Jacob Hamilton

About Jacob Hamilton

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July 18 2023

Bishop John H. Heath Music of Excellence Award Recipient Dionn Owen

Dionn Owen has always been an intricate part of his church’s ministry. At an early age he became the Music Director of the Union Grove CME Church Youth Choir in Halifax, Virginia. In 1987, God’s direction brought him to Winston Salem, North Carolina. He has served as the Director of Music at Mt Zion Baptist Church and Freedom Baptist Church. He is currently in the music ministry at Macedonia Worship Center where he has flourished in various positions.

Dionn Owen has also directed the True-Vine Greater Memorial District Choir, National True-Vine Convocation Mass Choir, Christmas in the City mass choir, Baptist State Mass Choir of the East Coast and the Winston Salem City Choir

Dionn is the Director of Instruction at Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Sir Walter Mack. As part of the Gospel Music Workshop of America he has participated in numerous workshops throughout the country teaching vocal techniques and musical arrangement.

Dionn is a prolific Song Writer/Arranger as well as a vocal coach. The G.M.W.A. has accepted and published 3 of his songs. God has opened countless doors for him to labor among gospel icons.

In 2002, God appointed Dionn to start The Renaissance, a choir comprised of singers, directors, musicians, and various recording artists within the triad.

Dionn Owen acknowledges where his help comes from and reverences God every moment he ministers.

July 18 2023

Apostle John Henry Heath Bishop John H. Heath Music of Excellence Award

Preaching the unadulterated gospel of Christ, singing melodious songs of praise, and being an outstanding example of a Christ-like walk are all immutable characteristics that have been and always will be associated with an extraordinary general in the Kingdom of God…Apostle John Henry Heath.

Apostle Heath was born May 28, 1958, to Mrs. Hattie Heath Bradford and the late Eddie Heath Sr. in the city of Winston-Salem, NC, the youngest of seven siblings. He married the former Janice Olgesby and they have one daughter, Bethany Nichole. He attended Forsyth Technical Community College and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he was formally trained in voice. Apostle Heath received an Honorary Doctorate degree of Divinity and later received an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humane Letters.

Professionally, he was a highly sought after gospel recording soloist, with a unique baritone voice that was unmistakable. Apostle Heath was one of the lead singers with David Allen and the Ambassadors for Christ Church Choir and was spotlighted on their 1980 recording. He has lent his voice to such selections as “He Made It Possible”, “Try Jesus” and “What Shall Separate Me”, recorded with the Gospel Music of America in Atlanta. Opportunities were abundant and Apostle Heath recorded several solo projects including “Christmas with Bishop Heath”, “Get Right Church” and “Put Your Hand in Mine.” Which was a break-out hit and received overwhelming air play locally and nationally. Apostle Heath became a member of the North Carolina Black Repertory Theater, and had many other opportunities to perform on the stage. He has performed numerous times on WGHP-TV 8 Gospel Expo, had appearances on Trinity Broadcasting Network, and received the 1988 Male Vocalist of the Year Award from the Waljo Award Committee.

He was a true pillar of the community with involvement in such organizations as the NAACP and the Urban League. As a tribute to his service, he was honored with a proclamation, designating February 5, 1989, as John Heath Day in Winston Salem, NC, from former Mayor Wayne Corpening and the city of Winston Salem.

Apostle John Heath was ordained as a Minister at Ambassador Cathedral. He was later ordained and consecrated Apostle Heath as an Elder and was placed in the church’s archives as the Jurisdictional Evangelist in the 1988 Congress of the Ambassadors for Christ Revival, Inc.

Apostle Heath became the pastor of the Righteous Church of God in 1992. He founded Higher Ground Deliverance Tabernacle in 1994. In 1998, Apostle Heath was consecrated to the Episcopacy. In 2001, Apostle Heath became a member of the African American Joint College of Pentecostal Bishops. He was affirmed as an Apostle of Jesus Christ on 2014, under Greater Church of Deliverance, Inc. Apostle Heath served as the Presiding Prelate and Chief Apostle of the Greater Higher Ground Ministries World-Wide, Inc. in Winston- Salem and Greater Higher Ground Ministries #2 in High Point.

Apostle Heath’s declaration was to use the gifts of the Spirit to fulfill the mandate to Know God and Make Him known! He has been most noted in ministry by his motto, “Love is not Love until you give it away,” emulating Christ through every opportunity to show love.

July 18 2023

Pastor Leroy Kelly Mother Doric C. Harbor Pioneer Award

Needs Bio

July 18 2023

Mother Doris Jean C. Harbor Pioneer Award

Mother Doris Jean Cohen Harbor was born Oct. 27, 1929 to the late Deacon William Cohen, Sr and the late Pulpit Princess, Mother Lettie Cohen. When Mother Cohen heard the call of the Lord to start and pastor Gospel Light United Holy Church, 10-year old Doris was forced to give up her childhood and her comic books to play the piano full time. Mother Lettie Cohen said that to play under the anointing Doris needed to be baptized in the Spirit, so at age 12 she received the Power of the Holy Ghost.This anointing was noticed by many.

