Elder Perry L. Gillespie, Sr., was born in Kenansville, North Carolina and was educated in the North Carolina school  system.  He migrated to Newark, New Jersey in the mid-sixties, and attended Lincoln Technical Institute, where he received a certification in Automobile Mechanics.  He retired as a Maintenance Supervisor from  the United States Postal Service in 2008, after working for over 39 years.

He served as president of the Parent Teachers Organization and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees at the Valley Settlement House.

In 1967, he was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, and in 1968 his heart was captured by Sister Catherine Zellars, whom he married.  To this union, God added two sons, Perry Jr., and Marcus Sr., one daughter Aarona,  and one grandson, Marcus, Jr. (mother Petisa), whom he loves dearly.

In his pursuit to know the Word of God, and by the encouragement of his former Pastor, District Elder Solomon Sanders “Pop”, and his current Pastor, Bishop James D. Churchwell, Sr., he took various correspondence courses from Moody Bible Institute and Back to the Bible.  He also received various certificates from the New Jersey District Council.  Elder Gillespie received a Bachelor’s in Theology and a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from United Bible College in Orlando, Florida.

He has served in various capacities at the Emmanuel Church of Christ:

-President of the Men’s Ministry

-Vice- President of the Gospel Choir

-President and Vice-President of the Usher Board

-Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Superintendent, and currently Sunday School Superintendent

-Member of the Deacon Board and it’s Acting Chairman.

In the late eighties, Elder Gillespie recognized the call of God on his life to preach the gospel and was ordained in 1995 under his current Pastor, Bishop James D. Churchwell, Sr.  Seeing the gifts which the Lord placed within him and his love for the kingdom of God, Bishop Churchwell elevated Elder Perry to the position of Assistant Pastor in 2000.

He is an encourager to the people of God , and always takes the time to talk about the Word of God to anyone with whom he comes in contact.