Bishop Matthew C. Newman

Matthew Cleveland Newman (affectionately known as “Bobby”) departed this life suddenly on March 30, 2022. Matthew was born on May 26, 1945, in Charleston, South Carolina. Bobby was the son of the late Booker T. and Hattie Mae Garner Newman. He was the fourth of six siblings: Henry (preceded him in death), Dora, Almeta, Annette and Booker (preceded him in death). He received his education through Sumter County Public School Systems. As a family they attended Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Burge. In 1953, Bobby and his family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. As a teenager he worked multiple jobs to see to it that his family was taken care of. In 1958, Bobby planted spiritual roots at United Church of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Bishop James B. Thornton, where he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. While attending the United Church of Jesus Christ, Bobby was introduced to Mary Foreman. They later married on December 21, 1966, and out of that union came Octavia, Theresa, Veronica and ReNay. In June of 1973 Bobby and Mary relocated their family to Carrroll County, Maryland. In addition to their four daughters Bobby and Mary Newman raised three bonus sons: Dante, William (who preceded him in death) and Richard (Nick). Bobby Newman was an entrepreneur at the age of 22. As the owner of “Bob’s Cleaners”, located at 1925 Mosher Street in Baltimore, Maryland. Bobby fulfilled his passion of becoming a tractor trailer driver in the early 1970’s. He drove for multiple trucking companies including, Beverage Capital, Acme, B Green, Huff, Goodwin’s Transportation and Super Value. His CB handle was “The Medicine Man”. He was known for his impeccable work ethic and known to arrive at his truck stops up to two hours ahead of time. He accomplished his goal of becoming owner and operator by managing multiple independent contracts with various transportation industries, until he retired in 2009. Bobby accepted the calling on his life for ministry while under the leadership of Bishop Sylvester Chambers, The Love of God Holiness Church in Baltimore, Maryland where he was trained and ordained as a deacon and later elevated to a licensed minister. As a minister, Bobby was led to move on to the True Way Church of Jesus Christ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the leadership of Bishop Andrew T. Medley where he was ordained to the office of Elder. Elder Newman was called to pastoralship in 1980, when he started the True Way Church of God in its’ first storefront location at 1344 West North Avenue in Baltimore City. Where many souls were led to Christ under his biblical teachings and anointed, charismatic preaching. Elder Newman was known for his loving spirit, wisdom, and godly discernment, which caused many to be drawn to his ministry. The True Way Church of God expanded and relocated to its’ current location at 2214 Evergreen Street in Baltimore in 1989. In 1997, Elder Newman founded the Unity Apostolic Fellowship Conference bringing multiple churches together across the United States. In 1999, Elder Newman was consecrated to the office of Bishop-by-Bishop W. Baldwin from The Upper Room Church. Bishop Newman is honored and acknowledged as a general in the gospel, a spiritual father and Overseer to multiple ministries throughout the years and recently had two ministries to branch off from the True Way Church of God in 2018; Believers Church of Jesus Christ and Power In The Blood Church. Bishop Newman lived an exemplary life of the benefits of placing God at the head of all matters and led his family and ministry in such manner. After God, Bishop Newman believed in the value of quality family time and always blocked off time for family vacations. He enjoyed bowling, throwing horseshoes, watching football, traveling with friends, talking about his trucking days and listening to and singing old time gospels. Bishop Newman leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Mary L. Newman, four daughters: Octavia (Reginald), Theresa (Robert), Veronica (Michael), ReNay and bonus sons: Dante’(LaDawn), and Richard. Three sisters: Dora, Almeta, and Annette, thirteen grandchildren; Three great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tributes

Bishop Matthew C. Newman

May 26, 1945 - March 30, 2022