty-three years of age. Bishop Schultz' legacy and faithful character lives on in the hearts of many today. One does not go very long in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World without hearing the name, Bishop David T. Shultz mentioned.

 Rev. Harry E. Scism

United Pentecostal Church International

1934 ~ Present

While Ellis and Marjorie Scism were attending the Bible Training Center in Oakland, California, Harry Ellis Scism (named after Harry Morse) was born on March 9, 1934.

After Living in Tieton, Washington, where Harry's sister, Ferne, was born, the family mved to Idaho. Harry was baptized in Jesus' name at nine years of age.  The Family eventually made Oregon their home. Here his father served as district superintendent for the Northwest District. Ellis and Majorie had felt a burden for India for over fourteen years. They were given missionary appointment and plans were made to travel to India.  Thankfully, Harry received the baptism of the Holy Ghost after an all-night prayer meetings in Bend, Oregon, before leaving for India.

On January 30, 1949, Harry, at fourteen years of age, along with his mom, dad, and sister ferne waved goodbye to their family and friends from the deck of the China Mail, not knowing when they would meet again. As the ship was leaving, somebody asked Harry's grandfather how he felt about the departure of his caring son. His answer was: "I would rather see Ellis's bones bleach on the shores of India than for him to miss the will of God."

The sea voyage of two months took them to many ports in six nations and finally to Madras, India, by the end of March. Harry arrived in India at fifteen years of age to begin a new and very different life.

Harry was placed in a boarding school in Kodaikanal, South India. His parents spent time in this hill station when possible to escape the heat of the plains and to be with their children. During his four years in Kodaikanal school, Harry hiked with a group of boys to Berijam Lake. When the dugout canoe filled with boys overturned, Harry, not knowing how to swim, almost drowned. He was pulled out by a classmate and revived.

After completing high school at ninteen years of age, Harry, who had already become involved in missionary work when going to the pains during the school holidays, was appointed as an assistant missionary. As a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church, and as an appointed missionary, his work began in 1953. He was grateful to receive along with his father and mother $50 per month as personal support.

Following two years of missionary work, Harry, with  his family, returned to the USA for furlough in 1955. He has planned to spend four to five years in Bible college and secular college. At the beginning of the first year attending Conquerors Bible College in Portlnd, in prayer he felt he should return to India at the conclusion of the first year of study. Edwin Judd, as dean, did everything he could to equip Harry during that year for work in India. At the conclusion of the school year, Harry married Audrene Hruza, from Rupert, Idaho. Their honeymoon was spent traveling on deputation.

In October 1956 they began working in the Bible school in South India. Here their first child, Stanley, was born. They felt the need to evangeize and plant churches in North India. At last, they made the long 2000-mile trip by jeep to language school, where they studied the Hindi and Urdu languages.

In time, they were able to open churches in North Central India. The Lord blessed them with a daughter Loretta. They founded Calvary Bible Institute, which over the years has trained hundreds for the Northeast harvest.

T.F. Tenney, asked Harry to go to Thailand to travel with Billy and Shirley Cole for three weeks. One day Billy Cole told Harry that there was a plan to have four regional field supervisors to work under the director. He then stated that Harry was being considered for the Asia/South Pacific Region. He also expressed that he felt this was the right choice. Billy Cole explined that this would involve a lot of travel and being away from the family. Immediately Harry answered that he was very happy in India and did not want to be away from his family. He was not available.

Returning to Bancock, one evening in the Landrover, Bro. Cole stopped beside the highway. He laid his hands on Harry's head and began to prophecy. The prophecy gave assurance that if Harry would do the will of God, God would keep his hand on his wife and children. Harry knew that God was speaking to him. When T.F. Tenney contacted Harry a short time later, he could not say no.

Eventually, Harry and family moved to Manilia, Philippines, as this was a central location for the region and travel was easier. Travel was extensive and expensive, so he, with his family, arrived in Portland at midnight from Hong Kong in January 1976 to raise more support.

Early the next morning he was awajened with a call from Robert McFarland, general secretary of the UPCI, explaining that with T.F. Tenney's resignation as General Foreign Missions director, the General Board had appointed Harry to fill the unexpired term. He then asked, "Will you accept this appointment?" Robert McFarland explained that he had to have an answer within two hours.

Harry and Audrene moved to St. Louis in May 1976 where many adjustments had to be made. Harry had said several times that he would never want to live in St. Louis and work at headquarters. Now here he was in the middle of a huge responsibility, not even knowing where to begin.

The general officials, executives, and office staff were all so kind and patient. At times, Harry and Audrene longed to return to the mission field. They felt so out of place in St. Louis. Eventually, with the help of the Lord and the kindness of many, they felt more comfortable in this new responsibility.

After two years of sickness with cancer, Audrene passed away in October 1989. Missionaries and nationals all over the world loved her. The staff at the office was so kind and patient as Harry struggled with grief and heartache.

On December 8, 1990, Harry Scism and Helen Stewart of Columbus, Ohio, were united in marriage. Helen has been a wonderful wife and has traveled extensively around the world in missionary work.

Harry and Helen both knew two years in advance when they should step out of this heavy responsibility. The General Conference elected a wonderful and dedicated general director, Bruce Howell.

For twenty-five years, Harry was privileged to serve as general director. He traveled all over the world meeting precious people everywhere he went. The missionaries he served were outstanding. The North American church each year increased their foreign missions support. Those were indeed wonderful years. His co-workers at WEC were great friends.

