Bishop William E. Fuller, Jr.,

Honored At Archives Luncheon

Dr. Harold Hunter, director, presided over the Archives and Research Center luncheon honoring W. E. Fuller, Jr., Senior Bishop of the Fire Baptized Church of the Americas. Accompanying the Bishop were his sisters, Betty Fuller Scott and Ruth Fuller Lewter, and a nephew, Andy C. Lewter, Jr. Bishop Fuller and his sisters are the three remaining offspring of William E. Fuller, Sr.’s 13 children.

Bishop William E. Fuller, Sr. was the founder of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas. Fuller joined the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church during the first national convention held in Anderson, South Carolina in 1898. During the next ten years, he served as Ruling Elder, planted many congregations that still thrive to this day and served as Assistant General Overseer to J.H. King.

Bishop Fuller recalled how his father used to say, “I ‘Januaried’ you through grade school; I ‘Februaried’ you through high school; but you’re going to have to March through and spring for college on your own.” He also shared how his dad used to eat meal and fatback all week long, but on Sundays, he was given a biscuit with fatback. At that time, the elder young Fuller held onto his biscuit for so long it began to turn black with dirt.

Other honored guests were Rev. Tim Lamb, pastor of Empire (Georgia) Pentecostal Holiness Church and Bishop James D. Leggett, who briefly greeted the guests. Dr. David Roebuck, director of the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center and official historian for the Church of God. Dr. Roebuck presented a moment in history — “From Azusa to Cleveland,” a paper on G.B. Cashwell.

Dr. Hunter has been quite ill over the past year. So, in appreciation for his administrative assistant’s efficient and responsible management of the Archives and Research Center in his absences, he surprised Erica Rutland with a plaque of recognition.

Dr. Vinson Synan, dean of the School of Divinity at Regent University, gave the benediction. Afterwards, Bishop Fuller stepped forward and testified of how God had healed him of cancer. The gathering stretched forward their hands as Bishop Fuller, Dr. Synan, Pastor Lamb, and Dr. Roebuck laid their hands on Dr. Hunter and led everyone in prayer for his healing

July 27, 2005