After her husband, Rev. W. B. Harbor, began to pastor she organized a 180-voice traveling choir called The Holy Ghost Band Wagon. Most choir-members joined after receiving healing and salvation through The Meditation Hour, Mother Harbor’s ministry between Sunday services. She also formed the Ever Ready Choir made up of different churches in the community.

During Mother Doris’s frequent travels to Jerusalem she blessed many using her anointing. One of her greatest compliments came from the Founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Colonel Sanders, who saw her playing Amazing Grace in one of the largest cathedrals in Jerusalem. He said that during Mother Harbor’s performance chills ran all through him, HE ACCEPTED JESUS AS HIS SAVIOR, and Rev. Harbor baptized him in the Jordan River.

Mother Harbor did her solo recording live at the age of 75! This recording has been used as a ministering and training tool as far away as Africa, Germany and Bermuda. For over 70 years Mother Doris Harbor blessed so many with her anointed, yet shaky little hands on the Hammond B-3, her favorite organ series. She has trained and taught many choirs and musicians and played for many pastors and preachers. Her homegoing celebration garnered over 10,000 views, demonstrating the lives she touched by showing that having the Holy Ghost as her guide made the difference!

July 18 2023

Right Reverend Dr. Greg Hargrave Humanitarian Award

Right Reverend Dr. Greg K. Hargrave has been in ministry for over 40 years and is the Senior Pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church of America in Burlington, NC for 36 years. He is the President of the Western North Carolina District and oversees 32 churches. He is also the 2nd Vice President of the United Holy Church of America, International.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Magna-Cum Laude , a Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry, Magna-Cum Laude. He also has a Doctorate of Ministry, with a concentration in Pastoral Leadership and received the Award of Excellence in his class.

Bishop Hargrave has exemplified a visionary leadership style during his pastorate. Numerous ministries and growth have resulted along with the following accomplishments:

Purchased eight acres of land
Built a new edifice
Opened and operates a daycare facility serving up to 85 children daily
Purchased four houses
Purchased an additional vacant lot
Constructed twenty, one-bedroom apartment units for the elderly and disabled in the community
a 2000 sq. ft. daycare addition was completed along with renovations to the existing fellowship hall
Presently in a capital campaign for a New Worship Center
Currently leading an over four-million-dollar housing project on an 11-acre track that will provide affordable housing to many in the community

Bishop Hargrave has been married to Minister Kim Hargrave for over 33 years. They are the proud parents of 3 beautiful daughters and 5 grandchildren.

July 18 2023

Bishop Dr. Franklin Odell Hanes Trailblazer award ????

Bishop Dr. Franklin Odell Hanes, received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in 1969. A year later he responded to the call of God on his life and began his ministry.

Bishop Hanes was ordained in 1973. He has served as pastor of The Ambassador Cathedral Church in Durham, NC, The Greater Zion Wall Baptist Church also in Durham, NC, and Kimes Chapel Baptist Church in Mebane, NC.

In March 1997, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Franklin Hanes founded The Greater Canaan Missionary Baptist Church with 39 members. The Lord blessed him to lead the congregation in building a church in 2003 and completing a fellowship hall in 2008. The ministry continues to grow and prosper under his leadership.

Bishop Hanes received a Bachelor of Theology in 2008 and a Doctor of Divinity in 2012. He served at the Apex School of Theology as the President of the Alumni Association and as a distinguished member of the Board of Trustees. A well respected, God-fearing man of integrity, he was consecrated to the Office of Bishop in 2010. He is also the founder and CEO of Hanes Funeral Service in Durham NC.

He is a profound preacher, teacher, and spiritual leader who delivers a powerful message which ministers to the young and old alike. He often shares the testimony of what God brought him from which enables him to deliver the Word of God with grace and compassion. He declares God’s wisdom through practical life application. Bishop Hanes is truly a servant, not just to the body of Christ at Greater Canaan, but to any and all who call upon him for instruction, advice, counsel, leadership, training and assistance.

A family man who extends his hand and heart wherever there is a need, Bishop Hanes makes the necessary sacrifices for God, family, friends, and, yes, even enemies. The youngest of 8 children born to the late Taree and late Ella Mae Hanes, Bishop Hanes and his wife Rev. Billie D. Hanes reside in Durham NC and together parented 5 children and have 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. They have many sons and daughters by God’s grace.