Harry and Helen are now appointed missionaries traveling to different parts of the world in teaching and evangelism. Looking back over the past fifty-plus years of missionary work, Harry makes this observation: "My life has been a pilgrimage-constantly learning, growing, and maturing. An unseen hand has guided me throughout this pilgrimage. I have been kept by His power. only because of His grace wil I someday be able to see my blessed Redeemer face to face." Audio Recordings of Harry Scism are available in the audio library of the Apostolic Archives International.

 Bishop Phillip Lee Scott

 Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1907 ~ 1987

Bishop Phillip L. Scott was born in Greenwood, Mississippi in the yera of 1907. He was converted  at the age of nine at the Morning Star baptist church in Mt. Byou, Mississippi. He came to live in St. Louis, Missouri in the year of 1921, and became a member of the Overcoming Church of God. On October 18, 1930, he was united in holy wedlock to Louvenia Williams who worked faithfully by his side until the Lord saw fit ti take her home on August 21, 1981.

Bishop Scott was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus christ, according to Acts 2:38 and filled with the Holy Ghost acording to Acts 2:4. He was given godly power to lay hands on the sick, cast out devils in the Name of Jesus and preach the Gospel to every creature. Befor becoming a pastor of the Lively Stone church of God, Bishop P.L. Scott was a leader of the Lively stone Prayer Band. He became pastor of the Lively Stone Church in 1934.

Bishop Scott served in every established auxiliary of the church. He was organizer of the Church and the Business Manager. He skillfully served in radio ministry over many networks for twenty-nine years. Bishop Scot continued his education by completing a satisfactory course in Practical Theology, and received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Aenon Bibnle college.  He served in many national positions of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for 14 years. He served as the Bishop of the 12th Episcopal District. After a long a fruitful ministry Bishop P.L. Scott went to sleep in Jesus on February 7, 1987. He left many loved ones to cherish his memory. Audio Recordings of Bishop P.L. Scott are available in our audio library.

 Bishop Samuel McDowell Shelton

Church of the Lord Jesus Christ

1929 ~ 1991

Bishop S. McDowell Shelton , a Philadelphia native was born on April 18, 1929, he was the youngest of his siblings and was raised by his maternal grandparents, Elder A.D. and Mother Ada McDowell. He was educated in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, school system and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Rutgers University. He did graduate work at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, and was awarded an Honorary Doctor o Divinity by Bethune-Cookman College, in Datona Beach, Florida.

In 1962, during the church's National and International Convention, he was elevated to the helm of the organization. His ordination came more than a year after the death of Bishop S.C. Johnson and lengthy court battles that were prompted from within the organization. Brother Shelton was elevated to Bishop and General Overseer of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith at age 33.

Prior to assuming the top leadership role of the church, he was prominent and heavily involved in the initial development of the administrative structure of the organization. Bishop Shelton is credited for bringing the church to a "debt-free" status, paying off enormous debt from investments made by the previous administration. His formal education, worldwide pilgrimages, and his ability to communicate effectively with all levels of mankind brought a new level of respect and dignity to the church organization. Bishop Shelton was granted audience with a myraid of global leaders, including Heads of State, such as His Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan; His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Haille Selassie of Ethiopia; His Eminence Pope VI at the Vatican in Rome; Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India, and countless others.

Bishop Shelton was a staunch supporter of education and as former president of the National Young People's Department, he founded and dedicated the Apostolic Institute in 1967, as well as the Apostolic Summer Youth Work program. He was very dedicated to his ministry and always looked for avenues to enlarge the church's name in the community. While gaining the respect of communities across the United States and in target foreign lands, he also engaged his members in tasks that kept them productive and striving for personal excellence. As a means of support for our senior citizens, Apostolic Village was built in 1971; it is a 32-unit independent living apartment complex that was built by the membership and stands today as a vital part of Apostolic square. Under Bishop Shelton's leadership and with the skill and talent of the members exclusively, new churches were built in Newark, New Jersey, and Ellendale, Delaware. Many other existing buildings and properties were both purchased and renovated under his dynamic leadership.

Having had no biological children of his own, Bishop Shelton legally adopted individuals from upstanding Apostolic families which he trained and groomed many for the priesthood, although familial ties are not a pre-requisite to assuming leadership in the church organization. Among his careful selection of those who were adopted, was the church's current General Overseer, Bishop Omega, youngest of eight legal adoptions.

The decade of the 1980's was quite tumultuous for Bishop Shelton and his congregation, largely due to an ensuing illness. However, he remained quite charismatic, keenly perceptive, and faithful to his church as his travel schedule and personal appearences gradually declined. During Bishop Shelton's administration, the membership gained a higher level of self-confidence, a greater awareness of the world around them, and the desire to enhance their personal development. Many of these attributes were acquired during such memorable sermons as "Miracles Like Success Seldom Just Happen, You Must Help Them To Come To Pass," "Why Pray?" "The Past Is Already Gone, The Future Is Not Yet," and "It Can Be Done!"

Bishop Shelton passed away at home in Philadelphia on October 13, 1991, after a long battle with complications related to diabetes.

