CLEVELAND — J. Delano Ellis, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Joint College of Bishops, presiding prelate of the Pentecostal Churches of Christ and senior pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Christ in Cleveland, died Saturday at the age of 75, according to his family.
Ellis was locally beloved and nationally known for his leadership in African American Pentecostalism.
Ordained in 1963, Ellis elevated to the episcopacy in 1970. In 1989, he founded the United Pentecostal Churches of Christ, now known as the United Covenant Churches of Christ.
Ellis abdicated his pastorate last year. His wife, Dr. Sabrina Ellis currently serves as the senior pastor at the Pentecostal Church of Christ in Cleveland.
The Ellis family issued the following statement:
The Family requests your prayers, patience and understanding as they commence laying a Prince in The Lord’s Church to rest. Plans for the final obsequies are forthcoming.
Those looking to send message of love and support can do so to the following address:
Pentecostal Church of Christ
c/o Dr. Sabrina J. Ellis
10515 Chester Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
