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Table Of Contents Of Historic Reflections:

Click On Any Highlighted Subject  To Quickly Link To

That Given Topic;  You Will Find A Photo Link

Immediately Above And Below Each Topic Section

Which Will Allow You To Surf

Back  Up To The Table Of Contents In Order

To Click On Yet Another Topic

 

I} Historic Reflections Of Bishop Christopher C. And Evang. Elvie J. Owens

 

II} Historic Reflections Of The Grand Ole' COGIC

We've Chronicled The Life Of Bishop C. H. Mason

And The Roots Of The Church Of God In Christ

 

Why Is It Important To Look Into Our History?

Edmund Burke Said, "We Can Only Know Who We Are If We

Know From Whence We Have Come!"

Abraham Lincoln Expressed:  "Only As We Know From Whence

We Are Can We Perceive Wither We Are Tending.":

 

A} "The Legacy Of The Leadership" {Bishop Mason ~ Same As II Above}

a} Senior Bishop Charles Harrison Mason

b} The Church Of God In Christ Facing Change And Challenge

 

III} Transitional Period Of The COGIC ~ Successors Of

Bishop C. H. Mason:

~ The Bishop Ozro T. Jones, Sr., Era {1962 ~ 1968}

~ The Bishop James Oglethorpe Patterson, Sr., Era {1968 ~ 1989}

~ The Bishop Louis Henry Ford Era {1990 ~ 1995}

~ The Bishop Chandler David Owens Era {1996 ~ 2000}

~ The Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson Era {2000 ~ 2005}

~ The Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr., Era {2007 ~ }

 

IV} 100th Year ~ {2007}

 

V} Prominent Bishops

 

VI} Scrapbook Relics Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

VII} The COGIC'S 100 Year History Presidium Platform

 

VIII} Historic Scrapbook Relics Of The COGIC

 

IX} More Scrapbook Archive Photos

 

X} Continuation Of Archive Photos

 

XI} Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

XII} Selected YouTube Listings Of COGIC Pioneers

 

 

 

~Historic Reflections Of Bishop Christopher C. And Evang. Elvie J. Owens

 

 

 

                                            History seems to be an 

                                            arena of instincts and 

                                            fashions, of appetites, 

                                           avarice, and craving for power, violence, 

                                            destructiveness and wars.

                                         We too easily forget that this is only one of

                                         history's many aspects.  Above all, we forget

                                        that we ourselves are a part of history; that

                                         we are a product of growth and are 

                                          condemned to perish if we lose the capacity 

                                        for further growth and change.  We are

                                          ourselves history and share the responsibility 

                                           for world history and our position in it.  

                                         Bishop C. C. Owens believed that history 

                                       had shape, order and meaning;  that 

                                         exceptional men, as much as economic 

                                        force, produced change;  and that abstractions 

                                       like beauty, nobility, and greatness have

                                            a shifting but continuing validity.  Men make    

                                         their own history, but they do not make 

                                         it just as they please; they do not make it 

                                         under circumstances chosen by themselves, 

                                       but circumstances directly found, given and

                                         transmitted (with much of God's intervention) 

                                        from the past.  It has been said that only strong 

                                         personalities can endure history, and the weak 

                                         ones are extinguished by it.  History is the 

                                          activity of men in pursuit of  their ends.  As a matter 

                                           of Historic Reflections, we see Bishop Owens 

                                   being

 

taught and greatly impacted

 

                                     by Bishop Charles Harrison

                                       Mason.  Bishop Owens 

                                       was one of the few 

                                        pastors who

                                         received the majority 

                                           of his early religious and

                                           biblical training under the

                                    direct leadership of the Founding Father of the

                                  Church Of God In Christ, Inc.  It was an honor and a great privilege to 

Above:  (Left To Right) Bishop C. H. Mason, Bishop J. E. Watley, Bishop C. C. Owens

 

                                     have been in the presence of Bishop C. H. Mason, a

                                       Holy Ambassador of God Almighty.  In the picture 

                                      it seemed as if everyone, including the young Christopher 

                                      C. Owens, was pondering over the awesome

                                       teaching being presented in a casual manner by the 

                                        late Bishop C. H. Mason (Picture Trimmed In Purple Above:

                       Bishop C. H. Mason was sitting on top of the 

                  Cadillac and Pastor Owens was

                 standing front and center.

Also notice that Bishop J. E. Watley, Sr. is standing behind Pastor Owens).

 

 

    

 

                                You may click on the Bible above to surf to the top or continue to scroll down.

 

                                    God had always used Bishop Owens to draw to Christ 

                                    those who were alienated;  Bishop Owens had been 

                                   instrumental, through God's divine anointing

                                     and leading, in securing amendment of life to those 

                                   who had fallen into sin, to have led those who had drawn 

                                   away to return to the fold, and to have preserved

                                     Christians who were whole and strong, and to have

                                 urged them forward in seeking

                             God's will.

 

          

 

        The Late Bishop Christopher C. Owens 

       was always on top 

      of the situation.

 It didn't matter if the task was civic, political,

 

religious or spiritual!  Whether it was an

 

 opportunity to enjoy celebrations with friends 

 

(as pictured above with Bishop

 Bonner of Chicago, IL, The Late Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., and The Late Bishop Gilbert E. 

