The BWCOC History

The BibleWay Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith congregation and organization, was founded in the early 1950's by the late Bishop E.L. Dunn. Bishop Dunn was traveling through Southern New Jersey in route to Virginia. Bishop Dunn was ordained by the late Bishop R.C. Lawson in New York City. As he was passing through New Jersey, he became lost and ended up in the small town of Penns Grove, NJ. He was looking for the ferry boat to Pennsylvania to continue traveling south back to Virginia. He met some people of God there in Penns Grove and from those conversations, he agreed to visit with them again. From these visits, a congregation was formed and the BibleWay organization was established. Eventually Bishop Dunn expanded into Philadelphia, PA and established a ministry there as well. The ministry was located in the 1700 block of Federal Street. 

With Bishop Dunn opening churches in Philadelphia and then Sharon Hill, PA, the late Elder Jake Gary was installed as Pastor of the BibleWay Church of Christ in Penns Grove. In 1968, Elder Gary established the Holy Moriah Church on Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA. The late Elder Robert L. Brown, was then installed as the Pastor of The BibleWay Church of Christ. Elder Brown remained as Pastor until his passing in 1987. After the passing of Elder Brown, the late Elder Willie J. Ballard was installed as the Pastor. Elder Ballard remained as Pastor until his passing in 2014/2015. After the passing of Elder Ballard, the church and organization was scattered. The church building fell into disrepair but the spirit of the saints remained intact. 

In 2010, Elder Timothy L. Brown, Sr. was called into the ministry and later ordained Elder by the late Bishop Kenneth R. Owens. Bishop Owens also grew up in the ministry of the late Bishop Lawson. Elder Timothy L. Brown, Sr. has been rebuilding and leading the remaining worshippers and believers. The ministry has since moved on to its current location at 224 Rosenhayn Avenue, where we praise and magnify the name of the Lord. Our praise and worship can be heard throughout the neighborhood and we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.