Meet Our People

Pastor Emeritus Mattie Johnson
Founder

Pastor Mattie Johnson was the founder of Philadelphia HFGBC. The church was organized in May of 1983 in Elgin, IL having witnessed the negligence and despair within our own communities, Pastor Johnson founded Philadelphia Holiness Full Gospel Baptist Church to make Elgin a better place. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Johnson was the first female Pastor in Elgin.

Pastor Johnson loved meeting new people and was dedicated to creating and expanding programs for Philadelphia Holiness Full Gospel Baptist Church for 27 years; under the auspices of the Holy Spirit she prepared herself for a job that was not easy to let go; the Pastoring of her love that she gave birth to “Philadelphia Holiness” to her oldest daughter, Mattie Matthews; one who had served diligently in whatever way Pastor Johnson needed her. 

After much prayer, consecration, and deliberation she contacted her District Overseer, Edward Jackson of the Joshua District, telling him what the Lord directed her to do. She asked him to contact her State Bishop, Bishop Victor Agee, and her Pastor Regional Bishop, Bishop Simon Gordon. With the counsel of her Leaders and the Deacons of Philadelphia Holiness they planned the relinquishing of Senior Pastor into the hands of Pastor Elect Mattie Matthews, her oldest daughter on June 7, 2009.

Leaders 

Our current leaders are being trained to volunteer in their communties as well as bring along with them an incredible ability to lead, inspire, and care for those that need it. 

Our leaders provide Philadelphia Holiness Full Gospel Baptist Church with the inspiration and direction to keep the organization moving forward and expanding in new areas based on our community's needs.