Sharing Our History with Others: The Churches of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord as We Know It

By Tomie L. Brown

Sharing our history with the world is mostly information compiled by the author of the book. We have no written book of how our wonderful establishment begin. This magnificent Organization began in 1926 by late Bishop Major Solomon Bennett. In its 88 years history, we had four fantastic Bishops to head these Churches, Bishop Major Solomon Bennett, Bishop Benjamin Fields Colty, Bishop James Kelly and presently Bishop Moses Alfred Lewis.

A written history of some of these Churches, that makes up this wonderful Organization, as well as the former churches of Church, South Carolina. History of each church was compiled by the Pastors Members and Secretaries of each churches, Its foundation to the presence.

Its establishment and structure, our forefathers came together and set the guidelines that this organization will follow, not much has been revised since.

Pictures of some notable Leaders and Members, past and present, whose faces will be recognizable to the body of Christ. There are many, many more great giants that can be placed in OUR CHURCH HALL OF FAME that space will not consent to.

When the Spirit of God change the lives of ordinary people through the fabric of the church, People through the power of the Holy Spirit, can and will accomplish great things that will last and help to change the lives of others through Christ for generations to come.


We thank our God through Christ Jesus for all that has built on this foundation, because of their

FAITH in Christ which will be reported to the whole world. (Romans 1:8)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499043716

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Tomie L. Brown.

Cover Illustration by Angel dela Peña

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

All Scripture quotations unless otherwise indicated as taken from the Holy Bible King James Version and Life Application Study Bible.

This book is made for publishing with the afford of many of The Church Of Christ, church Families by permission, and is not for profit. All royalties and checks will be made payable to The Church Of Christ c/o Tomie Brown. The funds will go to aid The Major S. Bennett Bible Institute to Educate Students in the word of God and to our Mission Program of our Church to evangelize the world local and abroad to bring souls into the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Rev. date: 09/12/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

626805

CONTENTS

Preface

Tribute To The Patriarchs (Paterfamilias)

A TRIBUTE TO Ecclesiastical Church Mothers

Antiquity Of Our Churches

Copy Of First Constitution

Pictures Of Noted People

Dedicated To Present Pastors and Their Wives an Some Deacons- Deaconess

A Word To Readers

The Church A Fishing Tool

Further Acknowledgments Of Pastors

About The Author

PREFACE

T HE PURPOSE OF this history book is to provide every one that read it, more or less a short history of The Churches Of Christ Holiness Unto The Lord Inc. As we know part of our history is lost. I believe that men should know their history, good bad or indifferent. Our fore-fathers have gone through a lot to bring this Organization to the place where it is today. We that are left must defend and stand up and continue to build on this firm foundation of gold and silver tried by fire.

This is also an attempt to show both sides of what we know as the Churches Of Christ Holiness Unto The Lord Inc. Sad to say that in 1959 their was a split because of water baptism, in Jesus name vs baptism in the name of the father son and holy Ghost, Communion vs. water and grape juice. We are all one in Christ Jesus. Eventually we still came to the same terms, no matter what the split was all about. The New church of Christ holiness unto the Lord or The church of Christ holiness unto the Lord we are still one in Christ.

There has been no attempt in the past to capture our history in book form that the future generation will know what our fore Fathers went through for the cause of Christ. The Defenders of the Faith. I hope this will be a beginning for greater things.

May God richly bless you as you utilize this information in your effort to learn more about the history of The Churches Of Christ Holiness Unto The Lord Inc.

I acknowledge with thankfulness the help of Sister Martha Ferguson, God rest her soul, who always acknowledge me as her son and contribute information about the New Church of Christ. And my beloved sister Rosa Mae Gibbs of information which she was collecting for years and didn’t know the reason why, but God knew why Thank You.

VIRTUOUS WOMEN OF GOD

T HIS BOOK IS dedicated to two women in my life that is very important to me.

They are my Mother Mrs. Julia Brown Fullington and my Beloved wife Evangelist Ernestine Johnson Brown.

At the age of 84 years old in the month of March the Lord took my mother home to be with Him. This soft spoken giant of a woman, Mrs. Julia Brown is still bringing inspiration, encouragement, and deliverance in the lives of everyone she touched while she was alive. Mother Brown has been a hard worker in and out the church of Christ holiness unto the Lord. Many nights before the sun goes down she will make her way to the church. That’s just how much she wanted to be in the services of the Lord. Many times when we came home from New York and go to the house especially if it was service night, even thought we might though that she would stay home because she didn’t see us in a year or two, she will always say I am going to church, when you think that church is over you can come and pick me up. I have to go to church because God has been to good to me. I will see you when I get back. She loved the Lord more than anything. I may not have understood it then, but now I know. Thank you mom for showing us the way to salvation. Through your dedication you taught us that we must be faithful in the services of the Lord. Even though you are gone, but we will never forget you. LOVE YOU

To the elect Lady: We were married on September 3, 1966 by the right Bishop Benjamin Fields Colty. Brother an Evangelist Ernestine (Johnson) Brown. Now senior pastor of the Upper Room Church of Christ Holiness Unto The Lord Inc. Paterson N. J. We were blessed with seven children: Two the Lord took and leave us with five, Trumaine, Tishana, Tiffany, Tifarah and Tyrone Brown four grandchildren Nandia Hightower Ziare& Nia. Last but not least a grant son Tomie Lee. Tisdale.

