United Church of God Incorporated

United Church of God Incorporated Founded in 1916 by Elder T.C. Marshall in Mt. Gilead, NC, the United Church of God, Inc. traces its roots to 1916, when Elder T.C. Gilead, North Carolina.

has grown from a small gathering of believers into a lasting Pentecostal fellowship, celebrating 110 years of faith, leadership, ministry, and service. United Church of God, Inc. – A Brief History

The United Church of God, Inc. Marshall united a small group of Christian believers in Mt. Starting with services held outdoors, the group soon built a brush arbor and, in 1917, constructed their first

church—St. Luke Church of God (Colored). Following Elder Marshall’s death, Elder K.D. Christian became the first Senior Bishop, and the church headquarters moved to Albemarle, NC. Under his leadership, the first church assembly convened in 1928, marking the beginning of a growing multistate presence, eventually reaching New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and D.C. Successive bishops—P.L. Ledbetter, J.A. Jackson, O.C. Crone, Dan Hayes, and James Leak—oversaw continued expansion. In 1962, the organization’s name was officially changed to the United Church of God, Inc. The headquarters later moved to Greensboro, NC, where the Convention Center and Mt. Zion United Church of God were built. Bishop Samuel Leak, Sr., succeeded his father and led the church through land acquisitions and major building expansions. He was followed by Bishop E.H. Bain, Bishop Marvin D. Williams, and Bishop Claude L. Campbell, under whose leadership the Convention Center became debt-free. Today, the United Church of God, Inc. continues to grow, grounded in over a century of spiritual leadership and community building.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | OFFICIAL MISSIVESThe United Church of God, Inc. respectfully releases the official Necrological ...
09/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | OFFICIAL MISSIVES

The United Church of God, Inc. respectfully releases the official Necrological Arrangements, Schedule of Services, and National Funeral Attire Directives for our beloved Overseer Emeritus Willie Russell Purcell, Jr., who was promoted to glory on September 3, 2026.

We ask all clergy, churches, members, family, and friends to carefully review the attached missives for complete information concerning the services and required attire.

As we prepare to honor the life, legacy, and faithful service of Overseer Emeritus Purcell, we continue to lift the Purcell family, St. James United Church of God, Inc., and all who mourn his passing in our prayers.

Please govern yourselves accordingly and share this official communication as appropriate.

United Church of God, Inc.
Office of the Presiding Prelate & General Board of Directors

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Overseer Willie R. Purcell Jr., a devoted servant of God whose life reflec...
09/05/2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Overseer Willie R. Purcell Jr., a devoted servant of God whose life reflected faith, love, leadership, and service.

As we mourn his transition, we also give thanks to God for the life he lived, the ministry he rendered, and the lives he touched along the way. His labor was not in vain, and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

We invite family, friends, the church community, and all whose lives were impacted by Overseer Purcell to join us as we honor his life and celebrate his homegoing.

Sunrise: August 23, 1952
Sunset: September 3, 2026

🕊️ Viewing — Open to the Public
Thursday, September 10 | 1:00–5:00 PM
Buie Funeral Home, Raeford, NC

🙏🏾 Wake
Thursday, September 10 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Buie Funeral Home, Raeford, NC

⛪ Funeral Service
Friday, September 11 | 1:00 PM
St. James UCOG, Raeford, NC

Please continue to keep the Purcell family, St. James UCOG, and all who loved Overseer Purcell lifted in prayer during this time of bereavement.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

Rest well, Overseer Willie R. Purcell Jr. Your life, service, and legacy will not be forgotten. 🕊️💜

08/09/2026

WHAT A TIME WE HAD! 🙌🏾🔥

Holy Convocation 2026 was truly GRAND! From the powerful worship and unforgettable preaching to the fellowship, music, celebration, and moments we will carry with us for years to come — God met us in a mighty way!

We came together to celebrate 110 years of God’s faithfulness, and what a testimony it is to say that after all these years, WE’RE STILL STANDING! 🙏🏾🔥

The memories may be behind us, but the fire, the faith, and the fellowship continue to live on. Thank you to everyone who helped make Holy Convocation 2026 one for the history books!

110 YEARS. ONE LEGACY. STILL STANDING.
Until we gather again… may the glory of God continue to lead us forward! 🙌🏾

08/02/2026

Bishop Craig Williams!! Youth Night Holy Convocation!!!

07/31/2026

Address

705 Banner Avenue
Greensboro, NC
27405

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