founded and organized what was known as the Belvedere Holy Fellowship Church of God In Christ, Inc. soon afterward, by the miraculous intervention of the Holy Ghost, Elder Paden and four dedicated supporters were able to acquire a $300,000 church building, with only $160 in the bank. This church, formerly the Belvedere Baptist Church, was located at 1522 Thomas Road in Decatur, Georgia. On the fir
st Sunday in March 1988, the first official service was held in the sanctuary. God continually added to the membership and greatly moved in the midst of His people. In November 1992, the Lord blessed Pastor Paden and the newly renamed Holy Fellowship Church of God In Christ, Inc. to elevate and purchase an even greater church facility. This church, previously The Greater Traveler's Rest Missionary Baptist Church, was located at 2589 Tilson Road in Decatur, Georgia. The ministry flourished in all aspects and the blessings of the Lord greatly multiplied. Then, in June 1998, the Lord commissioned Pastor Paden and the Holy Fellowship Ministry to undergo a dramatic experience that would ultimately change the course of the church's history. Holy Fellowship had now found itself " in the wilderness", but God was yet "very present". The ministry had to temporarily relocate, first to a hotel ballroom, then to an elementary school cafeteria, and before long a church that allowed Holy Fellowship to share their facility with them. In the midst of the seemly unbearable circumstances, God began realigning and redefining Holy Fellowship by separating, shaping and strengthening the ministry. Simultaneously, the Lord began preparing Pastor Paden for the work He had established for him as a leader. Despite much anguish and adversity "the Watchman", Pastor Paden, persevered and never came down off the "wall". With a mindset of victory, the ability to lead, the determination to do God's will, a passion for souls, and a supportive First Lady, Pastor Paden faithfully continued on the path of righteousness. The members of Holy Fellowship undoubtedly upheld him and humbly followed him. Consequently in June 1999, nearly a year after leaving Tilson Road, God led Pastor Paden to 2866 Panthersville Road in Decatur, Georgia. This former Masonic lodge, situated in the heart of a thriving South Dekalb community proved to be the ideal location for soul winning and for the perfection of the ministry. In this facility God allowed a greater anointing to rest upon Pastor Paden and the Holy Fellowship Ministry. Salvation, Restoration, and deliverance came in great proportions and the Lord was being glorified. By the power of the Holy Ghost, the drawing of souls and an atmosphere of praise, outreach, and agape love being exemplified in such a manner in which only the survival of a "wilderness experience" can create. Victory has surely come and will certainly remain as Almighty God continues to raise up His manservant and His people in this critical hour. In the year 2004 the God laid upon the heart of Pastor Paden to “Believe Him to Exceed our Expectations”. This was exemplified through the entire year. The church was led out of the “wilderness” and into the “Promise Land” located at 3691 Centerville Highway Snellville Georgia in a thriving Gwinnett County. Therefore, it can assuredly be declared that after many years of ministry, God is truly demonstrating to all, through the Founders, Superintendent Michael J. Paden and First Lady Peggy Paden, what it means to have a "Holy Fellowship".
