Grace and Peace! Psalm 118:23 (NIV) extols, “the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the name above all names! God has tremendously blessed the All Saints Apostolic Church over the past seventy years but not without trials and challenges; consequently, through it all they have given us the endurance and perseverance to continue standing on His Word and promises. We hail this 70th year as a significant spiritual and historical benchmark for the All Saints Apostolic Church Family. This is not a year of just celebration but desiring a greater manifestation of God’s tangible presence in our celebration. Biblically, the number seventy signifies a sacred meaning, namely because it is made up of two significant numbers; the number seven (representing spiritual perfection, completion and wholeness) and the number ten (representing completion in divine order). Thus, it is truly our desire to walk in wholeness according to God’s divine order. I am very appreciative to everyone who has supported the vision and ministry over the years; inclusive of those who have partnered or networked with us through the years. Thank you for your time, endeavors, and resources sown into this “Branch of Zion” that has aided in its success and ability to continue in the work of God’s Kingdom. My prayer is that the Lord will bountifully bless and keep each of you until the day of Redemption! In closing, I echo these words from the favorite scripture of our late founder, Suffragan Bishop Robert L. Tapper: “Having therefore obtained help of God, I [we] continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great…” (Acts 26:22a). Gratefully, Dr. Lona T. Rogers-Miller, Pastor
Dr. Lona T. Rogers-Miller, a native of Richmond, Virginia, was educated in the Richmond Public Schools System. She is the fifth child of Suffragan Bishop Robert L. Tapper and the late Mother Letsy Ann Tapper. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. During her last year at VCU, Dr. Rogers responded to God’s call of ministry upon her life. Upon graduation she continued her education at Duke University in Durham, N.C.; there she earned a Master of Divinity Degree. After graduating from Duke, Dr. Rogers-Miller returned to Richmond and began working in her home church (All Saints Apostolic Church) as an associate minister and childcare administrator under the pastorate of her father. She was ordained in 1984 at the International Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Convention in Washington, D.C. She earned her Doctor of Ministry degree in June 1997 from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. For nearly five years, Dr. Rogers-Miller served as co-pastor of the All Saints Apostolic Church before receiving the full pastoral mantle from her father in December 2001. Dr. Rogers-Miller also served within the Virginia State Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. as a District Elder for five years, Director of Christian Education for nearly one year, and a Program Coordinator for ten years. Currently she serves as CEO of the Letsy Ann Memorial Christian School, All Saints Child Care Center, and Pastor of the All Saints Apostolic Church. She also serves as Vice President for Annoh Ministries International, Inc. (AMI), and she is a notary public for the state of Virginia. Dr. Rogers-Millers’ mission in life is to capture the “heart of God” and bare it in her body, soul and spirit. She believes in Kingdom living and moves in God’s prophetic apostolic anointing. She inspires, mentors, and energizes the lives of those she touches. Her ministerial forte is ministering deliverance and spiritual maturity to the believer. Along with her love for ministry and the people of God, Dr. Rogers-Miller loves reading, writing and traveling. She is married to Mr. Randolph Miller. From this union are four children Thomas Michael Rogers,II, Richell L. Rogers, Rendell Miller and Charity Miller.
Bishop Tapper was born in Ballston, Jamaica, West Indies. He was the youngest of five children. His formal education was in Jamaica. He came to America in 1944 and made his home in Orange, New Jersey. There he met and was united in marriage to the late Letsy Ann Richardson. He is the father of seven children: Trevor, Janet, Helen, Robert, Isaac, Lona and Elizabeth. As time passed, God called Elder Tapper to pastoral ministry in 1947. In 1948 Elder Tapper and family relocated to Richmond, Virginia and fellowshipped with Pastor Sue Edwards and saints for a short time. Under the leading and guidance of the Lord, Elder Tapper rented a small storefront from Evangelist Alice Wade in 1949. There Elder Tapper, his family and about three other saints started what was then the All Saints Pentecostal Church. In November 1960, a vision became a reality and All Saints Church moved to 1 West Leigh St. Elder Tapper, in 1961 was appointed District Elder by the late Presiding Bishop Samuel K. Grimes and had oversight of eleven churches. In April 1979, under the guidance of Elder Tapper, All Saints relocated to 2001 Royal Avenue and the name was changed to All Saints Apostolic Church. The term “Apostolic” embraces the teachings and doctrine of Jesus as given to the Apostles as opposed to the term “Pentecostal”, which means fiftieth. God tremendously anointed the ministry and blessed its growth through community outreach, home visitation, radio broadcasts, edifying worship, bible teaching and benevolence. In 1980, Elder Tapper contracted and supervised construction of the educational wing onto the church, which serves as All Saints Child Care Center. After quickly outgrowing its capacity of 45 children, a two story annex building project was completed in 1988. District Elder Tapper was elected Chairman of the Virginia State Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in July 1982. On December 26, 1984, the late presiding Bishop B.T. Jones appointed District Elder Tapper pastor of Christ Temple Apostolic Church in Danville, Virginia after the passing of Elder Willie Adams. Pastor Tapper accomplished great works at Christ Temple Church. In August 1993, Pastor Tapper was consecrated Suffragan Bishop under the Diocesan Bishop Clarence E. Moore. He served in a dual pastorate role for many years before passing the pastoral mantle of All Saints Apostolic Church to his daughter, Dr. Lona T. Rogers-Miller. Suffragan Bishop Tapper established and pastored churches in Richmond, Thornburg, Hague, Buckingham, Roseland, Waverly and Petersburg, Virginia. He established the Virginia State Young Peoples’ Convention, spear headed and helped with the campground of the Virginia State Council Brotherhood Department and many more contributions were provided under his ministry and leadership. After the death of Mother Letsy Tapper, Suffragan Bishop Tapper was united in marriage to Evangelist Lucy P. Mendenhall on June 12, 1993. He became the stepfather of four children: Victor, Verlin, Vincent and Yvette. As we at All Saints Apostolic Church celebrate 70 years in God’s service, we remember the commitment of our founder Suffragan Bishop Robert L. Tapper, who was truly a “Kingdom Builder”. It is because of his dedication to God’s ministry that we stand today. We praise God for His grace, His mercy, and His faithfulness towards us! All Saints is the church where all people are always welcomed!