Willie Eugene Gordon, was born June 17, 1914, in Selma, Alabama.

In the 1930’s, young Willie, made Chicago his home, where he met and fell in love with Inez Buycks, a lovely and mature young lady. They were married in 1939 and Inez proved to be a loving and devoted wife. Willie would often tell her of God’s plan of salvation for the soul and healing for the body which his parents had instilled in him. In 1941, Inez became very ill. It was during this time that she thought of all her husband had told her, repented of her sins and was immediately healed. Though Inez was not taught the way of the Lord by her parents, she was saved before her husband but on October 12, 1941, Willie E Gordon repented of his sins.

His motto became – "If I cannot be real for God, I won’t be anything!"

Bro. Gordon’s life was true and dedicated to God and in November 1946 he received his call to the Ministry. He never wanted to be a preacher; only a good spiritual brother in the Lord. As a confirmation of his calling to the ministry, God gave him Isaiah 61:1, "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives; and the openings of the prison to them that are bound." Bro. Gordon accepted God’s call to preach the word and began to have Bible classes in his home.

As souls were saved, Bro. Gordon saw a need to find a larger location for the Saints of God. He rented a store front at 4219 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. He was greatly criticized for this move and received no support from the local ministers. He was used of God in such a way that the store front had to be enlarged several times due to the power of God in saving of souls. The opposers were forced to concede that God was truly with Bro. Gordon. The congregation in Chicago was continuing to grow to such an extent that another place of worship was needed. There was no other way to expand the present location at "4219" as it was fondly called. In 1960, property on the corner of 46th & Drexel was purchased and thus, 4601 S. Drexel Blvd, Chicago, became the new Church Home! Souls were added to the Church, bodies were being healed, and God raised many ministers among the congregation. In 1966, Elder Gordon saw the need of making another move and the old structure was torn down and a new building was erected. The new building was completed in 1968 at a price of $175,000 and was paid for in seven years and five months.

Through the years, Pastor Gordon faced great opposition from others. His strict adherence to the Word of God and the Bible doctrines of holiness and divine healing, coupled with his vehement stand against compromise and false religion, did not make him popular in some quarters. Only those who were willing to surrender all to Jesus, live a life free from sin and "earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the Saints", were attracted to Pastor Gordon’s ministry. Thanks be unto God who raised up a ministry under Elder Gordon’s pastorate. God gave him dedicated, consecrated men and women to help in the work of the Church. Among them was Elder George Dugger, who faithfully served as Assistant Pastor. Beginning early in the ministry of Elder Gordon, God called and qualified many powerful preachers who have ‘held up Pastor Gordon’s hands and diligently discharged their duties in the fear of God. From this group, God has sent out Pastors who faithfully preach the Gospel throughout the United States.

His commitment and love for the Church continued until he finished his course. He wore his "Belt of Victory" until he went to meet Jesus on July 6, 1997.

George Dugger, was born on December 24, 1919, in Batesville, Mississippi.

He later moved to Chicago with his wife. It was through his sister, who had been saved at the Drexel Church of God, that he came to the true knowledge of the word of God. He met Pastor Gordon and other saints and felt genuine love and concern for him, while hearing word of God.

George Dugger saw the need of salvation and repented of his sins. He and his wife Corrine, who was saved, were the parents of ten children. Bro and Sis Dugger raised their family in the fear of God, teaching them the way of salvation and how to love each other.

Bro. Dugger lived sanctified and dedicated to God. God soon gave him a calling to "Go preach my gospel, and proclaim it on the housetop." Bro. Dugger obeyed God, preaching the gospel under the leadership of Pastor Gordon. He was a faithful Sunday School Superintendent and Minister. Later, he was blessed to become the Assistant Pastor of the Drexel Church of God.

Bro. Dugger always had a word of cheer with food for thought. One of his sayings was "Close your mouth soldier. Run it out; you can make it!"

Bro. Dugger ran it out, taking his flight to glory in December 1990.