In 1929, when several determined spirited ladies:
(Rosa Hills, S. Marks-McClendon, & Elizabeth Kennedy) at the invitation of Maggie Reshard , visited Fernandina Beach, FL. It was upon this visit a prayer meeting was started which would bring about a new established Faith & Church. They brought with them a new form of religion, the restoration of the Biblical “Pentecostal” message & the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Leatha Miller & Mary Hines joined the congregation of believers as they held Prayer meeting in the home of Samuel & Maggie Reshard. A shop was rented on the corner of 8th & Jasmine, where the meetings continued.
Elder Edwards from the Church of god Auditorium preached a Soul, Searching sermon: “I Found Myself Wanting For More Of Jesus & I Tarried Until I Found Jesus & I Have Been In The Way Ever Since!”
In 1930 when Bishop Taylor W. Wimberly from the Church of God Auditorium (Jacksonville, FL) He felt compelled to organize a church in the Fernandina Beach area. This dynamic Preacher shook the city with his Spiritual Preaching and Holy Ghost Anointed Ministry. Revival Flames were glowing and spreading with great intensity. The Power of God so evident that those passing by were drawn to the Church's doors and windows. The Spirit of God literally took control of many people, Convicting, Saving, Sanctifying, Filling with The Holy Ghost, Healing, and Delivering! These Revival Flames spread to Chester, Florida and St. Mary's, Georgia from 1930 thru 1933.
At the end of the Revival in 1931, the Church was set in order, followed by water baptism. Members were not received in the Church until following the baptism service.
Bishop T.W. Wimberly was appointed as First Pastor from 1931-1938. Between 1931-1938, the Church sought to purchase it's own land for future development. Joseph Richo interceded for the land located at the corner of South 8th Street & Fir Street. Through some misunderstanding of the taxes on the land, the property was lost. This did not discourage this group of believers, Joseph Richo again interceded for the present property at the corner of South 11th & Elm Streets!
(Rosa Hills, S. Marks-McClendon, & Elizabeth Kennedy) at the invitation of Maggie Reshard , visited Fernandina Beach, FL. It was upon this visit a prayer meeting was started which would bring about a new established Faith & Church. They brought with them a new form of religion, the restoration of the Biblical “Pentecostal” message & the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Leatha Miller & Mary Hines joined the congregation of believers as they held Prayer meeting in the home of Samuel & Maggie Reshard. A shop was rented on the corner of 8th & Jasmine, where the meetings continued.
Elder Edwards from the Church of god Auditorium preached a Soul, Searching sermon: “I Found Myself Wanting For More Of Jesus & I Tarried Until I Found Jesus & I Have Been In The Way Ever Since!”
In 1930 when Bishop Taylor W. Wimberly from the Church of God Auditorium (Jacksonville, FL) He felt compelled to organize a church in the Fernandina Beach area. This dynamic Preacher shook the city with his Spiritual Preaching and Holy Ghost Anointed Ministry. Revival Flames were glowing and spreading with great intensity. The Power of God so evident that those passing by were drawn to the Church's doors and windows. The Spirit of God literally took control of many people, Convicting, Saving, Sanctifying, Filling with The Holy Ghost, Healing, and Delivering! These Revival Flames spread to Chester, Florida and St. Mary's, Georgia from 1930 thru 1933.
At the end of the Revival in 1931, the Church was set in order, followed by water baptism. Members were not received in the Church until following the baptism service.
Bishop T.W. Wimberly was appointed as First Pastor from 1931-1938. Between 1931-1938, the Church sought to purchase it's own land for future development. Joseph Richo interceded for the land located at the corner of South 8th Street & Fir Street. Through some misunderstanding of the taxes on the land, the property was lost. This did not discourage this group of believers, Joseph Richo again interceded for the present property at the corner of South 11th & Elm Streets!
Reverend Thomas Hoggs was appointed Second Pastor from 1938-1940. The property was paid-off during his tenure. The Church maintained continued growth.
May 5, 1940 – Reverend J.H. Smith became the Third Pastor. On June 13th the Church received the shocking news that Rev. Smith had passed. It is said that Pastor Smith, on the Sunday Night prior (June 9th) preached with one of the greatest anointings ever viewed by the Saints! “It was the Greatest Service I have ever seen!”, said one member.
Reverend George Washington Kennedy became the fourth Pastor. The Church seemingly was experiencing a Spiritual drought. Mother Ola Williams along with The Pastor, First Lady, & approximately Eight Others – began Praying faithfully for the restoration of the Revival Flames that had once flourished. A few became dismayed when on October 20th, 1943 – the Church Building was destroyed by fire. The Saints resorted back to House Prayer Meetings again. Under the skillful ability of Elder Kennedy, a new building was constructed to face Elm Street. The members worked hard, soliciting and selling for a new Church edifice.