Rev. Verlon Sims

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1922 ~ 1991

Verlon Sims was born on January 1, 1922 in Sage, Arkansas, to Clarence David (Doc) and Emma Sims. Around 1930, the Sims family moved to Batesville, Arkansas, of which, Verlon made his home town. Verlon has three siblings, Faye, Gene, and Maxine.  Verlon and his wife, Wanda, had no children. As a young man he appeared as one of the original Musketeers. He also appeared  in western movies with, Roy Rogers. During his movie career he was primarily used as a stand-in. His stage name was "Stony Brook".  Verlon was a unique individual who bore distinct originality. He was a slow walking and slow talking man. He was a bull rider in the late 1940's and early 1950's. He had several talents of which he learned from his Cowboy days! He was a master with the whip and lasso! He could hit a crawling bug on the ground with a flick of the wrist. He could also lasso just about anything with pinpoint accuracy.

 Sometimes, Verlon worked with his brother (Gene) in Batesville as a used car salesman. While living in Denison, Texas, he was converted to the Apostolic faith. He was baptized in the name of Jesus' Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost. Knowing that he had the world in his hands, Verlon had a contract to star in the movies as the Lone Ranger, but turned down the part after he was saved. In 1952 he met Elder C.W. Shew, and began attending the Fort Worth Apostolic Church, which Elder Shew pastored. Shortly after his conversion his wife (Wanda) chose not to remain married to him, based on his new found experience with God. Verlon lived the rest of his life single, but not without notoriety.

Verlon accepted the call to preach the Gospel, and successfully evangelized throughout the course of his ministerial career. He joined ranks with the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship. He was a gentle spirited individual, who carried no ax to grind with anyone. His dry pulpit humor made him, both, interesting and effective. Just two years before he (Sims) passed away, he called his old friend Roy Rogers, and was invited to come to his ranch to visit. After a battle with colon cancer, at the age of 69, Brother Sims went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 1991.  He is buried at Oak Lawn Cemetary in Batesville, Arkansas. Audio Recordings of Verlon Sims are available in our audio library.

Bishop Alfred Singleton

Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith

Bishop Alfred Singleton was born the third oldest of seven children. His father and mother (Willie and Verona Singleton) had five boys and two girls. He was born and spent his early childhood in the heart of dixie...Montgomery, Alabama. Alfred began school perhaps as the typical youngster normally does by showing up for class, getting good grades, getting some not so good grades, doing average work, and moving right along. He received what he termed a sporadic education. However, in his later years he had a tremendous quest for knowledge. After completing his elementary education, he immediately enrolled in the Cass Technical High School. This being a technical school, it offered him a greater educational option and advantage in the career mart. After Cass he went on to attend Southwestern Adult School in Detroit, Michigan.

Bishop Singleton's biblical education was enhanced by the late Bishop S.N. Hancock, who for four years, schooled him in the knowledge and practical application of the Holy Scriptures. (It has been said that during this time Bishop Hancock was listed as one of the nation's top Bible scholars at an institute in Texas.) Later after tutorship, he found it necessary to take on correspondence courses at the La Salle University in Chicago, Illinois, thus appeasing his great quest for knowledge. Alfred Singleton married Elizabeth M. Hawkins of Detroit, Michigan, February 24, 1951 the Lord blessed this union with twelve children.

Bishop Singleton, was a member of a Methodist Church, however, he did receive catholic teachings. He comes from a long line of ministers, dating back to his great uncles. His younger brother is also a member of the clergy. He moved to Detroit, Michigan and while there visited the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, 2238 Clinton. He was baptized in Jesis' Name in March of 1949. Later he received the gift of the Holy Ghost on April 17, 1949 under the late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock who was the pastor of the church. After receiving the Holy Ghost, he decided to dedicate himself to the learning of his new found faith. So he readily engaged himself in the quest for knowledge by fasting, praying, and learning the apostolic doctrine. He recalls: "There were many nights when I would pray all night long at church." He holds an honorary doctorate degree in Theology and is the Chief Executive Coordinator of the Michigan Campus of the Midwest Apostolic Bible College.

Alfred Singleton's ministry began two years after he had embraced this truth. He was in the Army at the time that the Lord dealt with him in regards to the ministry, He recalls the happening as being a mystery at first. "This happening was a mystery, I told Him, 'Lord if you want me to preach, knowing my inability to preach, you will have to let me know and someone else too.' In 1958, he held that God had called on him to move to California. During this time he experienced great sorrow. Being heavy of heart, he managed to inform his pastor, (Bishop Hancock), of this calling. Bishop Hancock is noted as saying with tears i his eyes..."whether it be my wife or my assistant pastor, I always want to make God first in my life." The young man's resignation was accepted and Bishop gave him his blessing.

In December 1958, he arrived in Los Angeles, California not knowing what to do or what doors would be opened to him. He started with house to house prayer. As a result of his obedience to a divine will, the doors of the Greater Bethlehem Temple were opened there in 1959, (a year later). He was also successful in founding and organizing the Bethlem Temple Church of Monrovia, located at 445 Monrovista Street in Monrovia, California. Another Temple was founded some time later in Harbor City.

In 1961 he was promoted to District Elder, and became a bishop in 1964 at the young age of 36 (one of the youngest in the PCAF). Having lived in California for 13 1/2 years, Bishop Singleton was made aware of the change that was soon to take place. He felt that God was once again calling him, this time to come back east. Having a family and not knowing just what and where God wanted him, he came to Cincinnati, Ohio and attended the Mid-Winter meeting. While in attendance he was invited to Lansing, Michigan to visit a church that was open for a pastor. Taking District Elder Eugene Thompkins' advice, he went to Lansing, and immediately he knew that he was in the right place.

