Honoring the men and women of God whose obedience, prayer, and sacrifice laid the foundation for Evangelist Community Church Of God In Christ.
Under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, Elder Westley Daniel Duffey, III lives to serve in God’s kingdom by preaching and teaching God’s Word. His purpose is to win souls to Christ and to receive eternal life. Born to be a spokesman of the Gospel, Elder Duffey is a native of California, born July 4, 1952, in Victorville. He is the fourth of eight children born to Supt. W. D. Duffey, Sr. and Mother H. Beatrice Duffey. His siblings are Miss’y Elizabeth Duffey, Dr. Diane Mills, Sis. Malinda Duffey, First Lady Phyllis Johnson, Sis. Dorcas Duffey, Minister Steven Duffey, and Minister Phillip Duffey.
Elder Duffey has served at Evangelist COGIC all of his life. During a revival conducted by the late Elder Byrd of Oakland, CA, he received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost at the age of 12. He developed a strong passion for studying God’s Word, and four and a half years later, the Lord called him into the ministry. On July 23, 1969, the Lord blessed and anointed him to preach his first message. Under the mentorship of his father, he served faithfully in various offices in the church and district.
Throughout his 42 years in ministry, the Lord has blessed him to conduct many revivals both locally and abroad. Souls have been saved, filled with the Holy Ghost, healed, and strengthened. Many young ministers have been inspired by his example. Elder Duffey has traveled to states such as Texas, Louisiana, Washington, Georgia, Florida, and Hawaii to share God’s Word. In California, he has conducted impactful meetings in Redding, Stockton, Vacaville, Fresno, Oakland, and Bakersfield. In 1975, during a week-long fast without food or water, he was miraculously healed of a painful stomach issue while kneeling in prayer during a revival in Stockton. Elder Duffey strives to lead by example through godly character, integrity, stability, and faithfulness.
Elder Duffey attended local schools in Pittsburg, CA, and later graduated from Diablo Valley College in Concord, CA, earning an Associate Arts Degree in 1973. He began his career with US-Posco Steel Industries, where he worked for 31 years until retiring in July 2006.
Elder Duffey met his wife-to-be, Sister Betty Reese of Bastrop, LA, and they were married on July 22, 1978. The Lord blessed their union with four children: Mercedes, Westley IV, Braxton, and Benjamin. Elder Duffey worked diligently to provide for his family, and after 31 years with US-Posco, he was led by the Lord to retire so he could serve full-time in ministry and provide support for his aging father.
Elder Duffey’s parents, Supt. W. D. Duffey and District Missionary H. Beatrice Duffey, founded and pastored Evangelist COGIC for over 55 years. As his father began to age, Elder Duffey stepped forward to continue the work his father started. His wife, Missionary Betty Duffey, along with the entire Evangelist Church family, has remained a tremendous support to him. To God be the Glory!
Use this page to share the story of how the church began, key moments in its history, and the legacy that continues through today’s ministry.
Elder Westley Daniel Duffey, III and First Lady Duffey have faithfully served Evangelist Community Church Of God In Christ, helping to lay a strong spiritual and ministry foundation through prayer, teaching, and a deep love for God’s people.
