Superintendent Willie B. Williams Jr - Pastor/Servant Leader
The Late
Superintendent Dr. Tyrone J. Matthews, Sr.
Establishmentarian
Elder Tyrone Jay Matthews, Sr.
Jeremiah 1:5
Elder Tyrone Jay Matthews, Sr. was born Saturday, May 9th, 1959 to the union of Mr. Kenneth Edward Ross and Mrs. Annie Laura Ross. Pastor Tyrone was the surprise twin child born to this Muskegon family. Several minutes after Jerome was born, Tyrone made his arrival into the world. The doctor who delivered the boys told Mother Ross, “I wouldn’t give a nickel for either one of them. They won’t live long.”
Judges 13:24
Tyrone grew up in the Jackson Hill neighborhood of Muskegon Michigan. He spent many summers playing with friends, spending time with extended family, picking fruit at orchards (especially blue berries at the blue berry field), and working on cars with his dad, fishing, and other mischievous things that boys get into.
Proverbs 22:6
Pastor Tyrone grew up around his godfather, the late Elder Ullie J. Walker, Foundering Pastor of the Walker’s Temple Church Of God In Christ. It was there that Pastor Tyrone received much of his churchman training. He was faithful to Sunday school, YPWW, Prayer and Bible Band, Sunshine Band, and Purity Class. He learned to clean the church, organize fund raisers, do handyman work, work with and within auxiliaries, lead worship, make noise on the instruments, sing, and conduct himself as a young man should. One of the small but significant memories that Pastor Tyrone shares is that Elder Walker always had extra neck ties for the young men to wear. This was the beginning of a solid foundation for him.
Acts 19:2
During revival at Walker’s Temple, Mother Sulla Johnson prophesied to little Tyrone that he would one day be a preacher. Much to her surprise, his response was, “NO! Not me!" Tyrone had other life plans. It has proven to be very obvious God’s plan for little Tyrone was entirely different. Tyrone’s sister Mylon was filled with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Tyrone was jealous! He was determined that the next night of revival was going to be his night! God did it! He saved, sanctified, and filled Tyrone with the Holy Ghost!
1 Corinthians 13:11
Tyrone is a product of the Muskegon Public School System. After graduating from Muskegon High School as a Big Red, Tyrone joined the United States Army, where he advanced to Sargent. State side he was stationed in Fort Hood Texas. Tyrone was blessed to tour Germany and Germany. After completing his tour and enlistment obligation, Tyrone found gainful employment with Brunswick Boling Company. He stayed faithfully employed to Brunswick until the Lord blessed him with a 30 + year career at Michon DTE.
Acts 13:22
During his young adult years, Tyrone was called into the Gospel Ministry. He served as a Deacon, a Minister, and an Elder. He served at Gethsemane COGIC under the Pastoralship of Pastor Holly, He also served at Holy Trinity Institutional COGIC under the Pastoralship of Bishop Nathaniel W. Wells.
In September of 1995, Pastor Ullie Walker called for Elder Tyrone. He needed to have a discussion with him concerning his future and the future of Walker’s Temple. Pastor Walker passed the Pastoral Mantel on to Elder Matthews to carry the ministry forward.
For the first 10 years of his tenure, the Lord used Pastor Matthews to grow the membership of Walker’s Temple. Elder’s and Deacons were ordained, guest revivalist were brought in to help minister, and renovations to the 1404 8th Street location were made. In November of 2004, the ground breaking ceremony for what would have been the new Walker’s Temple was held. The funds to build the new church was raised, and we were all set to go.
Genesis 22:13
In December of 2004, a beautiful brick building at 1121 Jefferson Street with room to grow was placed for sale. Following the vision of Pastor Matthews, Walker’s Temple purchased the property, moved in and changed our name to Fresh Anointing Church of God in Christ. In the 10 years that we have been in our facility, there has never been a shut off notice, eviction notice, foreclosure notice, or anything that would indicate that the ministry was being operated poorly or that funds were being mishandled. The ministry continues to flourish and the people continue to be blessed.
Pastor Matthews and Fresh Anointing serve under the Bishopric of Bishop Dwight E. Walls, Sr., Prelate of Great Lakes 2nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ.