GGAC

Founder – Bishop Lloyd E. Swaringer

Lloyd E. Swaringer, Sr. was born on November 14, 1914 in Albermarle, North Carolina, to the late Mr. Clarence Lee Swaringer and the late Mrs. Hattie Lindsey Swaringer. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was at the tender age of five years old. Consequently, he was reared by his father and stepmother, Viola Pittman Swaringer in Rowan County, where he attended public school.

At 24 years of age, he came to South Carolina, where he received salvation. He was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost at the Progressive Church of Jesus, under the leadership of Bishop W.D. Williams and Bishop W.G. Pitts. He was promoted to deacon, and through his faithfulness in the House of the Lord, God saw fit to call him into the ministry. He was later ordained as an Elder and pastored several churches in the Progressive Churches of Jesus organization, including locations in Mullin, SC, Greeleyville, SC, Walterboro, SC, and the Headquarters church in Florence, SC.

It was during this time that Elder Swaringer met the lovely Susanna James, and on May 15, 1951, they were united in holy matrimony. Their loving union was blessed with eight beautiful children.

In 1954, the Lord elevated Elder Swaringer to the office of Bishop, and he became the Founder, General Overseer, and Central Executive Officer of The Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ, Incorporated. The organization was endowed with the Lord’s favor, and it spread into North Carolina, other areas in South Carolina, Florida, Maryland, New York, and Georgia. Bishop Lloyd E. Swaringer, Sr. pastored Greater Gethsemane Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Darlington, SC and St. John Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Greeleyville, SC. The Lord worked mightily through his ministry. Many souls were saved and delivered, miraculous healings transpired, and one deceased saint was raised from the dead!

Bishop Lloyd E. Swaringer, Sr. retired from the Seaboard Coastline and was also the author of several books including: The Gentile Rule, Why We Baptize in the Name of Jesus, and The Lord’s Portion.

On April 28, 1993, he wrote his obituary. It was his personal request that his son, Elder Kenneth J. Swaringer, deliver the preached word at his “Celebration of Victory”. Bishop Lloyd E. Swaringer, Sr. was an open vessel who availed himself to the Lord. He indeed epitomized the scripture found in Matthew 5:16, which states, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”We are grateful to God for Bishop Lloyd E. Swaringer, Sr. and powerful legacy that he left behind for the saints of God and people everywhere.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
(I Thessalonians 4:15, 16)

~Life’s race well run — Life’s work well done~

~Life’s victory won — Now cometh rest~