The New Unified JohnsonTemple 

The New Unified Johnson Temple: First Born Church of the Living God, Inc. was founded in Brunswick, Georgia in 1916 under a tent on the corner of G and Cochran Avenue. The Presiding Bishop was Bishop J. Q. Croom assisted by his brother Quincey Croom. The first Pastor of this small band of Christian followers was named Elder Strickland. They continued to worship at G and Stonewall Street then called "Bell Pond" due to the large amount of water that settled there. Some of the first members of this congregation were Deacon and Sister R. Johnson, Mother Reason, and Deacon and Sister Walberg. People would refer to this local church as "Johnson's Church" because of a deacon named Deacon Noah Relious Johnson who was a member of this church and very influential within this community. Deacon Johnson was also the only deacon to serve on The First Born Church of The living God, Inc. Executive Board [Supreme Court]. Later every one began to refer to it as Johnson Temple. More new members were added to the church at an accelerated speed. Among them were Deacon Neal Curry and Sister Curry, Sister Martha London, Sister and financially by Sister Rebecca Jackson, Mother Estella Radford, Sister Nellie Mazeke, Deacon Eddie Young, Mother Etter M. Gamble, Sister Mamie Grant, Mother Amanda Boden, Mother Adline Richardson, Sister Lydia G. Garner, and many more. Some of the Pastors were: The Late Senior Bishop H. J. Echols, The Late Senior Bishop C. L. Smith, Elder Drone, Elder Screen and Presiding Elder J. R. Richardson. In November 1960, the Lord saw fit to send to us a Pastor full of wisdom, knowledge, faith and vision, The Emeritus Sr. Bishop Dr. W. L. Johnson [Executive Board Member and Inaugurated to the office of Senior Bishop of F.B.C., Inc. March 21, 1998 - - - The Ninth Administration: Law & Order and Grace & Truth]. In December of 1978, the Church was hit by a devastating fire that destroyed our edifice. The Church Family was crushed and hurt, but with God's strength we were able to lift our heads and began to face the task of rebuilding our church. We made an appeal to the community, and they responded with their many contributions and gifts. Emeritus Sr. Bishop Johnson claimed the land adjacent to our old building and presented it to the church for its approval. The land was purchased, and the construction of our present building began. The new church was dedicated on Sunday, February 24, 1980. The Church grew both spiritually and financially by leaps and bounds under his leadership. Emeritus Sr. Bishop Willie L. Johnson was a Man of God with a vision and a plan. He often quoted the scripture, “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6 God truly ordained the marriage of Emeritus Sr. Bishop W. L. Johnson and Emeritus 1st Lady Pastor Malessia Johnson. From the beginning very beginning of their marriage, Emeritus 1st Lady Johnson had always served as Emeritus Sr. Bishop Johnson’s partner in the ministry. In 2002, Emeritus Sr. Bishop Johnson was led by God to appoint Emeritus 1st Lady Johnson to serve as our Co-Pastor. Their partnership and leadership was marked by truth and progress and proved to be a great blessing to our Church Family. In 2009, Emeritus Sr. Bishop W. L. Johnson, D.D. passed his torch as the very first and only First Born Church of The Living God, Inc. Senior Bishop/CEO who lived to retire. Also in 2009, he passed his torch as Pastor to his beloved wife and partner in ministry, Emeritus 1st Lady Pastor Malessia Johnson, M.Th. In November of 2012, The F.B.C., Inc. Executive Board [Supreme Court] graciously approved the placement of the property of 2120 Stonewall Street, Brunswick, Georgia under the sole ownership of Pastor Malessia Johnson in appreciation and honor of The F.B.C., Inc. Emeritus Sr. Bishop Willie L. Johnson’s dedication to the Ministry of Christ and The First Born Church of The Living God, Inc. From its beginning, The New Unified Johnson Temple: F.B.C., has been a vital and effective force in this community and still stands upon the sure foundation of JESUS CHRIST and still stands strong today as a representation of GOD’S instrument of holiness and truth.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT"THE FIRST BORN CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, INC."HEBREWS 12:23 The First Born Church of the Living God was established in the State of Georgia, County of Ware, City of Waycross, on May 12, 1913. The Founding Fathers were J. Q. Croom, S. P. Croom, A. M. McNair, W. M. Holland, M. H. Hall, L. G. Lockhart, E. M. Goodson, Q. T. Granger and L. O. Golden, The Fist Administration was headed by Bishop J. Q. Croom. Since this was the original administration, there were no legislative laws. Consequently, the Senior Bishop and founders governed the Church. The First Administration lasted for approximately eight (8) years, from 1913 to 1921. The first constitution of The First Born Church of The Living God was ratified and became effective on December 25, 1925.