Our Church History

Apostle Joyce M. Gordon

Founding Pastor

Apostle Joyce M. Gordon (1938-2022) was the Founding Pastor of St. James Holiness Church of Deliverance. The Lord called Apostle Gordon into Holiness in 1965. One year later, the Lord anointed her to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and gave her a witness (Isaiah 61:1). She preached her trial sermon at Mt. Zion City of Living God Church on Johns Island, SC under the leadership of the late Elder Henry Johnson. She was ordained by the late Bishop C.P. Townsend. Through the inspiration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Apostle Joyce M. Gordon and Mother Alma Jenkins started St. James Holiness Church of Deliverance. In 1981 Apostle Gordon was chosen to be the Pastor of the church.

She was anointed and chosen by God to the office of an Apostle in 1988. The Lord used Elder Mary Gillard to confirm this prophecy to the church. Throughout her ministry, she held many positions in the church. She was elected as District Evangelist, District Mother in the First Born Holiness Churches, and Assistant National Mother with the Sounds of Praise, Inc.

Apostle Gordon attended Morris College Extension where she received her certificate in Religion. She went on to attend the Gulf Seminary in Charleston, SC where she received her Bachelor of Theology Degree and graduated with the Conferred Honor of Salutatorian.

Apostle Joyce M. Gordon conducted great revivals preaching and teaching throughout South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Jamaica, North Carolina, and Africa. Her desire was to win souls for the Kingdom and her prayer was for all souls to be saved and ready to go back with Jesus when He comes back for the church.