John Wesley Dickerson was born in 1875 near Exmore, Virginia. In the year 1900, he was baptized in the Church of God and Saints of Christ, his father already being a member. In 1901, Brother John was ordained to the ministry of an Elder.

 

Bishop William S. Crowdy had a few failed attempts trying to find Joseph Crowdy in Maryland were he last saw him in the early 1890s. The Bishop sent Elder John Dickerson to Washington D.C. after gathering information from relatives that Joseph Crowdy had moved to Washington D.C.Elder John was also chosen by Bishop William to go to Washington D.C. to preach and establish a Tabernacle in that city. He gave Elder John specific instructions to also keep an eye and ear out for Joseph Crowdy and to contact him at once if he found him. The first time Elder John Dickerson preached on the street at Navy Place, between 6th and 7th Streets, S.E., in the summer of 1901, there he was, a young Joseph Crowdy, in the crowd listening patiently and quietly.

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When Elder John finished his sermon and the crowd dispersed, it is said that Joseph Crowdy walked up to the Elder and politely said "Parden me, sir, but as I listened to your sermon, I heard you mention a man by the name of Crowdy." "Yes, I did, Prophet William S. Crowdy! Why did you ask?," replied Elder John. Joseph Crowdy answers saying, "I asked because I have a cousin by that name, William S. Crowdy. My name is Joseph Crowdy."This news excited Elder John and he informed Joseph Crowdy that the Prophet had asked him to be on the look out for a Joseph Crowdy. Elder John did as he was asked; he gathered Joseph Crowdy's address and contacted Bishop William immediately. Elder John was instructed to find Joseph Crowdy, but Joseph Crowdy actually found Elder John. This was their first interaction and Joseph Crowdy's first exposure to the Church of God and Saints of Christ. The same year, Joseph Crowdy joined the Church in Washington D.C. and Bishop William performed the baptism and whole armour ceremony on Bro. Joseph W. Crowdy.

 

In 1903, Bishop John Dickerson was appointed to the work of an Evangelist and Private Secretary to the Prophet and Leader, William Saunders Crowdy. Bishop John Dickerson would occasionally tell the story of the time he spent and the Private Secretary of the Prophet. He would talk about a specific occasion when he slept in the room with the Prophet and when part of the revelation would come, the Prophet would wake him and say, "Son, write this down." Bishop John was profound in writing shorthand and could readily take dictation. He was a great example of what could be done with a willing and able young man, one who followed strictly and carefully the instructions of his tutor. He had the special privilege and opportunity to observe Prophet Crowdy. The Prophet would tell Elder John under all circumstances, "If you follow me, I will take you to the top of the ladder."

 

At the General Assembly on August 27th, 1906, Evangelist John was appointed to Evangelist-at-Large (EAL). In 1916, EAL John pastored another tabernacle in the Newark, New Jersey area under the leadership of Chief Bishop, Joseph Wesley Crowdy.​​ Later the same year, due to allegations brought forward concerning EAL John and a few others, he moved his tabernacle's membership under the leadership Bishop James Morrison Grove, maintaining his pastorship as well.  The allegations are available and have been known throughout the Church for many years. The details of this information will be carefully added to read soon.

 

In 1919, Senior Bishop James Grove consecrated EAL John to the office of Bishop. Over time, the tabernacle transitioned from Lemon St., Sheffield St., and Pacific St. Pacific Street, known as Memorial Temple, was the last tabernacle building Bishop John attended and pastored over. Memorial Temple also served as the national Church until 1971, hosting many Passovers during the time Bishop John was leader over the Church.

 

In 1935, Bishop John became succeeded by his younger brother Bishop Abel S. Dickerson as leader. He and his brother were called “The Sons of Thunder” because of their ability to orate and speak well. It was often said that Bishop John's preaching voice was as roaring waters. During his time as leader, Bishop John purchased over 100 acres of farmland. This land was called Beulah Land, in Galestown, Maryland. Beulah Land was purchased to be a “City of Refuge” for the Saints. Bishop John was also known for performing many acts of healing. In 1971, Senior Bishop John Dickerson consecrated his nephew Evangelist James Ruben Grant Sr., to the office of Bishop. After 37 years of service as the leader, Bishop John Wesley Dickerson fell asleep in Newark, New Jersey in the year of 1972.

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More history will be added about Bishop John Dickerson soon.