Our Humble Beginning

Bishop J. Blakely Founder Senior Bishop 1939 - 1964	The Early Church 1430 Kings Road Jacksonville, Florida	Bishop Calvin Poller Co-Founder Senior Bishop 1964 - 1992

    September 1939, the call for transition was made.  The Bishop J. C. Blakely, after weeks of fasting and praying stepped out on God's word, and called some of the elders together.  They met at 1116 Butler Street, Waycross, Georgia on the front porch of Elder Calvin and Sister Idella Poller's home.  Present at that gathering were, Bishop J. C. Blakely, Elder Calvin Poller, Elder J. H. Moody and Elder H. M. Maultsby.  Bishop Blakely shared his vision with the elders and the transition began.

    Word spread quickly and others began to join in the organization.  Bishop Blakely then married Sister Dorothy Lee Campbell, November 11, 1939.  With this union, Sister Dorothy Blakely and Sister Idella Poller, became confiding advisors in Bishop Blakely's vision.  At one of the organizational meetings, the question was asked, "What will we name the baby?"  One of the elders spoke out, "The Church of Christ", another elder said there is already a Church of Christ.  Sister Idella Poller replied, "but it ain't written in heaven".  The first name given to this organization was The First Born Church of Christ Written In Heaven.

    On November 23, 1939, in Waycross, Georgia the church was born with the understanding that its headquarters would be in Jacksonville, Florida.  The subscribers were, Bishop J. C. Blakely of Waycross, Georgia, Elder Calvin Poller of Waycross, Georgia,. Elder H. M. Maultsby of Fairfax, Georgia, Elder V. O. Smith of Fairfax, Georgia, Elder J. H. Moody of Fairfax, Georgia, Deacon C. King of Waycross, Georgia, Deacon C. C. Carter of Jacksonville, Florida, Mother O. B. Dusom of Jacksonville, Florida, Elder E. W. Waiters of Miami, Florida and Deacon L. Walburg of Jacksonville, Florida.

    The first convocation was held in Jacksonville, Florida, beginning November 10 through November 18, 1940.  The Lord blessed that convocation with a total of $371.69.  The Elders and Brethrens elected Bishop J. C. Blakely as Senior Bishop, definite with good behavior.  Elder Calvin Poller was to serve as Bishop Blakely's Junior Bishop.

    In the years of 1943-44, The First Born Church of The Living God questioned The First Born Church of Christ Written In Heaven about the first part of their name.  After legal consultation, The First Born was dropped and we became, THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WRITTEN IN HEAVEN, INC. and from this rock...