In March 2000, at the Midwinter Convention that was held in Atlanta, Georiga, Bishop Singleton was elected and voted upon by the Board of Bishop's and District Elders as the unanimous choice, for the seat of the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith. In March 2001, at the Midwinter Convention in Florida, Bishop Singleton was installed as the Presiding Bishop of the P.C.A.F. (Audio and Video Recordings of Bishop Singleton are available in the audio/video library of the Apostolic Archives International.

 Bishop James Leo Sipes

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1893 ~1961

Bishop James L. Sipes was born September 26, 1893, in Martin County, Indiana. He was saved around the year 1914. His ministry began in Shelbyville, Indiana, where he also worked as a farmer. While Leo was courting his future wife (Ruth Ann White) she was baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. She wrote him a letter suggesting that he too get baptized in Jesus' Name. He wrote back saying, "I have obeyed Matthew 28:19 to be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and that's good enough for me."

One of the great attributes that Leo Sipes possessed was the honesy and willingness to listen to the Holy Ghost. As he was replying to Ruth's letter, he began to think about baptism into the "Name" and asked himself, "What is the Name?" Before he realized it, he said to himself, "Jesus is the Name!" He received the revelation of who Jesus really is. Therefore, he was baptized into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of his sins according to the Apostolic pattern of the early church.

Elder Sipes was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. His first pastorate was Apostolic Tabernacle in Shelbyville, Indiana, previously pastored by the late Bishop Rowe and the late Elder C.W. Shew. After some time in Shelbyville, the church decided they didn't want Elder Sipes any longer for a pastor. When the P.A.W. officials came to investigate the reasons, there was no accusations against his character or any moral behavior. Although they said that he was a good man, and a fine pastor, they simply wanted a change. In 1937, he moved from Shelbyville to Bedford, Indiana to take over the pastorate of a local assembly in that town. Elder Sipes was elevated to the bishopric in the P.A.W. in 1944, and assigned to the 12th Episcopal District of Southern Illinois and Missouri. Later he was reassigned to the 5th Episcopal District of Michigan, of which he was the diocesan until jis demise.

He became ill in 1961, and suffered several fainting spells, which were due to a heart condition. His declining health lead him to an appointment with his Creator. On December 7, 1961, at the age of 67, this legendary man of God passed on into eternity to receive the reward that he so passionately preached about throughout his illustrious ministry. Bishop Sipes will long be remembered in the P.A.W., as a purpose driven leader. Audio Recordings of Bishop J.L. Sipes are available in our audio library.

Bishop Francis Leonard Smith

 Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1915 ~ 1995

 Bishop Francis L. Smith was born December 18, 1915 to Helen and Samuel Balsamo in a small town called Ironspot, Ohio. He along with his sister were reared by his grandparents, the late Henry and Mary Smith, who later sdopted little Francis, thus giving him the name Smith. Francis attended elementary school in Ironspot and high school in Roseville, Ohio where he graduated in June 1934.

Francis' grandparents were both Methodist ministers and he was taught at an early age to love and obey God. After joining the Methodist Church and serving faithfully in several capacities, the longing of his soul somehow was not filled. In August of 1933, he was attending a convention in Columbus, Ohio which was being held at the church pastored by his uncle, the late Bishop Karl F. Smith. As the message went forth and the call to discipleship was given, he yeilded his heart to God, and was filled with the Holy Ghost, and afterward was baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ.

In September 1934, Francis met a young lady from Lynchburg, Virginia who had come to Columbus to attend College. Her name was Natalie Hubbard. They began dating and a beautiful friendship ensued which blossomed into marriage in August 1936. After a short stint as pastor in Springfield, Ohio, on September 10, 1951, Elder Smith was installed as the pastor of the First Apostolic Church in Akron, Ohio. For over (40) years Bishop Smith provided powerful, spiritual leadership to this congrgation.

In 1972, District elder Smith was elevated to the Bishopric of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Two years later he became the Presiding Bishop of the organization serving two (2) three year terms. His diocese was the Southern Tri-State Council of Mississippi, Alabama and West Tennessee. In 1989, Bishop Smith was assigned to the Third Episcopal Diocese of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, his home state of Ohio. Bishop Smith carried a sincere burden for the welfare of all Ohio pastors and congrgations and as Diocesan was accessible to his people. On October 10, 1995 Bishop Francis L. Smith departed this life. After faithfully serving his generation by the will of God, he fell on sleep. Audio and Video recordings of Bishop Francis Smith are available in our audio/video library.

Bishop Horace E. Smith

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

Dr. Horace E. Smith is the second of six children born to Albert and Shirley Smith. He was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the age of 17. He graduated an honor student from the Lindbolm High School in Chicago, Illinois, and continued his education, becoming a recipient of the following degrees:

Bachelor of Science (with honors) Chicago, State University (1971) M.D., University of Illinois medical Center (1975) Completion of Pediatric Residency, University of Illinois Hospital (1978) Completion of Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children's Medical Hospital/ Northwestern University (1980)

Dr. Smith is director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell/Thalassemia Program at Children's Memorial Hospital, and is recognized world-wideas an outstanding pediatrician in his field. He became Pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church on March 28, 1980. He was appointed a District Elder of the Illinois District Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1983; served as Chairman of the I.D.C. from 1986-1991; appointed to the Board of Aenon Bible College of the P.A.W. in 1989; appointed a Suffrigan Bishop in 1994; served as the General Secretary of the P.A.W. 1996-1997, and was elevated to the office of Bishop in August 1997.

