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Who We Are
About the Church of God by Faith South Carolina District
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National Origin
The Church of God by Faith, Inc. began in 1914 under the leadership of devout men and women. These men and women were inspired by God and founded the first church in Jacksonville, Florida. The founders include Bishop Aaron Matthews, Elder John Bright, Elder Herbert Steadman, Elder Nathaniel Scippio, Mother Delia Roundtree, and others. The founders' purpose for the church is to glorify God in the beauty of holiness.
Elder Herbert Steadman was the first executive secretary and editor for the Sunday School literature and various inspirational publications.
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South Carolina’s Beginning
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The South Carolina District had its beginning between 1927 - 1928 when Elder Willie and Mother Emma Billups returned to Sumter from Florida. While in Florida, the Billups received the Lord as their Savior and brought the good news of the Gospel to South Carolina. Shortly after the return of the Billups, Elder Billups pitched a tent and began to evangelize. Many people were saved and healed. Mother Eva Stukes was the first convert during that time. Daddy Naham McBride remembers visiting the tent when he was a very young child. The tent was located on the Bennet Hamilton property (The Tram Road), near an area known as Brogden, SC. He recalls seeing Mother Stukes, Mother Matilda Allen and the Billups having service under the tent. As providence would have it, Daddy McBride received the Lord years later at the age of 26. The tent was moved to the city of Sumter, near the Jehovah Baptist church. Elder Billup's continued to preach the Gospel and Mother McCastle, Mother Susan Allen, Mother Willie Balls, Mother Helen Matthews, and many more accepted their salvation. Elder Nathaniel Scippio came to Sumter and continued revivals harvesting people into the Kingdom. The first church was built in 1931 on Beck Street under the direction of Elder Willie Billups.
Elder Griffin Kemp was sent to pastor and also served as district elder in 1937. Elder Kemp and Sister Daisy Kemp worked very tenaciously inspiring the community. The district continued to grow in membership and extended to other areas such St. Paul, Davis Station, Pinewood, Atkins, Florence, and Summerton.
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District Leadership Lineage
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Elder Willie Billups 1927
Elder Griffin Kemp 1937-1960
Elder Walter Rosier 1960
Elder Arthur Dukes 1961
Elder Senior Lewis 1962-1974
Elder W.H. Livingston 1975-1980
Elder Richard Jones 1980-1985
Elder E.P. Livingston 1986-2002
Elder Mack S. Wilson 2002 - Present
Elder Mack S. and
Lady Gloria Wilson
Elder Mack Wilson was called into the ministry in 1986 while attending the COGBF, Inc., Lynchburg, under the pastorate of Elder C P. McBride. As minister, he did mission work in Olanta and Bishopville, South Carolina. His first pastoral appointment was made by District Superintendent Elder E.P. Livingston to pastor Bishopville and Olanta Missions in 1987. In 1988, Elder Wilson was appointed pastor of COGBF, Inc., Florence, South Carolina. Under Elder Wilson’s pastorate, the old church on John Street, was sold and the Sanctuary on Clement Street, Florence was built and dedicated in 1990.
Elder Wilson was ordained as Minister in 1990 and an Elder in 1994 by the COGBF, Inc. Executive Counsel. He was appointed to the District Elder Advisory Board in 2001; appointed Assistant District Superintendent in December 2001 and was appointed as Superintendent, in 2002.
Under the leadership of Elder Wilson, a 20-year growth plan was developed which includes our present district headquarters facility, the ministry training committee, the communication and technology committee, the regional operation on the district and the Spartanburg Mission. He worked with Pastor David Laws and the Columbia Mission Congregation to purchase property in Columbia, South Carolina.
Sister Gloria A. Rouse Wilson was born and raised in the COGBF, Inc. While attending the COGBF, Inc., Lynchburg, SC, Sister Wilson served as: Youth Sunday School Teacher, choir member, Usher Board member, helper in many areas and district choir member. Sister Wilson played and continues to play a vital role in support of Elder Wilson in their ministry. She supported her husband as they ministered at the Bishopville and Olanta Missions, sacrificing her time, money and devoting her talents to support the ministry. As member and First Lady at the COGBF, Inc., Florence, South Carolina, Sister Wilson serves as: Missionary, choir member and Sunday School Superintendent.
As the SC District First Lady, she fully supports her husband, Elder Wilson as they represent the district in various matters and places. She also chairs the District Minister’s Wives Association. Sister Wilson is employed by Ahlstrom of Bethune, South Carolina.
