Bishop Esley Simmons was born on April 12, 1952 to Rev. Melvin Lee Simmons and Pauline Simmons.  At an early age he had a love for the Lord, which was evident in the way that he imitated his father.  He enjoyed sitting in the pulpit while dressed as an alter boy.  He also enjoyed singing the anthems that the Cathedral choir sang.  In 1971, at the age of 19, the Lord saved and called Esley Simmons into the ministry.  With that decision, a commitment was made to sell out completely to the Lord.

On July 23, 1972, Esley Simmons was united in marriage to Deborah Hughes.  From that union four sons and one daughter were born; Esley Jr., Wesley, Lesley, Ashley and Brittney.    They presently have ten grandchildren.

Bishop Simmons was the Assistant Pastor of Bible way Church in Oakland, California for twelve years under the leadership of Bishop Lester D. Hughes, Sr.   Bishop Hughes sent Pastor Simmons to Sacramento, Ca to pastor Zion Temple Church of Christ Holiness.  Esley pastored there for three years and then founded South Sacramento Christian Center where he has continued to pastor since November of 1988.  He was ordained as a Bishop in 2001 by Bishop Lester Hughes, Sr.

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