In June 1998, Dr. Smith was installed as Dioceasan Bishop of the 14th Episcopal District of the P.A.W., which includes the states of Kansas, Colorado and Western Missouri. On Thursday, July 29, 2004, Bishop Smith was elected to the office of Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

Bishop Smith is an avid and accomplished Bible scholar and has been part of many organizations within the church, from its boy scout troop of his youth to singing in the choirs. His dedicated ministry reaches not only the congregation but, his belief in God and the power of salvation and healing extends to his medical profession as a concerned and committed pediatrician for critically ill children. Through his prayers and faith in God as a healer, Dr. Smith has seen God's healing power reverse the course of illness in the lives of his patients.

Dr. Smith has been married since 1976 to Susan Davenport Smith and they are the parents of three daughters. Audio Recordings of Bishop Smith are available in the audio library of the Apostolic Archives International.

Bishop Karl Franklin Smith

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1892 ~ 1972

 On October 5, 1892, a fourth child named Karl Franklin was born to Henry and Mary Smith in Zanesville, Ohio in their home on Fisher Street, located on Putnam Hill. His parents were both ministers of the African Methodist Church. As a child Karl contracted scarlet fever before he was four years old. This situation constituted a serious threat to his life as no cure had yet been dound to combat scarlet fever at that time.

Neverthless, God had a mission for his life that could not be hindered. Though common as it was, the birth of this child was to have extraordinary developments where God was concerned. Whether through divine intervention or natural means it isn't quite certain, however, Karl's life was spared.

Around the year 1912, Karl attended a service one night where his mother was conducting revival services in Cleveland, Ohio. That night he felt the hand of God upon him, prompting him to publicly confess Jesus Christ as his Savior. Shortly afterward Karl accepted the call of God on his life to become a minister of the Gospel. It seemed to be good news when Karl told his mother about his call to the ministry although she had not really wanted him to go in that direction, despite what might be termed his ministerial heritage. Perhaps it was that she wanted to protect him from the hardships that surrounded the life of a minister.

Karl enrolled into Payne Theological Seminary at Wilberforce University to prepare himself for his career. While in his second year at Seminary, Karl took charge as temporary pastor over a small Mission in Columbus, Ohio. His assignment would last for only six months, but would bring him in contact with the Edwards family who were filled with the holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues. They had been devoted Methodists until some of the people from a little Apostolic Faith Assembly began witnessing to them. Mother Edwards tried to win Karl to her new Apostolic views. She wanted him to denounce baptism in the titles and accept baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and speaking in other tongues. Secretly he began to search the Scriptures to learn more about the Apostolic faith. At the end of an emotional journey in which he had to admit to his own obstinacy and the preemptory demands of a sovereign God, on April 18, 1915  he was filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues.

In 1916 Karl settled down in Columbus, Ohio and made it his permanant home where he would spend the rest of his life. He began attending church pastored by Elder R.C. Lawson, and lived a few years with his pastor. In September of 1915, Karl was ordained an elder in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Shortly afterward, he met Josephine Jackson. They became engaged, and on December 4, 1915 they were married, The officiating minister was elder Lawson. Soon there after Elder Smith became the assistant pastor to R.C. Lawson.

Karl smith held several important positions in the Pentecostal ranks. In 1919 he became the pastor of the Columbus church after elder Lawson resigned. 1920 elder Lawson appointed him to be the first general secretary of the Refuge Churches of Christ of the Apostolic Faith. In 1925 elder Smith returned to the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, and was elected general secretary that same year. In 1941 he launched the beginning of Aenon Bible School an affiliate of the PA of W. One of his most valuable resources however, was listening to every well-qualified Bible teacher he could. Bishop G.T. Haywood would make by far the greatest impression on him.

To Karl F. Smith all that mattered was the will of God, even if it called for his own personal distress. So he endured the inconveniences of failing health, and bore its concomitant misery and pain with the stoic demeanor of one who has committed all his ways to God.God could not wait so that His servant could see the fruition oc years of labor at Aenon Bible College. In His wisdom and sovereignty, He decreed that the journey was over, and He caled him home on January 25th, 1972. Audio recordings of Bishop Karl F. Smith are available in our audio library.

 Rev. Jerry Solomon

United Pentecostal Church International

1942 ~ 1993

Jerry Solomon was born on June 11, 1942. His birthplace was Colefax, Tennessee. Before his conversion, he worked in a meat market. At the age of 15, Jerry was baptized in Jesus' Name and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  At the age of 17 he began preaching this great apostolic message. Jerry's pastor was Brother J.H. Rogers, and his home church was the United Pentecostal Church located in Jacksonville, Texas.

On February 1, 1963 Jerry married Johnnie Ruth Brown. To this union was born three children. Brother Solomon spent 35 years in the ministry. He preached over 800 revivals, and pastored eight different churches...Jennings, Grayson, and Marthville, Louisiana, Highland, Orangefield, and Brady, Texas, McAlister, Oklahoma, and Hobbs, New Mexico.

