Clarence R. Hill Sr.

Clarence R. Hill, Sr. was born on November 14, 1939, in Madison County, Tennessee, to Cecil Rufus Hill, Jr. and Sadie Mae Hill. He was the eldest of four children (Clarence, Bobby, Evelyn & Carolyn). His family later relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where he received his education. He attended both Soldan and Sumner High Schools, later earning an Associate Degree in Business from Forest Park College.

From 1952 to 1959, Clarence served honorably in the United States Navy on active duty. His service was cut short when he returned home to care for his mother, a decision that reflected his deep sense of duty and compassion.

After returning home, Clarence began working for the U.S. Postal Service, where he labored diligently to provide. During this time, he was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Donna and Diane, who brought immense joy to his life.

A turning point in Clarence’s journey came when he befriended Jerome Pettiford and James Lay, who introduced him to salvation and a life centered on God. On July 4, 1966, he was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the Holy Spirit. He became a devoted member of Bethesda Temple Church, where he quickly developed a hunger for the Word of God. His dedication, integrity, and spiritual insight were soon recognized, and he was encouraged by his pastor to grow in ministry. He began teaching the adult Sunday School class and was later ordained as a minister by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

Clarence’s walk with God led him to take notice of a young woman named Lorraine Stevenson, whose faith and commitment to the fellowship deeply impressed him. After prayer and counsel, he approached his pastor to learn more about her.

On May 15, 1971, Clarence and Lorraine were united in holy matrimony by Bishop James A. Johnson, surrounded by family and friends. Soon after their marriage, Clarence was ordained as a licensed elder and became one of the church’s Assistant Pastors. Together, he and Lorraine were the youngest couple to serve in leadership at their church. Their marriage was blessed with four children, three sons and one daughter: Jonathan, Clarence Jr., Andrew, and Teresa.

As Elder Hill’s ministry grew, so did his impact. He traveled across the United States and abroad, spreading the gospel with power and conviction. He also hosted a radio broadcast in St. Louis titled “The Truth Makes the Difference”, a ministry that reached countless hearts.

In 1991, Clarence accepted a promotion with the U.S. Postal Service, which relocated the family to Des Moines, Iowa. There, his ministry continued to flourish. With the support of First Church of the Open Bible, he founded All Things Common Church of God, a thriving ministry rooted in community and Biblical truth. By this season of life, Pastor Hill was blessed to have his sons actively working alongside him, helping to carry out the church’s mission.

In 2006, Pastor Hill began to face health challenges that led him to gradually step back from active ministry. Eventually, he and Lorraine moved to Oklahoma to be closer to their eldest sons. Despite the decline in his physical health, his spiritual fire never dimmed. With his strong spirit of counsel and wisdom, he continued to pour into his spiritual sons and family throughout the nation. Even in illness, he would often speak clearly and fluently when quoting scripture—proof that God’s Word remained alive in him.

Elder Hill’s greatest desire was for his children to remain rooted in God’s Word and pass that faith on to future generations. By God’s grace, he lived to witness the faith take root in his children and grandchildren—and even his great-grandchildren.

Cherishing his memory: His devoted wife, Lorraine Hill; Six beloved children – Donna K. Hill-Todd (Everett), Diane Hill-McCrary (Jerry), Jonathan Hill (Lisa), Clarence R. Hill, Jr. (Alicia), Andrew J. Hill, and Teresa L. Fairbanks (Wade); Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and dear friends.