Windrush Church Pioneer passes

Apostle Hughdel Rowe, a pioneer of the Black Apostolic Pentecostal Church movement here in Britain, has died in Jamaica, the country of his birth.

Rowe, 95, was one of many Christians who came to Britain in the 1950s to build a new life.

In 1962, he founded the UK Diocese of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ Apostolic Faith Inc., and in 1968 bought a church, now known as Refuge Temple, based in Streatham, south London. In its early years, it served as a spiritual and community hub for Caribbeans who migrated to Britain in the 60s and 70s. 

Apostle Rowe was a leader/pastor to many Christian leaders who went on to lead their own congregations, and also planted many churches in the UK.

He was the last surviving member of the seven UK denominational leaders that comprised Apostolic Power Unlimited (APU). The members, which included Bishop SA Dunn of Bethel United; Bishop L E White, of Bible Way Church of our Lord Jesus Christ; Bishop Benjamin Pitt of Pentecostal Assemblies of the World; Bishop RG Anderson of Beulah Apostolic Church; Bishop Roach of Rehoboth Apostolic Church; and Bishop James Dallas of United Pentecostal Church, have now all passed.

Bishop Joseph Dawes, Pastor of Refuge Temple, first met Apostle Rowe when he started attending the church as a young boy. He remembers him as a fair and principled leader. He told Keep The Faith:

His legacy of devotion and steadfastness continues to stand and will always be remembered.