Honoring the men and women of God whose obedience, prayer, and sacrifice laid the foundation for Evangelist Community Church Of God In Christ.
Pastor Emeritus Duffey was called early in life to preach the gospel. At six years old, the Lord touched him, straightened his path, and gave him a special anointing. Throughout his life he witnessed many wonderful works as the Lord healed the sick and saved sinners through his ministry.
As a young man, Pastor Duffey fasted and prayed until he could hear clearly from the Lord. On one particular occasion, while alone in the church, the Lord revealed Himself to him. Pastor Duffey recalled that Jesus looked just as he had seen Him depicted on Sunday school cards. After praying from morning until evening, he looked up to see the Lord standing over him—tall and smiling. In that moment the heavens opened to him, and he fully surrendered to the anointing of God. Through his ministry, hundreds have been led to the Lord.
One profound work occurred on a rainy day in the early 1940s while Pastor Duffey was preaching on the outskirts of his hometown in Texas. As he lifted his voice with passion, a woman named Mother Holly passed by while taking her cow to stake in the field. Though she had been away from the church for many years, she was drawn to the sight of this young preacher declaring God’s Word in the rain. Overwhelmed, she stopped, listened, and broke down in tears. Right then, she returned to the Lord. Years later, Pastor Duffey visited Texas again and found Mother Holly—nearly 100 years old—still faithfully serving God.
1st Lady Emeritus, Mother Duffey also began serving the Lord at an early age, playing the guitar in church at just five years old. She traveled with her family many miles through the woods to attend services, returning home late at night as her father carried her on his back after a joyous day in church.
Raised among devoted saints, she committed herself to the Lord early in life. She accompanied evangelistic teams into the “green fields,” serving as their musician. Throughout school, she maintained unwavering holiness despite opposition. She carried her Bible to school, prayed for unkind classmates, and continued to grow in her love for the Lord, later playing piano, singing, and serving faithfully in ministry.
As First Lady, Head of the Women’s Department, and leader in the CNW Christian Women’s Council, Mother Duffey has supported, encouraged, and prayed many women through their challenges. One of her mottos is: “We are Warrior Women.”
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.
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.
