Apostle Paul S. Commodore Sr.

Apostle Paul S. Commodore, a devoted servant of God, dedicated family man, and respected community leader, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025. Born on March 21, 1932, in Charleston, SC, to the late Helen Gathers and James Commodore, Apostle Paul S. Commodore was the epitome of faith, hard work, and commitment. At an early age, his family relocated to the Bronx, NY, where he attended PS 63 Elementary School, PS51 Jr. High School, and Samuel Gompers Industrial High School. He later graduated from George Westinghouse Vocational High School, where he learned the plumbing trade. Afterward, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, training as a medic and attending Valley Forge Army Hospital in Phoenixville, PA for nursing. He was honorably discharged after two years of service. In the early years of his life, Apostle Commodore met and married the late Mother Ellen Emily Smith Commodore. Together, they raised a family in Brooklyn, NY, and were blessed with five children. After his military service, he established a thriving plumbing business in Brooklyn, securing his Master Plumber’s license in 1975. He became the fourth African American male to earn this distinction, and his business flourished throughout his career until he retired at 85. Apostle Commodore’s faith journey began in 1948 when he joined Refuge Temple Church in New York City, where he sang in the radio choir for four years. In 1953, he attended Bible College and was ordained as a member of the clergy. That same year, he transferred to Refuge Church on Green Avenue in Brooklyn, NY, where he served as Deacon and Young Peoples President for four years. In 1957, Apostle Commodore helped establish Redemption Church under the late Bishop Arthur Pearson. Over the years, he held numerous leadership roles, including Deacon, Young Peoples President, Choir Director, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and eventually Assistant Pastor and General Director of the church. His calling continued to unfold as he became a Minister in 1958 and was elevated to Elder in 1962. In 1975, he moved his family to Neptune, NJ, where he became the Pastor of Bibleway Church of Neptune. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed District Elder for the New Jersey Southern District of Bibleway Churches Worldwide, serving under the late Bishop Showell for three years. Apostle Commodore’s pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth led him to graduate with a Doctor of Divinity degree from Eastern American University on May 30, 1981. He furthered his education with a degree from the Christian and Education Foundation for Pastoral Studies in June of 1983. In 1987, he was appointed Overseer of the Denver, Colorado Dioceses under the leadership of the lare Bishop Bernard Battle. The following year, in 1988, he succeeded Bishop Battle as Bishop and Overseer of the Tennessee Dioceses, where he founded four churches that continue to thrive today. Throughout his ministry, Apostle Commodore’s influence extended beyond his local congregation. In 1995, he was appointed Bishop of the Bibleway Men’s Ministry, and in late 1996, he was appointed Executive Bishop of Bibleway Churches Worldwide. His appointment as Apostle in 2007 marked a pinnacle in his lifelong ministry. Apostle Commodore’s first marriage to Mother Ellen Emily Smith Commodore ended with her passing in 1996. He later met and married Mother Loretta Coleman, who lovingly supported him throughout his ministry until his passing. He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Mother Loretta Commodore; his children, Paulette Carter (Rosedale, Queens, NY), Keith Commodore (Queens, NY), Andrew Commodore (Columbia, SC), Paul S. Commodore Jr. (Tinton Falls, NJ), and Mark Commodore (Brooklyn, NY); 21 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Alethia Johnson, and brothers, Theodore Wilson and Willie Wilson. Apostle Paul S. Commodore’s legacy of faith, leadership, and love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him. He was a man of vision, purpose, and unwavering dedication to his calling. His influence will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on in the hearts of many. May he rest in eternal peace.

Apostle Paul S. Commodore Sr.

March 21, 1932 - March 14, 2025