After Brother Solomon became ill, he settled in Bridge City, Texas, and attended the United Pentecostal Church, pastored by Brother Johnny Harrell. On June 4, 1993, he went home to be with the Lord. Jerry will always be remembered as a mighty man of valor in the apostolic movement, and will go down in the chronicles of modern church history as a man who walked with God.  Audio and Video Recordings of Brother Jerry Solomon are available in our audio/video.

Rev. Bervick Atwood Spell

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1930 ~ Present

 Reverend B.A. Spell was born on January 7, 1930, in the small town of Eunice, Louisiana to Tony and Floy Spell. In 1939, at the age of nine Bervick was baptized in Jesus' name, and was filled with the Holy Ghost.  His home church was the United Pentecostal Church in Richie, Louisiana, and his first pastor was Brother Henry Dunn. Elder Spell recalls as a child how his parents were poor, and money was scarce in those day's. His father would turn out the old oil burning lamps early, in order to make the oil last as long as it could. Then he would gather his wife and children around him, and have devotions, and pray before going to bed. It was things such as this that instilled deep into the heart of young Bervick the desire to walk with God, and to learn of His ways.

 At the age of nine he first met a young eight year old girl named Dorothy Brown. They went to church together, played together, and fought as children, but on June 22, 1947, they were united in holy matrimony. Their pastor, Brother J.S. Hoyt performed the cerimony at the Richie, Pentecostal Church. To this union was born seven children. Afterward they settled down in Eunice, Louisiana, but attended the church in Richie.

In 1950, Brother Spell went into business as a part owner/manager of the Piggly Wiggly Grocery store in Eunice, Louisiana where he worked until 1953. In 1953 at the age of twenty-three he received his call to preach. His first sermon was from the book of Isaiah, where the prophet said, "Here am I, send me." This historical occasion took place in "Church Point, Louisiana". In 1954 he was ordained by S.L. Wise at Tioga, Louisiana. It was also during this same year that he became affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church organization.

The first church that he pastored was the First Pentecostal Church in Pine Praire, Louisiana. He took the church in 1953, and stayed one year. The second church he pastored was the First Pentecostal Church in Turkey Creek, Louisiana. He held this position for five years, from 1954 until 1959. On November 1, 1959, he moved his family to West Baton Rouge, Louisisna, and started the First Pentecostal Church in Port Allen. This was a home missions outreach. He began services in an old store-front building on Rosedale, and 12th Street. In this same year Brother Crawford Coon preached the first revival for the church, and a great number received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

In 1965 a tremendous revival broke out as a young evangelist named Verbal Bean came to Port Allen with a burden for souls on his heart. Brother Bean felt like God was going to give him a one hundred soul revival, but he had no confirmation as to where it would take place. When the confirmation came that Port Allen was the place, God began to move. It was a mighty revival that lasted for fourteen weeks, and during this time 106 people received the Holy Ghost. In 1968 the church purchased ten acres on Plank Road, and built a new sanctuary, and Sunday School department. The same year Brother Spell started the Robert Livingston Acadamy, with grades 1-12. The school enrolled 430 students, and remained open until 1978.

From 1970 until 1972, the church experienced a series of revivals, and the congregation doubled in size. In 1979, a new spacious 1200 seat santuary was built. 1968 was the beginning of the annual July camp-meeting held at Life Tabernacle. Elder Bill Buie was the first camp evangelist fir this historical occasion. In 1985 another santuary was built. When you think about Apostolic-Pentecost, you have to think about B.A. Spell. He is a "Living Legend" throughout the Oneness movement. In 1968, he became a charter member in the formation of the Apostolic Minister's Fellowship (AMF).

When asked the name of someone he most admired, his reply was, "The late Verbal W. Bean". When asked why? Brother Spell answered, "Because of the impact that Brother Bean left upon my life. Brother Bean was a praying man, a dedicated warrior for God. He was uniquely different. What he said held value, and depth. He was no stranger to the things of God, and he died as he lived...walking with and serving God". When asked what he most wanted to be remembered for? He replied, "Mission work, both foreign and home". Audio and Video recordings of Elder B.A. Spell are available in the audio/video library of the Apostolic Archives International.

Mark Anthony (Tony) Spell

Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship

1978 ~ Present

Tony Spell was born on April 12, 1978, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The youngest of three children born to Timothy and Jeannie Spell. Tony's formative years began in Baton Rouge. As a child he and his family attended Life Tabernacle, pastored by his grandfather, Elder B.A. Spell.

When Tony's father (Timothy) took the pastorate of a church in New Orleans, LA., Tony attended Elementary, and Middle school in that town. When his family returned to Baton Rouge in 1989, he attended, and graduated from Zachary High School in 1995.

In 1984, Tony was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of six. He traveled extensively with his father throughout the United States as part of the Timothy Spell Evangelistic Team. In 1989, he joined his family in a recording project entitled, Timothy Spell and Sons.

Tony pays great homage to one of his mentors, (his grandfather and pastor) Elder B.A. Spell for helping to develope his understanding of God's Word. At the age of nine Tony began to feel his call into the ministry. It was his grandfather (Spell) who encouraged him to accept the calling that he felt within, to preach this marvelous Apostolic faith.

