WEST COAST DISTRICT

Biographical Sketch of the West Coast District

In 1938 amid the inception of WWII and events that begin to reshape our World, The Church was the key institution for consolation and hope for a world that needed the Lord.  A young man impressed for the need of The Lord, was searching for spiritual truth and direction.  In 1923 he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in Lakeland, FL.  He later joined The Emanuel Tabernacle Baptist Church of The Apostolic Faith Inc. in Tampa Florida under the leadership of Elder O. S. Perry Jr.  In 1925 Brother Harry Johnson, accepted the calling to minister and served in the church as a faithful steward of the Lord. Elder Harry Johnson felt the leading of the Lord, amid concerns for the direction of the church and after much prayer, fasting and consultation with his peers, embarked on a God given vision to establish The Apostolic Church of Jesus Inc., in 1938.  Elder H. Johnson, a veteran of World War I, a born Leader began the 1st established church of this New Body of believers.  Its location was 1135 Green Street.  As Head of this emerging Church which had locations in Lakeland, Avon Park, Tampa, became the 1st Overseer of The Apostolic Church of Jesus Inc., while there were several locations there was only one district, which would later be known as The West Coast District.  Elder Johnson would become the 1st General Overseer, and Presiding Bishop on December 24th, 1939.  Leading the church from 1939 until his death in 1971. 

Approximately in the 1940's Elder E. L. Sharrod became our 2nd District Overseer till his death.  Elder Bruce Hamilton whom served as the Associate Pastor of the Tarpon Springs Church, was appointed as the 3rd District Overseer.  Elder B. Hamilton served until his death in 1988, Elder Melvin Lee was appointed to carry out the remainder of Elder B. Hamilton's term.  That year Elder Melvin Lee, Pastor of the Largo, FL. church was voted unanimously by the West Coast District to be its 4th District Overseer.  Elder Lee served for 16 years overseeing growth and leading the District into the new millennium.  

Overseer Melvin Lee, served faintly encouraging and uplifting the Body of Christ until Elder Sammy Jacobs our 5th District Overseer was elected in 2004, Elder Jacobs worked diligently being instrumental in examinations of candidates for ordination as Elders and Pastors. Elder Jacobs, embarked on improving the educational base as well as the physical appearance of many of our churches, Overseer Jacobs Pastored the Lakeland, FL. church. Elder Jacobs's vision encompassed providing opportunities for young ministers to elevate to become Pastors and leaders.    In 2005 Elder Samuel Hunt Sr. Pastor of the Safety Harbor, FL. church was appointed to finish the term, becoming the West Coast's 6th District Overseer, taking the initiates of his mentor, Elder Jacobs he continued the efforts of improving the fellowship between churches, which brought the District into promise as being well unified.  Overseer Samuel Hunt Sr. endeavored to establish a Evangelical as well as solid ministry base on the West Coast.   The first initiatives were began in expanding the West Coast District into the Fort Myers Area by establishing a continual fellowship with The Glorious Community Church of The Apostolic Faith Inc., and The Lighthouse Church of Jesus of The Apostolic Faith Inc. Ft. Myers / Largo.  Upon his resignation in 2005, Elder Sam Washington, Pastor of Tampa, FL.  Was appointed as the 7th District Overseer serving till 2016.  Elder Washington was very instrumental in building fellowship on the district level, as well as ministry expansion, and establishing ministries in Clearwater, FL. and Orange City, FL., as CFO, he was very instrumental in bringing our church and district to a solid financial state, paying off long term debts and facilitating the foundation for potential growth of the organization.  

Our current Overseer, Elder Preston Rolle Jr. was appointed as District's 8th Overseer and currently Pastors the Haines City, FL. Church.  Elder Rolle a well-seasoned minister, has ministered in the cities of Davenport, and Haines City, and is the son of Bishop Preston Rolle Sr. our 2016 to 2020 Presiding Bishop.  Overseer Preston Rolle Jr's Vision is to empress the Love and fellowship of the saints, returning us to the Church's first love. 

The West Coast District, although the Oldest, of all of group's Districts;  has proven to be innovative and progressive, leading the body of Christ in social programs with feeding and social programs for the community.  Our locations and Pastors are the greatest!

Our Church Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be that of the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the teachings of the Apostolic Doctrine, which will enrich the lives of believers, change the lifestyle of the sinner, and bring mankind into perfect harmony with God. The ordinations of deacons, elders, bishops, etc. will consist of obeying the doctrine and procedures of the church. Certification of license will be given from the Presiding Bishop and the Executive Board during the Annual General Assembly authorizing them to perform baptisms, communions, marriage ceremonies, funerals and other Godly service as long as they are in good standing with the church and are subject to the constitution and by-laws of the church and the Word of God

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS CHURCH PLEASE CONTACT US!