“Did you know the First Born Church of the Living God has roots stretching back to 1913?” The church began in Waycross Georgia. J. Q. Croom, S. P. Croom and others were its founding fathers.
The First Born Church of the Living God’s initial administration was led by Bishop J. Q. Croom. This period lacked formal laws. Instead, the Senior Bishop and founders governed the church. This lasted about eight years until 1921.
Bishop W.M. Holland headed the Second Administration. It was an introductory period. It lasted about three years ending in 1924. The first constitution and by-laws were introduced. Bishop Holland passed away before the constitution took effect.
Bishop J. C. Blakely led the Third Administration. It was a legislative period. The constitution and by-laws were ratified and enforced. The Executive Board was established and new laws were passed. Some laws are still in effect today. This administration lasted about sixteen years from 1924 to 1939.
Bishop Clinton Miller headed the Fourth Administration. It was a constructive period. There was extensive building. The International Headquarters was built during this time. The Fourth Administration lasted about ten years from 1939 to 1949.
The Fifth Administration began in 1949. Bishop H. J. Echols was the Chief Executive. It was known as the Progressive Administration. This era marked unprecedented progress in the First Born Church. The church was completely reorganized. The first four Dioceses were formed. They were Tri-State, South Florida, Central and North-Northwestern. Diocese Bishops were elected to oversee them. The church expanded into the Bahamas Jamaica Haiti and England. The First Born Seminary and Training School was established. A new school building was constructed. Bishop H.J. Echols passed away on August 4 1979.
The Sixth Administration lasted less than a year. Sr. Bishop C. L. Smith succeeded Bishop Echols. Land purchase for a new International Headquarters began. Bishop C. L. Smith passed away in May 1980.
Bishop R. B. Thompson led the Seventh Administration. It lasted only a few months. Bishop Thompson was unable to assume duties due to illness.
The Eighth Administration began in August 1980. Bishop A. Hill was the Chief Executive. This was known as the Holy Administration. It was launched during the thirty-seventh General Assembly in 1981. This administration focused on the needs of the people. “The Benevolent Ministry” evolved. It was named the Bishop and Mother A. Hill Benevolent Fund. It assisted the needy. The sanctuary of the International Headquarters was renovated. Three new dioceses were formed. South Florida was divided into two dioceses. The southern half kept the name South Florida. The northern portion was named North Florida. Tri-State was divided into two dioceses. They were the West Florida Diocese and the Mighty Mid-South Diocese. Bishop Hill transitioned in April 1999.
Bishop W.L. Johnson was inaugurated in 1998. This was the Ninth Administration. It was known as the Law and Order Grace and Truth Administration. The Executive Board revised the church constitution. It protected the organization from civil litigation. The organization was restored and revived. Bishop Johnson resigned in 2008. Bishop Joseph Thompson served as Interim Senior Bishop. Three new Dioceses were formed. They were Northeastern/New York New Millennium and South Carolina.
Bishop J.C. Howard was installed in 2009. This was the Tenth Administration. It was known as the Millennium Administration. Bishop Howard focused on evangelism. The Northeastern Fellowship Diocese was formed.
Bishop Titus B. Deas Sr. began the Eleventh Administration in 2015. He continued planning for the new International Headquarters. The First Born Seminary and Training School underwent upgrades. The Seminary and Training School received accreditation. Bishop Deas was elected Senior Bishop in 2017. He passed away on December 29 2017.
The First Born Church of the Living God has a rich history. It evolved through different administrations. Each administration contributed to its growth and development. Its legacy is a testament to faith and perseverance.