In 1945, after continued Prayer Meetings with Mother Ola Williams, the Revival Flames were rekindled. Deacon Glynn Pope was the first Saved in these meetings. Evangelist F.J. Lane conducted a Pentecostal Revival and over 30 Souls were saved! He also preached the Baptismal Service. “Some Day” was sung as the candidates marched from the Church to the river in Chester, FL. Oh What A Glorious Service!
Elder Kennedy had poor health, but this did not hinder him from Serving the Lord with all his might, both spiritually and physically. And because of his physical labor on the Church building, he was given the first “Pastor's Appreciation”! September 1948, Elder Kennedy passed while pastoring at Elm Street Church of God. Under his Pastoral Administration the Chester Church merged with the Fernandina Congregation!
Reverend Ralph Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, FL became the Fifth Pastor. He was the First Pastor to serve two terms 1948-1949 & 1957-1958. Under his Pastoral Administration, pews were purchased. Rev. Johnson was known for his Great Bible Teaching!
Reverend F.J. Lane of the 1957 Revival, was appointed the Sixth Pastor. He was known for his Great Preaching! One Powerful Message that was remembered was entitled “Get Up Boys & Lets Go To Town!” Under his Pastoral Administration, a larger Church was constructed around the smaller Church. The front door was moved from Elm Street to 11th Street. Elder Lane helped tremendously in the block-laying and mortar mixing. During Elder Lane's Pastoral Administration, special preparations were made for funerals & many were amazed how the Church came together and was ready for Home-goings.
Elder Ralph Johnson was re-appointed in 1957-1958. Pews were purchased and the inside ceiling was completed.
*Reverend Raymond Campbell of St. Mary's, GA was appointed Eighth Pastor. He served from 1958-1965. Under his Pastoral Administration, construction began on the dining room on the Dining Room, the Baptismal Pool was built, Restrooms were erected, Choir Number 1 & Choir Number 2 was organized, a Radio Ministry was started, the first Pulpit was built, Gas Heaters were added, and Property was acquisitioned. Elder Campbell conducted Great Revivals, and Many Souls were saved! |
*Reverend Lawrence O. Wynn (First Lady Dosie Wynn) was appointed Ninth Pastor from 1965-1969. Under his Pastoral Administration the Fellowship Hall was completed, The Melody Choir was organized, Sunday School Jr. Department was coordinated, Ladies Willing Workers Band was organized, and Noon-Day Prayer was established. Elder Wynn was known as the “Community Pastor”, He and First Lady Wynn made themselves visible in the Community, going door to door, distributing tracts and inviting the “Un-Churched” to Get To Know Jesus! He received an award at the International Church of God General Assembly for The Fastest Growing Church in The State of Florida. Both Elder & Lady Wynn were Great Teachers of The Word of God!
Reverend Roosevelt Hestle Sr. of Orlando , FL was appointed Tenth Pastor from 1969-1970. He was instrumental in painting the Church and cleaning the undeveloped property. His tenure was brief due to Lady Hestle's health, he desired to be closer to his hometown. He was a Spiritual Preacher of The Word!
Bishop Israel Black of Sanford, FL was appointed 11th Pastor from 1970-1978. Great Revivals were held during his Pastoral Administration: work was continued over the Fellowship Hall, The Edifice was painted, Parsonage was constructed, furnished, and dedicated. Elder Black is remembered as a Man of Prayer – which made him the Powerful and Fearless Preacher that he was! During his tenure, Chester Church of God was formed, organized! During this time, Reverend Earl Richo was appointed by the Florida-Cocoa State Office and served in this position faithfully until his death in August of 2014!
During Bishop Black's Administration, Reverend Earl Richo was appointed by the Florida-Cocoa State Office as Assistant Pastor.
Rev. Richo, also known as The Love Preacher, served in this position faithfully until his death in August of 2014.
For his dedicated Service, we Praise God for this Life and Legacy!
*Reverend Quan L. Miller (Lady Patricia Miller) of Deerfield Beach, FL was appointed 12th Pastor on August 1978- 1983. Former State Youth & Christian Education Director, Rev. Miller was a young man, with an unction of Motivation that foresaw the success of Operation $20,000, although some doubted, the Church exceeded the goal! Under Rev. Miller's Pastoral Administration: the Education Annex was completed and dedicated, a Bus was purchased, a Day-Care was started, The Sanctuary was remodeled, a Nursery & Church Offices were constructed, a Mission was established in Baldwin, FL, instituted a Cassette Tape Ministry, purchased additional property, went on a 40 Day Fast, a Mass Children's Dedication Service was performed, Family Day was hosted with Re-Dedication of Marriage Vows, Melody Choir appeared on Television, Youth participated in State & National Teen Talent Competition. Many Inspiring Revivals and Continuous Times of Prayer & Fasting! Pastor Miller was awarded “Pastor of The Year” at The Church of God State Convention & initiated the Celebration of the 50th Church Anniversary!
