Elder Bruce Elliott Hughes, Sr. was born February 26, 1963, in Virginia Beach, Virginia in the historical section called Seatack to the late Deacon James and Geneva Hughes. Elder Hughes is the 10th child of 10 children. He received his educational training through the Virginia Beach School system and graduated from First Colonial High. He attended Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University and C.H. Mason Bible College. He has been employed 40 years with the Virginia Beach Public Schools System. Elder Hughes is a loving husband and dedicated father, he has been married to Mrs. Vickie C. Spence Hughes for 33 years. They have two gifted sons, Tyler Xavier and Bruce Elliott, Jr.
He joined the St. Stephens Church Of God In Christ in 1983 under the leadership of Pastor Thurlian Burden. There Elder Hughes served on various auxiliaries. In 2001 he was licensed as a minister and ordained as an Elder in 2006 by the late Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr. Elder Hughes was appointed as the Executive Pastor for the St. Stephens COGIC in 2012.
Under the leadership of Bishop Thomas, Elder Hughes served as the Sunday School Superintendent. He also served in the following capacities: Trustee Board and Chairman of the Elders Councils, Administrative Assistant, and on the Finance Committee. Elder Hughes served devotedly to the late Bishop Ted Thomas, as Armor Bearer. He also served on the Ordination Board and on the State Finance Committee for the First Jurisdiction of Virginia. In 2019 he was appointed as the Assistant District Superintendent for the Virginia Beach District. He faithfully serves under the leadership of Superintendent Timothy White.
In June 2020, Bishop Ted Thomas was called home to receive his heavenly reward. In his infinite wisdom and being led by the Holy Spirit, Bishop Thomas signed a Certificate of Appointment appointing Elder Hughes as Pastor, of the Saint Stephens Church of God In Christ. In October of 2020 Elder Bruce Hughes was officially appointed by the 2nd Administrative Assistant Bishop Jerry W. Macklin as Pastor of St. Stephens COGIC.
Elder Bruce Hughes is honored to serve a pastor of St. Stephens COGIC. His desire is to follow the legacy of the great leadership of the former pastors. He has a relentless pursuit of following and serving the true and living God.