Jeremiah 3:15 (King James Version)
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."
Robert Clinton Holly, Sr. was the founding pastor of New Faith Apostolic Church (formerly Holly Memorial Miracle Temple) in Chicago and the son of Pentecostal pioneer Bishop John Silas Holly. Raised in a household grounded in faith, he served for many years as Assistant Pastor alongside his father, gaining wisdom, experience, and a deep sense of purpose that would later shape his own ministry.
After his father’s passing, Pastor Holly founded Holly Memorial Miracle Temple on 79th and Ashland—right in the heart of a troubled Chicago neighborhood. Despite the challenges, the church became a powerful beacon of hope, known for its spiritual impact and strong sense of community. Pastor Holly believed in meeting people where they were and leading them toward transformation through the Gospel.
His ministry was marked by tireless evangelism, a heart for youth, and a passion for building up others in the Apostolic faith. Many of those he mentored would go on to become pastors and leaders themselves.
Pastor Holly’s leadership wasn’t just about sermons—it was about sacrifice. He was a man of deep conviction, compassion, and unwavering faith, who lived what he preached and led with both strength and humility.
Though he passed on, his legacy lives through the many lives he touched, the churches he helped birth, and the foundation he laid at New Faith Apostolic Church.
Today, the church continues to thrive—still standing as a testament to Pastor Holly’s vision, service, and unshakable commitment to the work of the Lord.
Pastor Emeritus Gregory C. Allen was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Kosminsky Elementary School and Bowen High School, where he was unanimously elected co-captain of the varsity football team. At age 16, he enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While there, he made history as the first Black columnist for The Daily Illini, the university’s newspaper serving more than 44,000 students and the local community. His writing focused on confronting social injustice and amplifying the voices of the unheard.
In 1975, Pastor Allen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and returned to Chicago, where he met Bishop John Silas Holly and became a member of Apostolic Faith Church (AFC). There, he was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. As a devoted member, he served faithfully in many capacities—singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, assisting with the youth ministry, and helping lead fundraising efforts.
In March 1977, he married Ruby L. Cowan, also a member of AFC. They have been married for 48 years and are blessed with one son, Charles.
In 1980, Brother Allen joined Holly Memorial Miracle Temple under the pastorate of Elder Robert C. Holly, where he has remained a faithful member for 45 years. During his professional career, Pastor Allen worked as a major group insurance underwriter, a computer technician, and later served 12 years as a Board-Certified Chaplain for Advocate Aurora Medical Center.
Pastor Allen was installed as Pastor of Holly Memorial Miracle Temple in June 1990, succeeding its founder, Pastor Robert C. Holly. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually and was later renamed New Faith Apostolic Church. After 35 years of dedicated pastoral service, he retired on October 5, 2025, passing the mantle to Elder Robert Tillery, the founder’s grandson.
Pastor Emeritus Allen is also a proud graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary, where he earned his Doctorate in Ministry. His life and ministry reflect a legacy of faith, leadership, and commitment to the Apostolic doctrine.
Pastor Robert L. Tillery, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of New Faith Apostolic Church in Chicago, Illinois. Installed after Pastor Emeritus Gregory Allen, he continues the legacy of his grandfather, the late Pastor Robert Holly, Founder of New Faith (formerly Holly Memorial Miracle Temple). He is also the grandson of Pastor Robert & Lady Eleanor Burrows-Holly and great-grandson of Apostolic pioneers Bishop John Silas and Mother Effie Holly, who helped spark revival across Chicago.
With a deep passion for biblical truth and community impact, Pastor Tillery has served in ministry for over 20 years. His leadership experience includes serving on the Executive Pastoral Team at Apostolic Faith Church under Bishop Dr. Horace E. Smith, leading The Way2Life Metro Missions focused on urban evangelism, assisting with six church plants, and serving as Minister of Evangelism at New Faith. He was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 2008, recognized by the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship (2007), and credentialed by the United Pentecostal Church International (2014).
Beyond ministry, Pastor Tillery brings over 20 years of experience in financial services, including leadership in Retail Banking, Business Banking, and as a Licensed Financial Advisor. He blends professional insight with a heart for ministry, serving both church and community with excellence.
He and his wife, Stacy, have been married for 27 years and are blessed with five children—Robert (Nia), Brandon, Aaron (Haniyyah), Brooklyn, and Kristyn—and one granddaughter, Robyn.