This week the co-founders of the New Testament Assembly (NTA), Bishop Melvin Powell and Bishop Donald Bernard, pass the leadership of the denomination to Bishop Hugh Thomas, leader of the NTA in Canada.
He will be consecrated in a special service taking place during the NTA's National Convention, which runs from August 27-31.
Some of Britain's foremost black church leaders will be preaching at this special conference, including Bishop Eric Brown, the National Overseer of the New Testament Church of God, Rev Agu Irkwu, head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Rev Delroy Powell, Senior pastor of NTA in Tooting, south London.
The transfer of leadership to Bishop Thomas marks the end of an era. Jamaican-born Bishop Powell founded the NTA with his good friend Bishop Donald Bernard in 1961.
Since those early years of starting the church in the home of the late Rev Doyley, the NTA now has 16 branches in the UK and 202 branches abroad - in Jamaica, Ghana, South Africa, Singapore, India, the US and Canada.
In the lead up to the consecration service, a special appreciation service will be held to recognise the many years of service both Bishop Powell and Bishop Bernard have given the NTA and the wider church community.
Their churches are known for their community outreach and they have seen fellow NTA leaders such as Dr Io Smith MBE and Pastor Esme Beswick MBE rise to national prominence and gain recognition for their community work.
Sis Rose Powell, wife of Bishop Powell, also received an MBE for founding the Tooting Neighbourhood Centre, which provides care for the elderly, mentally ill and young people.
"Bishop Powell and Bishop Bernard have won and discipled many believers and they have mentored countless others," said Rev Nezlin Sterling, the NTA's general and company secretary.
"They have been spiritual fathers to many, including pastors and other ministers who have sought their counsel. They have been exemplary in every area of their life and ministry. The legacy they have created is unsurpassable."
Source: Marcia Dixon, The Voice Online
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Hi Marcia, not sure if you remember me, I used to be "smithson".
Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for writing this. It is the end of an era and brings back the most pleasant memories of growing up in the church.
I enjoyed your piece on Pastor Smith and also this. It's great to read about our leaders especially now, when we're living so far away.
God bless, Jackie