In 1939, God spoke to Bishop J.E. Thomas in a bus station and said, “Unless you do my bidding in three days, you shall surely die; and her name shall be call “Straight Life.”After many evangelistic works – God moved.

The Straight Life Church of God Pentecostal, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia began in East Point, Georgia in 1952. During a revival at the Sims Funeral Home by Bishop J.E. Thomas, Sister Neerma Williams came to the Lord and received the Holy Ghost. During this time Elder Leroy Weems served as Pastor.

In the meantime, others followed Sister Williams into the church. Her husband, Brother Robert Nelson Williams joined, was saved and later made deacon. Also, joining the church and receiving the Holy Ghost were Sister Williams’ sister, Elizabeth Ponder, as well as Brother Williams’ sisters, Corine Head, Dorothy McKissick, and Louise Watts. In addition, their mother Mamie Williams and cousin Johnnie Mae Smith joined the church and received the Holy Ghost.

Having no place to worship, the church rented a tent and set up service at Mother Williams’ home in Jackson, Georgia. At this time Elder W.F. Crowley had become a Pastor. A strong windstorm destroyed the tent causing services to be first moved into Mother Williams’ house and then back to the funeral home on Holcomb Street in East Point, Georgia. Elder O.C. Hicks from Lanett, Alabama was sent to be our Pastor. The church decided to purchase a lot and building on Washington Avenue in East Point, Georgia and established worship there. By now, we again had another Pastor, M.P. O’Bean’s from Columbus, Georgia.

During Sister O’Bean’s tenure, Sister Burns started working with the youth doing Sunday School and started a choir. Urban Renewal caused us to relinquish our lot and look for still another place to worship. Again, we used Mother Williams home until purchasing a facility in 1962 on Velma Drive. In March of 1963, we moved into the building believing that this was finally our home. Because of illness, Pastor O’Bean was unable to continue pastoring. She was replaced by Evangelist Ella B Beard., who was assisted by Evangelist Stanley. In 1965 Pastor Beard was replaced by Elder Nathan Starling as Pastor.

After three years, Elder Starling was replaced as Pastor by Elder Robert Strong. Also, Missionary Neerma Williams was named his Assistant Pastor.

In 1970, Elder Robert Nelson Williams became our Pastor. Several years later, he remolded the church facilities. Later in his tenure, he was called to the office of the Bishop. In 1983, he appointed Elder Robert Lee Williams, Sr. as Pastor.

First on Pastor Williams’ to do list was the enlargement of the sanctuary and the purchase of an organ to enhance church worship. These tasks were both completed in March 1984.

Pastor Robert Lee Williams, Sr. had a vision for Straight Life to move to a bigger and better worship facility.

In 1994 through 1995 he searched and viewed several churches (all in the million dollar range). However, the Lord had something else in store for Straight Life. While at work one day, out of nowhere, a friend came to Pastor Williams and told him about a church that had been vacant for several months. The church had a capacity seating of 400 people or more, office spaces, a gymnasium, and other units that could be beneficial to us. This recommended location was half the cost of the other churches we previewed. It was a “true miracle” from God!

In June of 1996 we moved from our “old house into our new house.” Our new house was now located at 4228 Glenhaven Drive in Decatur, Georgia.

In October of 2002, during the 63rd General Assembly, Pastor Robert Lee Williams, Sr. was appointed “Bishop” of the Straight Life Churches. At the time, our presiding Bishop Robert Nelson Williams was led of the Lord to resign as Bishop of Straight Life Churches. He now serves in the capacity of “Bishop Emeritus” of the Straight Life Churches.

On June 1, 2003, Bishop Robert Lee Williams, Sr. was ordained Bishop of the Straight Life Church of God Pentecostal, Inc. However, God’s elevation of Bishop Williams did not stop there.

In November of 2013, Bishop Robert L. Williams, Sr. was ordained as Chief Apostle of the Straight Life Church of God Pentecostal, Inc., Presiding Prelate.

In commemorating these years of transition, we can truly say, The Lord has brought us from a mighty long way! As we move Beyond the Next Level of service in God’s will, may we not be content with our past achievements. The years ahead offer many possibilities for souls to be delivered, saved and set free. Let us strive harder and renew our efforts in order to fulfill the Will of the Lord. As long as we are in His Will, we will have the VICTORY!!!!