Since the inception of her husband’s ministry back in 1990 she has played a consisted and vital role in it’s development. She is a part of the missionary board, and became a receptionist for MSBBI for over ten years. A full time servant of God Mother Ernestine Brown has always supported her husband in his God given assignments. As a godly wife and mother she taught her children and those around her through example, the importance of interceding in prayer for her husband, children and the body of Christ. Mother Brown has diligently worked alongside her husband in the ministry for over 21 years serving the tri-state community. Mother Brown has selflessly served the ministry and dedicated herself to helping those that are in need. She is an extremely caring and compassionate servant of God. She has maintained a high profile in the ministry and continues her enormous impact on the leadership and spiritual directions of the ministry. This has not hindered her commitment or passion for it. In June of 2008 she received a Master Degree Of Religious Education from the O. M. K. Bible Institute, Many have been saved, delivered, healed and blessed through her ministry.

This virtuous woman of God continues instilling her God given gift of wisdom in the lives of those she counsels, mentors, and touches, her indelible contribution to the body of Christ will live on forever. As my wife so passionately always Says, It could be worse.

ms_Page_006.jpgms_Page_007.jpg

TRIBUTE TO THE PATRIARCHS (PATERFAMILIAS)

ms_Page_007.jpg

THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD INC.

MAJOR SOLOMON BENNETT — FOUNDER AND ORGANIZER (1926-1952)

THE CHURCH OF CHRISTHOLINESS UNTO THE LORD, INC.

C:\Documents and Settings\computer1\My Documents\Scan_8.jpg

BISHOP MAJOR SOLOMON BENNETT (1926- 1954)

T HE LATE BISHOP Major Solomon Bennett, the founder and initial organizer of The Church of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord, Inc. This organization was then established in the city of Savannah, State of Georgia, on the eighth day of January, 1926, under the auspices of Elder Major Solomon Bennett, who was a building contractor, and formerly a member of the Methodist Church in Hardeeville, South Carolina. He moved from Hardeeville to Savannah, Georgia and was introduced to Holiness, through a house-to-house mission worker, by the name of Sister Dora Keels, who was member of the Apostolic Holiness Church. Major Solomon Bennett accepted the message of holiness and prayed at the altar until he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues. In a very short time, he was called to preach, and was ordained in the Apostolic Holiness Church(Savannah, Georgia) by Bishop Davis, who at that time, was the General Overseer of the Apostolic Church.

A few years later, Elder Bennett was alarmed by some things that were being taught by Bishop Davis that raised serious questions. He made several attempts to discuss these matters with Bishop Davis, but was denied everytime. Elder Major Solomon Bennett withdrew his membership and began holding services in a small building on Indian Lane and Ann Street in Savannah, Georgia.

For months, just him and his wife, Sister Lilla Bennett worshipped alone. However, it was not very long before other members of the Apostolic Church came and joined him. Those members were: Sister Annie Axson, Sister L. B. Baker, Sister Nellie Brown, Mother Sarah Brown, Sister Elsie Ellis, Sister Dora Keels and Deacon Saul Keels. It was not long before it was evident to Elder Bennett that God was blessing his efforts, Revival break out in Savannah and began spreading into other communities. The Lord began adding souls to the church such as would be saved. Many that were members of other organizations heard Elder Bennett preach true holiness and were convinced that they did not have the Pentecostal baptismal experience. These people came with Elder Bennett and prayed at the altar until they received the baptism in the holy ghost, speaking with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).

In 1926, this small band of saints organized The Church Of Christ Holiness unto the Lord. The name for the church was taken from Romans 16:16, Church Of Christ, and Zechariah 14:20, Holiness unto The Lord. It may be referred to as the C.O.C.H.U.T.L. This church, from its very beginning, was purposed to be a church where Christ would be fully honored as head of the church where Christ will be honored as Lord, the true gospel will be fully preached and where worldliness and immoral sins would not be tolerated. The Church Of Christ Holiness Unto The Lord does not claim to be the only true church, but does assert its place as one of the few Holiness bodies that stresses true holiness and proclaim the gospel message of full salvation.

In 1927, The Church of Christ Holiness unto the Lord held its first Assembly during the month of September at the small building on Indian Lane and Ann Street in Savannah Georgia. Approximately 125 members were present. This small flock was joyful and singing, Praise God from whom all blessings flow and It is good to know Jesus.