At the age of 18, Tony preached his first sermon in the "Prayer Garden" located at 8930 Plank Road, in Baton Rouge. At the age of 21, he launched into full-time ministry, as an associate minister at Life Tabernacle. In 2000, he was ordained by Elder B.A. Spell, becoming the full time assistant to his grandfather.

On November 4, 1996, Tony and Shaye Morse were united in marriage, performed by his uncle, Rev. Anthony Spell. To this union were born three children, Noah Isaac, Chaney Milan, and Judah Cenan. Tony has exemplified the perfect example of fatherhood.

Those who have impacted Tony's life and ministry include, (but are not limited to): Rev. B.A. Spell, Rev. Timothy Spell, Bishop M.E. Golder, Rev. Bill Buie, Rev. Carl Ballestero, and Rev. R.C. Cavaness.

Brother Tony Spell is a revivalist! One of his ministerial objectives is to teach the church that the latter house shall be greater than the former. As he continues to build his legacy, he wants to be remembered as a "Doctrinal Preacher...who believed and taught the Oneness of God." 

Rev. Lena Spillman

 Independent Ministry

1879 ~ 1953

A baby girl was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1879, to Frank and Catherine Calvert, who lived on Georgia Creek in Henry County, Kentucky. The youngest of several children, she was named Lenora but was called Lena throughout her life. Lena lived with her parents on Georgia Creek until she was a young lady. Life was not easy for the family. Lena went barefoot and stumped her toes on the rocks and was frightened many times by the numerous snakes that were prevalent in the area.

Lena married a Judges son named Dan Wright. About a year after they were married, a baby girl was born to them. They named her Addie. After two short years Lena's beloved Dan became ill and died. When Addie was about four years old, Lena met and married Jim Spillman. A daughter was born to this union. When the baby was about two and one-half years old, she died, and sorrow again moved into Lena's life. The family, Jim and Lena Spillman and little Addie, moved to Indianapolis where Lena joined the Christian Church and was baptized by immersion. When Addie was a teenager, Lena's health declined. A doctor was consulted, and he told her that she was in such a condition with leakage of the heart that she could not live more than two and one-half months. Addie quit high school to be with her mother and to help her.

Meanwhile a Pentecostal work had started on Roosevelt Avenue in Indianapolis. It was called Oak Hill Tabernacle. Brother L.V. Roberts was the pastor. In late October 1914, while Brother Lemuel C. Hall was preaching a revival at Oak Hill, Lena's cousin invited her to go to the service on Sunday afternoon. When they arrived, the cousin took Lena right up to the platform because she took care of the pianist's sons during the service. The building was just a shell with sawdust floors, but God's Spirit was there and Lena was exposed to it at close range.

Brother Hall preached about that "Pearly White City" coming down out of heaven. While he preached, conviction seized Lena Spillman. Realizing that she was lost, she rushed to the altar, fell down, and cried out, "Anything, Oh God! Just save my soul!" She fell under the power of God, received the Holy Ghost, and at the same time, she was healed. Sister Spillman became a real prayer warrior, and God began to talk to her about working for Him. Since she was not too well educated, she felt that she lacked the ability to preach. Consequently, she ran from the call to preach for ten years even though the Lord's hand was on her in a great way.

On August 4, 1929, Lena held her first service in an old unused school building on the corner of Orchard and Thirty-Fourth Streets. Good crowds attended the revival in the school building and several were converted. The services went on until October of that year. Afterward, they moved into a store front and had services there until February, 1930. Fifteen were baptized in the Name of Jesus and were filled with the Holy Ghost. Afterward, Sister Spillman rented the Old Grande Theater in the Brightwood section of Indianapolis. Although the theater would hold more than five hundred people, it was about full every night for six weeks. Sixty-three persons were were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and most of them were filled with the Holy Ghost during the six weeks' time.

God opened up the way for the group to purchase the lot and a small building on the corner of twenty-eighth and Sherman Drive. There continued to be a wonderful move of God. People came and received the Pentecostal experience. Among them was Sister Spillman's husband, Jim. She affectionately called him, "Daddy Jim." When they moved into the building on Twenty-eighth and Sherman Drive, Sister Spillman pointed out, "They were first called Christians at Antioch, so I would like to call this church Christian Tabernacle." And that is what it has been called ever since. 

Many souls found God as a result of Sister Spillman's dedicated ministry. Many healings took place, demons were cast out, and people were slain under the power of God. God blessed and people danced and shouted. She was very sensitive to the needs of the people, both spiritually and naturally. Sister Spillman passed away August 1953, but the work she built is still going one. Those who visited her in her last hours did not realize she was so near the end because she did not tald about her illness. She encouraged and lifted up those who were at her bedside. Ministers came away saying, "She told me to, 'Preach It!' " Sister Spillman loved the church and had a burden for it until the end. She told Brother paul Jordan, one of her converts and her assistant pastor, that she wanted him to pastor the church. Her last words to him were, "Keep the church clean."  After Paul Jordan passed away, his son Joe Jordan pastored the church until his demise. Today his son Kent Jordan is the pastor.

Rev. Jewel H. Stanton

 Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1908 ~ 1984

Reverend J.H. Stanton was born in August, 1908, in Kingsville, Texas. He was a cotton farmer, welder, Air Force maintenance personal, and a Blacksmith by trade. He was saved in Brother E.O. Allen's church. During a revival at which time he was seeking for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, Brother C.W. Shew kicked the altar away from Brother Stantons, and told him, "If you want the Holy Ghost get serious, because your wasting God's time".

