REVEREND DENNIS CORNELOUS
Senior Pastor, First Church of God, Gary, Indiana
Reverend Dennis Cornelous was raised in the Langley Avenue Church of God by his parents, the late Pastor Van & Eva Cornelous. His father was a minister when he was born, and he served in the ministry for his entire life. Pastor Cornelous was called to the ministry in 1986 and served in the First Church of God in Harvey IL, until moving to the Ford Heights Church of God and serving there with Pastor Bobby F. Jackson.
Ordained in July 1992 and having a strong desire to serve the Lord and God’s people, he continued to work in areas needed in the ministry. He has served in the various capacities over the last 30 years: Interim Pastor, Associate Pastor, and full-time Pastor.
Reverend Cornelous served at the All Nations Community Church, in Homewood, IL, under the leadership of Pastor Steven W. Bell, as an Associate Pastor and Lead Teacher for the Adult Discipleship Class. His wife, Mary Cornelous, through God’s blessings and gifts, teaches sewing as part of her ministry. We were blessed with six children, who are adults living in various parts of the country: Ronald (Dr. Tiffany-Bennett) Cornelous, Monica ( Larry Jr.) Roberts, David (Sonya) Cornelous, Roberto Branch, Rholanda Branch, and Kevin Branch. His favorite scripture is:
Psalms 34:1-4: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”