Bishop Alfred Singleton Sr. was a man of valor, honor, wisdom and integrity.  He was a self-proclaimed, "humble, country preacher" who dedicated nearly 70 years of his life to serving the Lord, shepherding God's people and "doing what's right."  He live with passion, purpose, divine assignment and conviction.

Bishop was born in the heart of Dixie... Montgomery, Alabama, the third oldest of seven children.  He grew up in the era of the Jim Crow south, a time where racial tensions were high and opportunities for the African Americans were few.  He was an inquisitive young boy who loved to learn but struggled in his early years with dyslexia and a sporadic education.  He grew up in meager circumstances but was raised with good morals and faith and a deep love and respect for his family.

Bishop came from a lineage of preachers and teachers but would not come into a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ until after he migrated to Michigan.  As a young man, he was simply looking for a better opportunity naturally but didn't yet know the Lord was setting him up for a spiritual transformation that would change the trajectory of his entire life.

After moving to Detroit, he enrolled in Cass Technical High School and there he met a sweet young lady named Elizabeth.  She was easy on the eyes and steady in his heart.  Elizabeth would be the one to invite him to her church, Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple, where he would later be baptized in Jesus' Name and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In 1951, he married Elizabeth and the Lord blessed this union with twelve children whom they loved dearly.  Together, they raised their children in godliness and truth, with a respect for God's church, a love for His people and a special grace to share themselves with the ministry.

Under the leadership and close mentorship of the late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock and a passionate pursuit to know God for himself, Bishop's faith and spiritual maturity began to flourish.  He served as his assistant pastor and dedicated himself to the scriptures; to fasting, praying and learning everything that he could about the apostolic doctrine and the Christian faith.

It was while he was called away to serve in the United States Army, that Bishop had an experience with the Lord.  He prayed saying, "Lord if you want me to preach, knowing my inability, you will have to let me know and someone else too."  The Lord was faithful and confirmed His word.  Bishop began his 60+ year journey of shepherding people of God, leading others to the kingdom with fire, fervor and deep conviction.

Bishop Alfred Singleton Sr. was the people's pastor.  He was full of wisdom, grace and humility.  He was a man of integrity and soundness of mind, who approached his pastoral-ship with seriousness, determination and the heart of a servant.  He embodied the scripture's admonition of what the office of a bishop truly is..."blameless, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach... patient and not a brawler...not covetous...one that ruleth well in his own house..." (1 Timothy 3:1-7, an excerpt)

Over the years, his quest for knowledge and history helped Bishop to become a learned man.  He earned an honorary doctorate degree in theology and many accolades from several learning institutions and universities.  He was a constant 'student of learning' with an unquenchable thirst after God's Word and living in holiness.  At the age of 36, he was ordained a Bishop and became one of the youngest bishops of the Pentacostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith (PCAF).  He served the organization faithfully in many roles, including Treasurer, and in the year 2000, he was elected and voted upon by the Board of Bishops and the general PCAF body, as the unanimous choice for the seat of the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith.  After serving the maximum terms, Bishop Singleton remained on the PCAF Bishops' board as Senior Bishop and the Diocesan of the Michigan State Council.

Bishop was a spiritual father to nations.  A giant in the faith.  A father, a mentor, a counselor, a covering.  He was a close friend - caring and compassionate.  Kind and fair.  He endured hardship like a soldier.  He was a peace maker.  An encourager.  An intercessor.  Anointed and appointed for the job.  He was a man with many titles, accolades and heavy responsibilities but apart from all of thos things, he would say, "Above all, I am a Christian."

And after 89 years, he had a miraculous story of a life well lived.  Though his transition was quick, the Lord honored Bishop's final request, to transition in peace and without suffering.  On the evening of December 4, 2017, Bishop went peacefully to be with his Savior, surrounded by his wife and loving children, praising and worshipping God, until his very last breath.

Bishop Dr. Alfred Singleton Sr. was preceeded in death, after 55 years of marriage to "the love of his life," Mother Elizabeth Singleton, and by their beloved daughter, Patricia Smith.  He leaves their 11 children to cherish precious memories, a deep legacy of faith in Jesus Christ, and love for his family; Belinda Singleton, Ora (Robert) Robertson, Alfred II (Vivian) Singleton, Terrance (Karen) Singleton, Verona McEwen-Singleton, Debra (Gary) Riley, Andrea (Jeremy) Hall, Aaron Singleton, Camilla Dodd-Singleton, Frank Singleton, and Catrese (Chad) Johnson.  and Patricia's husband, son-in-law, Clyde Smith.

He leaves to cherish his twilight years memories with "his sunshine" Lady Antoinette Singleton; along with love for his step-daughters; Leah (Marc) Halton-Pope, Natina Halton, Rachel (Benjamin) Ellis, Mary (Charles) McManus and Tiffany Cook; 33 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.  One brother, Bishop Winston Snigleton, Sr. (Inglewood, CA), one sister, Jessie Daniels (Rochester, NY); Oldest son, Paul Anthony Lewis-Singleton (Detroit, MI), a huge host of relatives, saints, friends and acquaintances.

There will never be another Bishop Dr. Alfred Singleton Sr.  He has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of saints, family and friends all over the world!