Francis W. Daniels was born September 5, 1917 to Green and Grace Bennett Daniels in Richmond, Indiana. Brother Francis Daniels began his work in the church in 1921 as a water boy for the workmen who were constructing the a building used by the Church of God and Saints of Christ, 1002 South Parry Street. When the church was completed, brother Francis became a member of the choir, singing bass. He eventually was appointed to Shepherd Boy, serving in that position for many years.
In 1941, he was married to Saint June Ellouise Jett by the Elder, Arnold Jett. They had one daughter, Saint Sherry Y. Daniels Wilson, and two grandchildren Saint Jeremy and Saint Danielle, one sister Saint Barbara Clark. He was an inspiration and leader to the church members, his masonic family and the community. It was in the year 1941 that he started as a intern minister.
In 1943, he was ordained to the ministry in Los Angeles, California by his leader and senior Bishop, James Morrison Grove. In this year he was also inducted into the armed forces and served in the U.S., England, France and Germany. While in the service, he continued ministering, preaching and singing the message of the Lord. Elder Francis baptized two people in the Mediterranean Sea, one of whom was active in the church for many years in Detroit, Michigan. Upon his return home from the service, he continued ministering, preaching singing in a month long revival. He delivered the sermon each night. After this month long revival he was appointed to an Evangelist. In the year 1950, Evangelist Francis was appointed to Chief Evangelist of the National Pulpits by Bishop, Isaiah Wilson.
For clarity, Bishop Isaiah Wilson was the last Bishop consecrated under the leadership of Bishop James M. Grove. At the demise of Bishop Isaiah Wilson, Chief Evangelist Francis was consecrated to the office of Bishop and appointed leader by the Church Presbytery Board and served in that capacity until his demise, on October 25, 2001, at the age of 84.
Additional historical information:
Bishop Francis joined the Quinn Lodge #28 F. & A. M. and had served in offices of the Lodge. In 1959, Bishop Daniels was elected to the highest office a brother could hold in the Order, Grand Worthy Patron of Prince Hall Grand Chapter State of Indiana serving in that office until 1961. In 1968 he served as Worshipful Master. He had served as Chaplain of the Moore-Irvin Post No. 359, American Legion. He also served as Past Commander of Malta Consistory #34. He was appointed Inspector of Weights for the City of Richmond, Indiana. He served as Assistant Chaplain of the National Conference of Weights and Measures and President of that Association. He had also been Vice President of the Richmond Ministerial Association a member of the first Wayne Community Action. He had been a twelve year member of the Richmond City Employees Credit Union and chairman of the Loan Committee, also the Telecommunications Council for Richmond. He was the idea man in organizing the Wayne County Christian Men's Fellowship and was the group's advisor. He served for many years as chaplain for the Richmond Police Department.
In 1971, he received a Distinguished Service Award from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Hard at work, he spearheaded the move to buy land and to get the masonic building erected, after an explosion caused the loss of the original building on South Sixth Street. In 1974, he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 1. In 1978, he was appointed Grand Chaplain of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, State of Indiana. He joined the Adah Chapter No. 21, Order of Eastern Star and served in all stations privileged to men. Served in the office of Patron of the local chapter, during those years he served with twelve Worthy Matrons.