by: Daturus Traylor of COLTG Tupelo, MS

I am here to tell you about my great uncle Tommy C. McIntosh also known as Bop. He was born in Chickasaw County Feb 13, 1931. He was married to Mother Ella Mae McIntosh until his death on March 14, 2004. My uncle was chairman deacon and superintendent of the Church of the Living God, Tupelo for over 30 years.  He also enjoyed singing and was part of the group “The Holy Pillars” which included Mother Ella Mae, Tommy C, John McGlaun, and Pastor Emma J Morrow.  He loved to lead the song “You got to move.” Uncle McIntosh took very good care of the church along with Brother Eddie Charles Edmond. They made sure the church was clean and in order. He made sure that the doors were open and closed for all services. Most could probably remember the pop machine in the fellowship hall that he kept stocked with cold drinks for fundraising. We can all learn from Uncle Tommy.  He was honest, reliable, and accountable to God first and then to his people. I’m grateful to have had a strong person in my family to lay the foundation for where we are today.

by: Aariana Stratton 

You never know how deep your roots run without taking a look at where you came from. African Americans today come from the pain and blood of enslaved ancestors. And those ancestors came from regality and royalty. As for me, the anointing of God and the Holy Ghost run deep within me, and it flows from the legacy of my Great-Great Grandmother; The late Bishop Elleree Coney. 

Through adolescence to adulthood, Bishop Coney was already knowledgeable about the way to live life. Brought up in the ways of Christ, she did the same for her child, my great-grandmother, and for her grandchildren. During the 1950s, she would find a church home that would welcome with open arms the generations of family to come after her. From the beginning of her spiritual journey, Bishop Coney held many positions and Jobs within the church, which led to her quickly moving up the ranks within the religious organization. 

In 1973, it was shown that her work for the Lord had not gone unnoticed when she received her ordinance as a minister and in 1987, when her bishop status was gained. From then on, Bishop Coney continued to throw herself into the work of the church, taking on many other jobs. In addition to being a servant of God, Bishop Coney was a devoted family woman, taking in children whom did not have a biological relation. Her heart was large and shown through her actions, words, and ministry. 

Though I was not as fortunate as others to meet her myself, I feel that I do know my Great-Great Grandmother on a personal level. From hearing the many stories to seeing pictures of almost a larger than life person, I feel the deepest connection to her through my relationship with God. Her anointing is something my family holds near and dear to them and has had the chance to pass on to me. 

Bishop Elleree Coney; A lover, a fighter, a woman of God.

by: Cali (Age 11) of  COTLG Philadelphia Band #1

Late Deaconess Jean Allen was a good Deaconess in the Church.  She was always dressed up and always came to Church whenever the Church was open she was there.  She was so generous.  She was also my great-grandmother.  I miss seeing her in Church.