Jewel received the Holy Ghost, and went on to become mightly used of God. After receiving his call to preach he became a member of the Pentecostal Church Incorporated. At the merger in 1945, he bacame a charter member of the United Pentecostal Church International. He pastored churches in Journton, and Pleaston, Texas. In 1945, he went to Orange, Texas, and pastored the Gospel Lighthouse, United Pentecostal Church, located at 801 Border Street. He led this congregation from just a few people to around 400 at the time of his resignation in 1955.

From there, he pastored in: Carlsbad, New Mexico; Oakdale, and West Monroe, Louisiana; Crocket, and Greenville, Texas; and New Castle, Indiana. Several preachers were developed under Brother Stanton's ministry, including Verbal Bean and Bill Garrett. Brother Stanton died in August of 1984, and is best remembered for his outstanding contributions to the Oneness movement, and the "Legacy" that he left behind. Audio Recordings of Elder J.H. Stanton are available in our audio library.

Bishop A.J. Street

 Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1899 ~ 1984

 Bishop A.J. Street, son of the late Tom and florence Street, was born in Rama, Tennessee on August 16, 1899. His family later moved to Detroit, Michigan. There he was baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the Holy Ghost under the ministry of the late Bishop S.N. Hancock.

In 1930, Bishop Street was led of the Lord to go to Little Rock, Arkansas. After many trials, he was able to establish a church there where many souls were saved. He also organized churches in Tennessee and Louisiana. He was married to Annie B. Sanders, formerly of Gary, Indiana, who preceeded him in death.

In 1940 he organized the Church of Jesus Christ in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he served as pastor for forty-three years. During this time he also served as District Elder in the Arkansas and Louisiana State Councils of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. In 1971, he was united in marriage to Evangelist Ethel Ivy, of Kansas City, Missouri. She served faithfully by his side until the Lord saw fir to take him home.

Bishop A.J. Street departed this life on June 7, 1984. He left many friends to cherish the his memory and his faithful life and ministry.

  Dr. Joshua W. Sykes

Apostolic Faith Movement

Much of the origins and ancestrial history of Dr. Joshua W. Sykes is not fully known. However, one thing that we do know is that after Charles Parham was no longer welcomed at the Azusa Street Mission in 1906, he (Parham) established another Apostolic Faith Mission in Los Angeles. Joshua W. Sykes also established the Apostolic Church in East Los Angeles. He adopted the tenents of the Azusa Street Mission, with one significant difference. He baptized his converts in the name of Jesus Christ and did not invoke the traditional Trinitarian formula.

It was during the first, worldwide Apostolic Faith camp meeting in Arroyo Seco, California in 1913 that Dr. Sykes got unexpected notoriety. Evidently he was considered to be an off-brand Pentecostal preacher during that time, because of his non-traditional baptismal formula. Therefore other Pentecostal ministers were somewhat leary of him due to this practice. When Canadian Evangelist Robert E. McAlister spoke during a baptismal service at the Arroyo Seco camp meeting, he talked of how the apostles never invoked the Trinitarian formula of Father, Son and Holy Ghost during Christian baptism. But always used the shorter formula, in the name of Jesus Christ when baptizing converts as is recorded in the book of Acts. When he said this, there was an inaudible shudder that swept the preachers on the platform and the people in the vast arena. McAlister noticed this reaction and himself stood in awesome silence. Brother Frank Denny, a missionary from China who was sitting down in the front row, mounted the platform in one bound, took Brother McAlister aside, and told him not to preach that doctrine or it would associate the camp with a Dr. Sykes of heretical reputation who so baptized.

Although Charles Parham had practiced baptism in Jesus' Name since as early as 1902, he had already lost most of his influence (among these particular Apostolic brethren) following the scandal of his alledged sexual misconduct in 1907. The reaction at Arroyo Seco, is a strong indication that in the early days of the Pentecostal movement that baptism in Jesus' name was indeed well known, but not fully embraced at that time.

In the summer months of 1908 Dr. Sykes emerged in the news again. He had teamed up with an African American preacher, Elder H.A. Garrison, and an African American woman, Mrs. Mary Taylor, to hold meetings at 2815 West Tenth Street. Throughout the month of July, the police had been called on repeatedly to protect these "holy rollers" when they were threatened by local residents. The press, with its typical objectivity, identified the sole purpose of their meetings as rendering "the night hideous by their delirious ravings after they have been worked up to a state of frenzy that borders on the insane." Finally a group of sleep-deprived residents filed a complaint against the racially integrated congregation led by this trio. On July 25, 1908, Garrison, Sykes, and Mrs. Taylor each went before Justice Rose, where they were charged with disturbing the peace. The trial was set for August 3. The date, however came and went with no trial. It seems that the court had erred when it notified the witness of the trial date. No witnesses appeared, and the case was dismissed.

The dates of his birth and death are not known to us at this time. However, Dr. Joshua W. Sykes will always be remembered in the annuls of modern Pentecostal history as a man who indirectly affected the outcome of the Jesus' name movement. The association of his name with Jesus' name baptism is forever etched in the history books concerning the great Arroyo Seco camp meeting in 1913. Whenever you read about the incidents that took place during this great Pentecostal gathering, and follow the script of how the revelation began to unfold, you will invaribly read his name in association with this turn of events that ignited the turning point in Pentecostal theology.