*Reverend William C. Menendez was appointed 13th Pastor from 1983-1984.
Girl's Club's were expanded under his Pastoral Administration. He was a Great Minister and Truly had a Passion for Youth!
Girl's Club's were expanded under his Pastoral Administration. He was a Great Minister and Truly had a Passion for Youth!
*Reverend Michael E. Reid (Lady Xernona Reid) was appointed 14th Pastor from 1984-1990. He was a very humble servant, who related very well with Youth. Under Rev. Reid's Pastoral Administration: The Women's Ministry Choir was organized, Christian Service (Boy's) Brigade was established, Two New Vans were purchased. Pastor Reid was an exceptional Instructor and he also served as the State's Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) Instructor!
Bishop Wardell Avant, Jr. (Lady Babara Avant) was appointed 15th Pastor from 1990-2000 after serving as Florida-Cocoa State Office as Administrative Bishop. Under his Pastoral Administration: another Van was purchased, several Parcels of Land was purchased, & Fencing was installed around the Church's perimeter.
From 2000-2001 we were without a Permanent Pastor
*Reverend Kelvin L. Cobaris (Lady Deidre Cobaris) of Orlando, FL was appointed 16th Pastor from 2001-2002. Under his Pastoral Administration: The Parsonage was remodeled, Stucco was applied to the Church & Parsonage, and The Church was known for Traveling from South Carolina to Jamaica. Pastor Cobaris operated heavily in the Prophetic, and many testified to matters he prophesied of that came to fruition. After 18 Months he was elevated to the Office of The State Evangelism Director.
*Reverend Terry L. Pugh was appointed 17th Pastor in August 2002-2011. During his Pastoral Administration: Major Reinforcement Construction was performed on the Sanctuary's Roof, The Vestibule was remodeled, Liturgical Dance & Step Teams were organized and competed on State Level.
Lady Jackie Pugh complemented his Ministry as Praise & Worship Leader, Choir Director, Occasional Minister/Evangelist and Bible Study Teacher! She Organized the First Seasonal Tea and Women's Conferences , which were all Mega Successes! Pastor Pugh will be remembered as a Community Pastor who loved all but especially Youth & Seniors! Many Anointed Revivals were held during this Administration!
Lady Jackie Pugh complemented his Ministry as Praise & Worship Leader, Choir Director, Occasional Minister/Evangelist and Bible Study Teacher! She Organized the First Seasonal Tea and Women's Conferences , which were all Mega Successes! Pastor Pugh will be remembered as a Community Pastor who loved all but especially Youth & Seniors! Many Anointed Revivals were held during this Administration!
Bishop Dr. Jimmy Campbell was appointed 18th Pastor on July 10th, 2011 – December 31st, 2018! Under his Pastoral Administration: The Parsonage, Sanctuary, Offices, and Educational Annex have all been completely remodeled, The Church's SECURITY SYSTEM has been updated, The Sanctuary's Sound System has been upgraded, The Church has purchased and paid off a Bus and Remodeled the Van, A Senior's Ministry was Organized, The Evangelism/Outreach Ministry was Reorganized and The Church has been noted as one of the Top 10 Bodies in The Church of God Florida-Cocoa Office! In 2013 We adopted the slogan:
“The House of Greater Glory!” -Haggai 2:9
His Wife, Rev. Mary Louise Campbell complemented his Ministry as an Ordained Minister, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Instructor, Choir Leader, & Women's Discipleship President!
Bishop & Rev. Campbell will be remembered as People of Prayer, Humor, Wisdom, & Immense Integrity!
*Bishop Campbell is the first Pastor in the Church's History to enjoy retirement!
“The House of Greater Glory!” -Haggai 2:9
His Wife, Rev. Mary Louise Campbell complemented his Ministry as an Ordained Minister, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Instructor, Choir Leader, & Women's Discipleship President!
Bishop & Rev. Campbell will be remembered as People of Prayer, Humor, Wisdom, & Immense Integrity!
*Bishop Campbell is the first Pastor in the Church's History to enjoy retirement!
Bishop Dwayne L. Campbell
(Lady W. Nicole Campbell)
was appointed 19th Pastor on January 1st, 2019.
We are honored to have them and are excited about what God is getting ready to do in the Life of Elm Street Church of God!