Repost from our Facebook page, April 30th 2015…
Today would’ve been our founder, Bishop Samuel I. Rumph Sr. ‘s 89th Birthday! Because of what he and Elect Lady Priscilla M. Rumph and their children started, we are here today! He was a man of great faith who emphatically preached and taught the Word of God! May we never forget the sacrifice and dedication of our founder!
Born April 30th 1926 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Clara Rumph and Mitchell Rumph Sr, the last of seven children.
In June 1945, he received the Holy Ghost in his home and the water baptism in Jesus name at Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Detroit MI. under the Pastorate of the late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock.
On April 24th 1948, he married Sis. Priscilla M. Rumph. To this union 15 children were born. Nine girls ( Cherlyn, Jacqueline, Debra, Joanna, Beverly, Priscilla, Cynthia, Sandra and Claretta) and six boys (Michael, Samuel David, Roderick, Mark, Darryl and Samuel Jr.).
Adhering to the call that was on his life he was called and released into the ministry by his former Pastor, Bishop Hancock. He preached and taught the Word of God throughout America and Canada.
He was elevated and worked in the offices of Elder, Assistant Pastor, Pastor and Bishop. He passionately obeyed the voice of God. He impacted the hearts of the people and his ministry was well received on the evangelistic field. Souls were water baptized, filled with the Holy Ghost and many were healed from sickness and diseases!
Being obedient to the voice of God, on May 7th 1969; He and Elect Lady Priscilla and family founded the Greater Bethlehem Temple Pentecostal Church in their home. The hand of God was evident on their ministry! They outgrew locations, sought better locations to meet their needs, established a second arm to the Church and renovated its current building located at 40 Favor St. Rochester, NY.
Bishop Rumph led a life of courage and strength. He stood tall in stature and in the Word of God. He also enjoyed the “finer side of life” and had such hobbies as fishing, fine dining and luxury cars. His passion was soul winning and teaching mankind how to live a holy life through foundational truths from God’s Word. He loved singing, some of his favorites were “The Water Way”, “Rise Again’ and “The Storm Is Passing Over”. On March 22nd 2013 he transitioned to his eternal reward. He was an Ambassador for the Kingdom of God!
