Our Pastor, Elder Melvin Kneeland was one of the faithful men of ministry at the LTHC when Bishop Turner chose him to be the interim pastor. Bishop Turner during his illness stated, “that the Lord had given him to choose him to carry on the ministry.” He also stated in the church meeting where this was announced, “that if I close my eyes in death, that is your pastor,” pointing to Elder Kneeland. He was officially installed as Pastor, July 22, 2016.
Elder Melvin Kneeland was born and raised in the South Memphis area of Memphis, TN. He was reared in very adverse conditions. As a young man, Melvin was expelled from the Memphis city schools for fighting which was the beginning of his life spiraling down. Melvin began selling drugs, mirroring his surroundings and living his life in the streets. Even then, deep in his heart he always wanted more out of life than what he was getting.
He was introduced to holiness by his childhood friend/girlfriend Paula King. She invited him to the Lord’s Tabernacle Church and a seed was planted through a prayer Bishop Turner prayed over Melvin on that day. Soon afterwards, he went to jail and was incarcerated for 32 months. During his incarceration God introduced himself to Melvin. The time of incarceration saved his life. It provided him with an opportunity to learn more about who he was and caused him to make some much needed changes. Melvin was released from jail in February 1993, was saved and married his friend Paula by May of the same year. They have been married for 24 years and have 4 children, 3 boys and one girl.
He became a minister shortly after he was saved and began helping with the Youth department. He began ministering at the Shelby County Division of Corrections where he still faithfully serves after 15 years. He received a degree in Biblical studies in 2002 and was ordained an Elder. God has invested much into Melvin, as he surrenders his all to God. His favorite scripture is John 6:44. “No man can come to me, except the father who has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” He lives by the principles of the bible believing it is important to give God your all in order to live a blessed, prosperous God ordained life.
Elder Melvin Kneeland was one of the faithful men of ministry at the LTHC when Bishop Turner chose him to be the interim pastor. Bishop Turner during his illness stated, “that the Lord had given him to choose him to carry on the ministry.” He also stated in the church meeting where this was announced, “that if I close my eyes in death, that is your pastor,” pointing to Elder Kneeland. He was officially installed as Pastor, July 22, 2016.