Jay Allen Gooding Sr. was born in New York City, Oct. 9, 1961. He is the fourth child of Bishop Ceaser Gooding and Evang. Josephine Gooding. He is united in marriage to a very beautiful and loving wife, Nicole Stacy Ann Gooding, and the father of four children, Latiesha, Jay Jr., Vaughn, and Jayme. He also the grandfather of one, Jahvon.
     Elder Gooding was educated in the public school system of New York. He is a graduate of DeWitt Clinton H.S. (1979). There he was a member of the Varsity Football team. He also played keyboard in the school's Pep Band. In 1975 he sang in the Bronx borough chorus, under the direction of Mr. Dennis Bell. For 16 years he was employed by the Manufacturer's Hanover Trust Company and reached the level of Asst. Manager. He is currently a student of the New Emmanuel Bible College, and serves in the ministry full time.

    Elder Gooding made his first public appearance on the organ at the tender age of five, at the Gospel Temple Church in NYC, under the tutelage of Dr. Becky Carlton. He became a minister of music at Miracle Revival Temple in the Bronx in 1972 at eleven years old, under the leadership of his father In 1986 the Miracle Revival was nominated for a Gospel Academy Award (hosted by Bishop Sam Williams, chairman of the G.M.W.A) in the traditional gospel category.
     Elder Gooding was also a member of the the award winning gospel recording group "The Ecstatistics" from 1984-1987 and has performed alongside a host of gospel greats which includes  Rev. James Cleveland, Andre Crouch,The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Williams Brothers, Bishop Billy Robinson and Evangelist Dorothy Norwood. He has also appeared at the Apollo Theater, Madison Square Garden and the David Letterman Show.

    Elder Gooding formed and organized the "Fellowship Ensemble" gospel group in Sept. 1991. They appeared on concerts with such outstanding artists as Dr. Bobby Jones, Pastor Hezekiah Walker, Elder Timothy Wright, Tramaine Hawkins and many others. The Fellowship Ensemble moved into the the recording industry with two album releases entitled "I'll Be a Witness" (1994) and "The Lord is Blessing Me" (1996). They were also made annual appearances at the New York Family Day Celebration held by Radio Station WWRL 1600 AM.
    Elder Gooding's vision  was not to have a group that performed for churches and recordings, he had a more divine plan in mind and with this he brought his group and God's message of love to those who may not have otherwise had an opportunity to hear it  by making numerous appearances at Riker's Island Correctional Facility, Nursing homes,and Drug Rehab Centers such as Damon House (Bklyn), Phoenix House (Bronx) and many others. His latest endeavor includes a brand new CD with the Fellowship Mass Choir entitled "No Stoppin Us Now". This collaboration with such notables as Rev. Al Sharpton, Bishop Billy Robinson, Elder Gregory Davis and Min. Roger Hambrick has a powerful message for those Christian soldiers who are marching on in the new millenium.    

    Pastor Gooding preached his initial sermon on Nov. 19, 1993 at Miracle Revival temple where he served as an associate minister for 3 years.. He was ordained an Elder on Dec. 3, 1995. He is frequently invited to be guest speaker at various churches throughout the Tri-State Area. He is also a eulogist at numerous funeral homes in the Metropolitan area. The Lord called Pastor Gooding to step out on faith on December 29, 1996 when he opened the doors of the Fellowship Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. and was installed as the Pastor on February 2, 1997 where he has been to the present lifting up the name of Jesus Christ. Click Here for church history.

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