Rev. Stuart G. Norris

On July 16, 1901, at Royalton, Ohio, Frank and Susan Norris had their only child, Stuart Greene. In high school he fell in love with vivacious Jessie Dunn. Their romance continued into college and they were married in 1923. He enrolled in Ohio State University, majoring in Business Administration, working nights at the Western Union.

Drawing on his sales experience, he joined the National Cash Register Co. Soon he became the branch manager. While under the pastorate of W. T. Witherspoon, Brother Norris became a preacher and developed a great love for the Word of God.

The Norrises had five children: James, Mary, David, Eleanor and Ruth. Life was wonderful.

After moving to New York City, he established a church there. He gained spiritual strength that lasted a lifetime.

He was commissioned by Reverend Witherspoon to pastor the church in St. Paul, Minnesota. This church had fourteen previous pastors. Into this atmosphere, he moved his family to 464 Pierce St, St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1934.

October 1, 1937, Apostolic Bible Institute began. It was housed at Midway Tabernacle, the church he pastored. The foundation of this school was the Word of God. Invincible biblical truths were placed in the lives of students.

Their faithfulness led to growth. God opened the doors at new locations for Midway Tabernacle and the ABI before miraculously providing the present campus at 6944 Hudson Boulevard. Reverend Norris pastored Midway Tabernacle and officiated as the ABI president and simultaneously served as the Superintendent of the then North Central District. Later his responsibilities also included serving on the board of the UPCI.

He published the former Pentecostal Outlook, and wrote inspired doctrinal tracts: Gospels, Acts and Epistles, The Mighty God in Christ and others.

He also developed detailed Bible charts of the Tabernacle Plan and the Book of Revelation. These were designed in large sizes (approximately 12x 24) and required a series of studies.

He passed from this life on January 4, 1990.