Rev. Joe Duke was born on January 14, 1912 in Catahola Parish, Jonesville, LA. Joe had no formal education. being raised on Black River, he spent his young adult-hood as a fisherman. His adult life was spent fishing, singing, and preaching. He married Margaret Duke, and one son (Neal) was born to this union.

Brother duke received the Holy Ghost during a revival conducted by Bro. Sam Henderson. Afterwards, he traveled for some time with Bro. Henderson helping conduct revival campaigns. He was also a companion in ministry with bro. Arthur W. Sassman.

Brother duke participated in the miracle ministry. Throughout his ministry, hundreds of afflicted people were delivered from infirmities and deceases under the operation of the gift of healing that he possessed. However, over the years, he gradually succumbed to partial blindness (only being able to see out of his peripheral vision). However, his ministry was never hindered by his personal affliction.

Brother Duke was greatly used by God. Especially in the gifts of the Spirit. Under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, he frequently operated through the gift of discernment, the gift of prophecy, and the word of knowledge. Through these gifts he was able to induce godly sorrow and confession.

Brother Duke was a member of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ before joining the United Pentecostal Church in 1950. He would later become a good standing member of the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship, and remained with that group until his demise.

Bro. Duke helped in the formation of new churches. One particular time the UPC suspended his license because of his plain speech against sin. This good man of god fully gave himself to the work of the Lord. He literally broke down his body from his intense schedule of traveling, and many years of labor.

At the age of 60, and completely (physically) worn out, he appeared to be much older than he actually was. On May 5, 1972, Bro. Duke was set free from his mortal body of corruption, and transitioned to his eternal rest.

Leaving behind a tremendous legacy, Elder Joe Duke is best remembered for his ministry of healing, and the ability to move people to open confession of sin. He was intensely set against the power of sin, and was purposed to redirect the path of those who had wandered off course.