The Church History
The First Born Church of the Living God of Rochester, New York was established in the state of New York, city of Rochester, county of Monroe on September 19, 1967, under the great leadership of Elder Gladstone Blake. The church started with the pastor and his wife, Mother Nellie M. Blake, their three children,n Isaac, Valerie, and Joan along with the late Mother Laura Hixon, Sister Dorothy (Gilliam) Smith. Brother Johnny Smith attended from the very beginning, and after a few weeks, he joined and was later ordained as our first Deacon. Minister Baker Owens had recently come in the city of Rochester and he immediately connected with this congregation and began working in the church.
The power of the Holy Ghost was demonstrated in a mighty way. The late Mother Reddick from Sanford, Fla., came and ran a three-week revival where people came in off the streets. Soon after, members were placed into position to help carry on the work of the Lord. Everything the church needed the way was already made, letting us know the blessing of the Lord was upon us.
Pastor Gladstone Blake sought the Lord for the growth of the church the spiritual part of the church increased; souls were added daily. The Lord also blessed by this church birthing out many pastors and ministries: Pastor Charlie Wells-Wells Temple, Pastor Earnest Porter-Bread of Life, Apostle Greg Wells-Victory Living Center, Apostle S.C. Johnson-Standing in the GAP Ministries, Bishop Neal Craddock-Totally Committed Healing & Deliverance Ministries, Pastor Bryant Powell-Resurrection Life, and the late Pastor Geneva Miller. The Lord blessed us to have some great helpers, such as the late Minister Jessie Owens, Elder Baker T. Owens, Elder Sarah Davis, and Elder Neal Craddock, has served as the assistant pastor throughout many faithful years.
Due to physical conditions, Bishop Gladstone Blake retired from pasturing after 38 years. Elder Neal Craddock (who was born into the church) was installed as the new pastor in April 2005; Elder Lanz Lopez (who came in his teenage years) became the Assistant Pastor. There were many transitional changes of leadership: Elder C.J. Rolle, Elder Sarah Davis, and Elder Bernard Rodgers. In March of 2025, Bishop Neal & Evangelist Jacqueline Craddock relocated back to Rochester, NY to Pastor The First Born Church Of The Living God, which became the home church of their web-based ministry Totally Committed Healing & Deliverance Ministry. The long-time spiritual covering of the church, Elder Sarah Davi,s will continue to work alongside the new leadership.