The seed of this ministry was planted over thirty-seven years ago. The ministry was originally established as the
Apostolic Holiness Church and has undergone several name changes such Emmanuel Apostolic Holiness
Church, and currently Emmanuel Way of the Cross Church. On October 16, 1975 Bishop Charlie Williams and the
trustees of the Apostolic Holiness Church purchased a single room building in Sedley, VA, and organized a
church. Bishop Charlie Williams entered into eternal rest in April 1983. In June 1983 Elder Fred E. Hill succeeded
him as the Pastor of the church.
Bishop Fred E. Hill faithfully led the ministry in Sedley, VA for twenty years. However, in September 2003 the
ministry in Sedley, VA was visited by an act of God by the name of “Hurricane Isabel” which destroyed the
church site. After seeking God for guidance and directions the church family felt directed to close out the
ministry in Sedley, VA. On Thanksgiving Day (November 2003) the Church family met on the church site for the
last time, and gave God thanks, praise, and glory for His unmerited favor and countless blessings. Believing God
works all things together for the good of His Saints the Church family relocated to Chesapeake, VA and started
to hold services in October 2003 at the Carver Intermediate School. The current location of
the church is 2421 Bainbridge Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23324.
The Church family can attest that God has been faithful, loving, and most kind to his people. For this we are
eternally grateful. Therefore, Emmanuel Way of the Cross Church will joyfully embrace the future as Apostle
Paul did in 1Corinthian 10:13 with this assurance in God that, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as
is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will
with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”