Abel Satchel Dickerson was born near Exmore, Virginia and was the younger brother of Bishop John Wesley Dickerson. Abel was introduced to the Church of God and Saints of Christ through his father John F. Dickerson who was a member of the Church.

 

In 1900, Brother Abel S. Dickerson was baptized into the Church of God and Saints of Christ by its leader Bishop William Saunders Crowdy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Exemplifying the characteristics of a proactive and faithful member of the church, Brother Abel was ordained to the ministry and began preaching the gospel as an Elder. He is known to have been a devout follower of Prophet Crowdy. He was a great rhetorician, as was his brother, Bishop John; the two were known as “The Sons of Thunder.” The nickname given to them by the Prophet.

 

Elder Abel stood fast on the Ten Commandments and quickly gained great love and respect from the entire Church body. Some time in 1908, Elder Abel was appointed to the work and ministry of District Evangelist. Bishop William S. Crowdy sent District Evangelist Abel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a letter. This letter stated that the District Evangelist was a direct representative of the leader and a good speaker. The letter requested the Pittsburgh tabernacle, along with all the western tabernacles, extend every courtesy to the District Evangelist.

 

Some time later in 1908, District Evangelist Abel was appointed Pastor in the large tabernacle of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This appointment was given by his new leader, Bishop James Morrison Grove. In 1909 at the Feast of the LORD's Passover in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bishop Grove consecrated District Evangelist Abel S. Dickerson to the office of Junior Bishop. Later, he was appointed to the full rank and authority of a Bishop along with his older brother Bishop John W. Dickerson.

​

Due to alleged disagreements concerning spiritual matters, a split took place around 1923. Bishop Abel became the new leader of part of the mid-west tabernacles, the remaining remained under the leadership of Bishop Grove.

 

History reveals during the leadership of Senior Bishop Abel many were healed of sicknesses and diseases. The church continued to expand its growth with many tabernacles in various cities across the country,  mainly in the mid-west.