Although this assembly was small, it elected Elder Major Solomon Bennett as General Overseer, A.K.A. Bishop M. S. Bennett. Sister Lula Baker was elected secretary, Sister Dora Keels elected treasurer. The Articles of Faith were adopted. Among those present were, Elder Aaron Wilcox, one of the notable minister that preached in the first assembly. Although times were hard and very little currency was in circulation, this small flock was prepared to suffer for the cause of Christ. Only a few people had transportation other than mules and wagons. To own a horse and buggy was like owning a Cadillac today. The saints would walk seven and eight miles nightly attending regular services and revival meetings. Women carried their babies in their arms while the other little siblings walked beside or behind through the cold, and many times rain would overtake them before they arrived. Doing the summer months many of the saints would take off their shoes and walk bear foot to avoid wearing out the soles of their shoes, until they get to church.

In those early days, the church consisted of old houses with leaky roofs where the partition was removed for wider space. When it rain those roofs leaked so bad that the saints would sit on their Bibles to keep them from getting wet. They worshiped under thick clump of bushes, or preached from under a deciduous evergreen tree or trees with acorns as fruit and leaves with several rounded or pointed lobes, grown for it’s shade and wood. (Like a Jerusalem oak or poison oak tree). They went into every home that would authorize, or sanction them to come in.

Some saints were driven away or ran out of town. As they were ran out of town and driven away they shook the very dust off of their feet as a witness against the people of that town and moved on to another town or commune. Many churches were burned to the ground and bush arbors were set on fire. In one instance, during the early thirties, the late outstanding Evangelist W. W. Grant refused to leave town as he was conducting a revival meeting in Tattnall County, Georgia in the Tyson community near Glennville. The impact of the revival was felt throughout the whole community. There was a report of people being healed across racial lines whites and blacks. A plot arose not in favor of him, and those who were steadfast with him asked him to leave town, but he refused. A man was employed to kill him. On the night before he was to be assonated, he and his wife prayed all night long. The man that was hired to kill him could not pull the trigger of his gun. Falling under persuasion of the Holy Spirit, early the next morning he came and made an open confession and begged for exculpation. Among the women pioneers of the C.O.C.H.U.T.L., the late Evangelist Rosa Smalls was thrown in jail in Ludowici, Georgia for her steadfastness in the Lord. Men and women suffered much in those early years. A great price of adversity and sacrifices was paid by those Spirit filled Men and Women of God. They counted all joy to suffer for the cause of Christ. This church has been truly tried in the fire but with God’s help will come out as pure Gold. She has experience physical exertion of pain and hardship without giving up in the storms of life, and had stood up in an upright position against the ferocious attacks that have been waged in contradiction against her.

Bishop Bennett served this church as General Overseer for twenty-sixyears.

His stature is hard to match. He was a man of faith and power.

His belief in this way of salvation, and the explicit manner in which he expounded the word of God, made him a renowned, Theologian in his ownright. In the life of this great warrior, we can see Moses leading God’s people through the wilderness in trying times. We can see Joshua conquering the land of Canaan. We can see Gideon winning the victory by holding the light, and declaring the sword of the Lord: The word of God. We can see Samuel, upholding obedience to word and commands of God. We also see the courage of David as he conquered the Philistine giant with a sling and a stone, and his unshakable faith in God. We can see Elijah on Mount Carmel as he challenged the false prophets and re-established true worship of God: True Holiness. We can also see the Apostle Paul acknowledging a Good fight. This church will always remember this great man of God. He will stand out among the many heroes of the word of God.

In February of 1952 this immense church was sadden by the death of this great giant in Christ Jesus. This dedicated leader that this church was endowed with as General Overseer served us for twenty six years. His stature is hard to match. He was a man of Faith and Power.

THIS CHURCH WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS GREAT MAN OF GOD.

C:\Documents and Settings\computer1\My Documents\Scan_8.jpg

BISHOP BENJAMIN FIELDS COLTY (1952- 1959)

B ISHOP BENJAMIN FIELDS Colty was a appointed assistant General Overseer of the Church of Christ under the leadership of Bishop Bennett. After the death of Bishop Bennett, Bishop COLTY, at the General Assembly, in 1952 He was elected General Overseer of the Churches of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord. He appointed Elder James Kelly as Assistant General Overseer. Bishop Colty was one of the greatest speakers you ever wanted to hear. His desire was for the spiritual growth of the churches. As stated, by one of our Bishop, Bishop Colty was one of my idols, so to speak of in the ministry. Before becoming Bishop, he was a care taker. The work in the Florida and South Carolina area was started under Bishop Colty administration. As great a preacher as he was, he could speak on any occasion, or anywhere. Many times Bishop Colty was requested to