Evangelist Sue Irene Edwards
April 1939 - October 4, 1972
Mission - To Fulfill the Commission of Saving Souls According to the Word of God
Sue Irene Chappell Edwards can be described as a trailblazer, savvy entrepreneur, agent of change, seeker of God, and by thousands – A WOMEN OF FAITH AND GOD.
Founder
In the year 1935, services were held in the home. It was later in 1939 she was charged to bring a humble structure to code by Mrs. Florence G. Carter. It was there The Apostolic Jesus Name Churches and Apostolic Faith Holiness Churches, movement began. The late founders, Evangelist Sue Irene Chappell Edwards (affectionately known as “Mother Sue”) and Elder John Oliver Edwards were a productive husband-wife ministry team.
After months of restoration, the first worship service in the Home Church, 2129 Ford Avenue took place on August 1, 1944. The Mission under Mother Sue was lived and implemented: To fulfill the commission of saving souls according to the Word of God.” More than three thousand souls came to Christ under her leadership as the Word went forth across many miles. She leaves on record a history of preaching, teaching, and baptizing souls in Jesus Name according to Acts 2:38.
She leaves in a hand written document signed in 1960, “ Lord have mercy on all of these souls, in Jesus Name. I have done my best to show them Thy Word. Thank you Jesus.” The church expanded its ministries and evangelist efforts.
Former Pastor & Overseer
Bishop Willie Gray Suggs
October 10, 1972 – April 23, 2017
Mission – Faithful to the leadership, Expanding the ministry, Standing in unity with a vision of greater
The Sabbath Apostolic Churches (created as a result of an initial organizing meeting, May 1977) is an outgrowth of the formerly known, Apostolic Jesus Name Churches and Apostolic Faith Holiness Churches.
H
I
S
T
O
R
Y
The mantel was passed to Bishop Suggs and sealed with a vow before God and to his former Leader. Bishop Suggs answering of the call was supported by the Graceful Lady Elect - Missionary Ellen E. Suggs, who served faithfully. Leadership under Bishop Suggs can be defined as Faithful, Expanding the ministry, and Standing in unity with a vision of greater. Bishop Suggs dedicated himself and charged his followers to be faithful to the call. He traveled monthly, fellowshipping with the established missions to support and uplift the leadership and to encourage the Body of Christ.
With only one year in office, Bishop began meetings to build in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. On May 9, 1976, the doors were opened to the Lincoln Heights’ Apostolic Church in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. With a growing ministry, in August 18, 1991 The New Covenant Apostolic Church was proclaimed before the Mayor of Richmond. Bishop Suggs stated Godly boldness, “We are in the soul saving business.” His vision of greater for the body of Christ was always stated upon the biblical principle of unity. His greatest desire being to see souls saved and those saved dwelling together in unity adorned in brotherly love.
Bishop Suggs taught the body of Christ the Apostles’ Doctrine. He often state, “Don’t just have a zeal for God, don’t establish your own way, but in all your ways acknowledge God. Don’t let God’s suffering and death be in vain.” One of his proudest moments – over 100 souls from many nationalities received the baptism according to Acts 2:38 during a Wednesday night service. With a weekly broadcast and travels, Bishop Willie G. Suggs proudly carried the mantle as Overseer of the The Sabbath Apostolic Pentecostal Assembles until God called His faithful servant from labor to eternal rest. He left with the church with these words, “Stand on the Word of God.”