The Church of the Living God was established in September of 1939 by the Elder W. A Tressenwriter. The first services were held on 9th street in Beckley West Virginia. As the fellowship began to grow, one of the followers, Sis. Katie Trundle who also lived on 9th street felt led to donate a piece of property that she and her sister, Rosa Hancock owned on 545 Broadway Street, and another parcel of land at 554 Broadway Street, just a few blocks over. The deacons, Brothers Dan Carrie, and Mason Powell and others built the church and parsonage for Elder W.A Tressenwriter and his wife Suzie from the remnants of old coal camp houses. The church began to grow. W.A Tressenwriter whom the membership affectionately called “Elder” selected Minister Virginia Powell to be his assistant. Upon his death in December of 1971 Minister Virginia Powell was elevated to lead pastor where she served faithfully until her death in December of the year 2000. However, months before her death Pastor Powell, anointed and consecrated her daughter Elder Clara Wilson to pastor The Church of the Living God and her granddaughter Elder Ann L. Oglesby to assist her.
Elders Wilson and Oglesby would go on to become bishops as they led the church. Bishop Clara Wilson served well until her death in September of 2023.
Bishop Ann Oglesby, become the general overseer where she continues to inspire the people of God.