Elder Vernadine Ellis is the second oldest child of eight children born to the late Reginald and Anna Mae Breakley. She was born in the city of Chester and was educated in the Chester public schools. She was a very responsible young woman, handling household chores and taking care of her younger brothers and sisters while her parents worked.  She spent thirteen years as an employee of the United States Postal Service and twenty-seven years as a Teaching Assistant in the Philadelphia Public Schools, which is evidence of a strong work ethic.

In her youth, Vernadine was taught the importance of living a life pleasing to Christ. She  attended First Pentecostal Holy church under the pastorate of Bishop W.N. Strobhar. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of fourteen and was very active in the church. “Holiness” was not an easy lifestyle during those years, especially for the youth, but Vernadine persevered in obedience.  The biblical teaching she received under Bishop Strobhar's leadership is the foundation upon which her faith is built.  Someone once said, "evangelical teaching can draw around itself the greatest congregation in the world and hold it there."  Jesus said it best, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." It is upon this foundation of the gospel and by the grace of God, that Vernadine has maintained her integrity.  In 1980, when Bishop Strobhar appointed her husband, Elder Samuel W. Ellis, pastor, Vernadine became the first First Lady of First Pentecostal Holy Church.

As the Holy Spirit began to prepare her for a higher level of ministry, Elder Ellis pursued formal biblical training. In 1997 she was awarded a diploma from the New Life Bible Institute Missionary Training School, in Philadelphia. She delivered her trial sermon at First Pentecostal in 1997. She completed requirements to become licensed in the United Holy Church of America as a Missionary in 1998 and as an Evangelist in 1999. Vernadine's Evangelist license was converted to a Minister’s license in 2000 and Minister Ellis became Elder Ellis when she was ordained at the 2002 United Holy Church Northern District Holy Convocation.
 

Through the years at First Pentecostal, Elder Ellis has served in many areas of ministry. She is a former member of the Nathaniel Gospel Chorus and Mass Choir, advisor to the Youth Chorus and Executive Director of Precious Seed Christian Day Care Center.  She is currently the  coordinator of the Womens’ Fellowship, Administrator of the School of Ministry and Elder over the church's music ministry.  In the United Holy Church of America, she served as President of the Bishops' and Pastors' wives for 17 years.  She is indeed a servant leader, leading by example. On Sunday, December 9, 2018, Elder Vernadine Ellis was appointed the third pastor and first woman to become pastor of First Pentecostal Holy Church.

 

Elder Vernadine Ellis has been married to Bishop Samuel W. Ellis for more than 61 years. The couple has two daughters, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is truly adored by her husband, “her children call her blessed” and to her grandchildren, “Grandmom Deany”, is the best grandmother in the world.  To First Pentecostal Holy Church, she is our beloved pastor who loves her congregation and the people she serves.  Most of all, she is a woman of integrity and has a strong commitment to the call upon her life.