July 13 2023

Right Reverend Dr. Greg K. Hargrave Humanitarian Award

Bishop Hargrave has exemplified a visionary leadership style during his pastorate. Numerous ministries and growth have resulted along with the following accomplishments:

Purchased eight acres of land
Built a new edifice
Opened and operates a daycare facility serving up to 85 children daily
Purchased four houses
Purchased an additional vacant lot
Constructed twenty, one-bedroom apartment units for the elderly and disabled in the community
a 2000 sq. ft. daycare addition was completed along with renovations to the existing fellowship hall
Presently in a capital campaign for a New Worship Center
Currently leading an over four-million-dollar housing project on an 11-acre track that will provide affordable housing to many in the community

Bishop Hargrave has been married to Minister Kim Hargrave for over 33 years. They are the proud parents of 3 beautiful daughters and 5 grandchildren.

July 13 2023

Apostle Sylvester Davis Johnson- Bishop Jerome Oscar Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award

Apostle Sylvester Davis Johnson is an internationally known and much sought-after preacher, teacher, singer, musician, and author.

He serves as the Senior Pastor of Macedonia Worship Center. He is the Most Apostolic Primate/Establishmentarian of the True Vine Churches of Deliverance International (TVCOD), and served as the Jurisdictional Presiding Prelate of the Greater Memorial Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of TVCOD.

Apostle Sylvester Davis Johnson has chaired and served on many boards of civic and religious organizations and is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions in the Winston- Salem Triad area and around the country.

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Master of Divinity Degree. Because of his years of experience and exemplary service, two doctorate degrees were conferred: a Doctorate of Divinity and a Doctorate of Living Letter

As a prolific writer, he is the author of three books.

He was united in ministry and marriage to the former Billie Janetta Mason on February 14, 2004 after experiencing 37 prosperous years of marital union with the late Gwendolyn Darnell McQueen Johnson.

He is noted for his humility as a servant of the Lord. Recognized as having a call to nurture, train, and mentor spiritual sons, daughters, and pastors of new as well as established ministries.

The following are highlights of the ministerial accomplishments of Apostle Johnson:

Received his call to the ministry in 1967
Appointed to his first Pastoral assignment in 1970 (St Hope Temple TPVH, Martinsville, Virginia)
Appointed Senior Pastor of the Macedonia True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Church of God, Incorporated (currently the Macedonia Worship Center)
Consecrated to the Episcopal Office
and
Elected Presiding Prelate of the True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Churches of God, Incorporated in 1975
Built a 2,000+ seating capacity, state of the art edifice (Johnson Memorial Sanctuary)
And
Purchased WSMX Radio Station 1500 AM in 1982
Establishmentarian, Presiding Prelate of the United Pentecostal Churches of Deliverance, Incorporated (UPCOD) in 1985
The Most Apostolic Primate and Establishmentarian of the True Vine Churches of Deliverance International (TVCOD)
And
Confirmed to the Apostolic Office in 1997

July 13 2023

Bishop Jerome – Bishop Jerome Oscar Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award

Jerome Oscar Dawson, the honorable Theologian, Pastor and Father was born January 18, 1941, in Baltimore MD. It was quite evident early in his life that music was destined to guide him to greatness. He grew in great popularity as a singer with various music groups and performed in jazz clubs as a jazz pianist. But he developed a desire for a divine understanding of the bible. In his educational pursuits he received a Doctorate of Theology from the Jamison Bible Institute and a Doctorate Degree from Israelite College where he studied the Origin of the Hebrew Bible. Jerome partnered with The Greater North Carolina Church of God In Christ (COGIC) Bible College where he helped publish their curriculum. He then helped establish a bible college in Baltimore, Maryland.

Later, Jerome, his beloved wife Eunice and their six sons relocated to North Carolina where he founded The Open Door COGIC Church in Yanceyville. While leading others to Christ, he purposed to also rear his sons to become kingdom-minded and equipped them with key attributes to become leaders. Jerome’s seed produced musicians, pastors, bishops, business owners, and visionaries. He inspired the young and old, birthing spiritual and natural sons and daughters through his teachings.

While pastoring Open Door COGIC church, Jerome felt God leading him to the city of Greensboro where he would become the Senior Pastor of Rescue Temple III. He would later rename the ministry Praise Temple Family Outreach Ministries, a fitting name for a ministry that was well-known for a highly anointed praise and worship experience. Praise Temple Family Outreach Ministries birthed award winning musicians and singers who would travel the globe under the Praise Temple covering. In 1998 Jerome passed the mantle of the ministry by appointing his son Myron K. Dawson as senior pastor of, now, The Kingdom Covenant Church. The foundational principles written by Bishop Jerome O. Dawson are still being implemented today at The Kingdom Covenant Church, as well as many other ministries birthed from his teachings. Bishop Jerome O. Dawson leaves behind a great legacy that will live on through his children, grandchildren, and generations to come.