The Late Bishop, Dr. Elvis May, was the sixth child of twelve born to Sam, Sr. and Annie C. May on May 28, 1957, in Birmingham, Alabama.

He received his early education at Jackson Olin High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Lawson State Community College and Bessemer State Technical College. He received a Master of Arts in Theology and a Doctor of Theology degree both from Carolina University. He went on to get his Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Education from Southwest Bible College & Seminary.

On June 27, 1981, he married his wife, Doris May, at her parents' home. Three children were born to this union, Joshua, Sr., Jacob I and Priscilla. Through the union of his sons, he gained two more daughters, Angel and Valerie and was blessed with four grandsons, Malachi, Jacob II, Isreal and Joshua, Jr. 

Bishop Elvis May received the Holy Ghost in May 1977 one Friday night at the age of 19. He accepted his call in the ministry in April 1978. On February 7, 1982, he started his journey as pastor of Pratt City A.O.H. Church of God. God grew the church membership to exceed seating capacity. In year 2000, a church extension project was completed and the church was renamed Greater Pratt City. On July 4, 2004, God led Bishop Elvis May to plant this ministry, Apostolic Way Holy Church, where he served for 11 years as pastor. 

Bishop Elvis May's life ministry was filled with great passion to live according to God's Holy standards, to lead many to Christ, and to help those in Christ to mature in the faith. He desired for God's Word to reach the hearts of many. God blessed him to start a nursing home ministry on August 1991 at the Estes Oak Knoll Nursing Home, where he faithfully ministered the Word of God to the residence for many year. God led him to began radio broadcast ministries with radio stations WAYE and WDJC.  Bishop Elvis May later expanded the reach of the gospel through television ministries. Bishop May desired to share his love for learning the Word of God. His dream became reality when he created the Adventure Bible School.

So much more can be said about our Founder's accomplishments and the lives he touched through his faithfulness. We praise God for Bishop Elvis May and his service to the body of Christ.