Patterson of Memphis, Tennessee),

 

 

 

 

 

 

or to support Dorothy Brown

for City Treasurer of Chicago, IL,

 

or to present an award to a worthy recipient from

the Religious Workers Guild, Inc.,

 

or to discuss politics with

 Congressman Danny Davis (D. of IL),

  or to discuss civil rights with Human 

 Rights Activist Dick Gregory as pictured 

 below.  Bishop Owens was humble, receptive, kind-

hearted to his peers, and

faithful to the Lord.

 

There were occasions when Bishop Owens just wanted to laugh

and have fun or to just entertain his guests

or he wanted to simply chill!

Above, Just "Chillin" With Rev. Clay Evans, Bishop Campbell,

Elder Fluker, Lincoln Scott, and Others

 

 

And, may I say, you had certainly missed a treat

if you've never heard Bishop Owens sing, rejoice,

and play the piano;  He used to play for a glee club within the

Youth Department of the COGIC

for Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., back in the yester-years!

 

 

Yes, Bishop Christopher C. Owens Was Quite An Accomplished Musician!

 

 

Bishop Christopher C. Owens, A Blessed And Highly Favored Man Of The Cloth,

Full Of God's Anointing And Integrity

 

 

Bishop Owens, the members of your family and the Emanuel Church Of God 

In Christ will always love you, and we have applauded you for all of your

accomplishments;  And when we consider all of the lives you have blessed and honored

in your relentless effort to encourage and care for God's sheep,

we pray that God will forever 

reward you for your stewardship, your endeavors

as a father and a shepherd, and your religious work ethic throughout eternity!

 

You may click on the Bible to surf to the top and return later to complete

the article or continue to surf downward!

 

 

                                 Pictured here, Bishop & Evang. 

Owens were fellowshipping

with dear friends, Dr. &  

Mrs. Dennis Welch of  Hauula, Hawaii.

 

Below, Dr. Dennis Welch Is Presented With A Special Achievement Award

From The Religious Workers Guild,

Dr. C. C. Owens, President & Founder

 

 

Below, Bishop Christopher C. Owens Relaxing

And Dining With More Friends From The Church Of Dr. Dennis Welch

In Hauula, Hawaii;

Bottom Row Above:  (Left To Right),

Delegates At COGIC Convention

Countess Owens-Hicks, Bishop McKinney, Christine Owens-Jones

 

Continue To Scroll Downward For

The History Of The Church Of God In Christ!

 

God does not forget our work in His Vineyard 

and labor of love.  As we reflect on his past and present, 

we realize that Bishop Owens always

welcomed and appreciated the happy laughter, 

the wholesome fellowship and varied

           

accomplishments of men, 

women, and children.  

 

Above, we see Mother Rivers, along with Bishop Chandler Owens 

(National Supervisor Of Women-C.O.G.I.C.):  She was presented the "Bishop Charles

Harrison Mason Award" by Bishop Christopher C. Owens, the 

President & Founder

 

of the Religious Workers Guild, Inc. 

Pictured above 

Bishop Owens was relaxing 

and reminiscing with his

friend and brother in the Lord, 

Bishop Benbow of Hollywood, 

California.  Bishop Owens, may you have continued favor with

God as you attempt to carry out your 

conquest to bless and save the world.  

 

We see reflections of Bishop 

Christopher C. Owens being baptized 

in the chilly Jordan River

in the Holy Land (by Jerry Rose  

and his Asst. of  TV  Channel 38  

in Chicago, IL), and riding a camel 

in the desert of the Holy Land.  Bishop Owens capitalized 

on his Historic Reflections and subsequently gained a crown 

in glory for his labor and his rendering of support to his 

friends, church affiliates and associates and other laborers

in God's Harvest;  for the Harvest is plentiful but the laborers 

are few.  God had spoken these 

things to The Late Bishop C. C. Owens, that his life would be 

blessed and full of joy.  He continued to 

abound in the word so that it would be possible to rise to 

higher heights and deeper 

depths in the Lord.

 

Click on the above bible to surf to the top of this page or continue to scroll downward

Click on us to surf to the Table Of Contents Above, or continue to scroll downward

 

For COGIC History

 

~Historic Reflections Of The C. O. G. I. C.

 

The Historic Reflections, The Missions,

The Religious Workers Guild,

The Video Journal,

And The Bishop's Transition

Pages Respectively, May Be Used

To Find Answers To The Questions

Reflected On The Bible/Church Trivia

Web Page On This Website

 

 

Welcome To The Historic Reflections

Of The Church Of God In Christ Section

Of The Bishop Christopher C. Owens Memorial Foundation Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bishop Mason, The Chief Apostle Of The Church Of God In Christ

 

 

Bishop Charles Harrison Mason

The Chief Apostle (Senior Bishop) Of The COGIC

The Photo Above Was Personally Autographed

By Bishop C. H. Mason To My Father

Bishop Christopher C. Owens

 

Bishop Christopher C. Owens Was The Last Preacher To

Receive An Appointment (Nationally Or Locally) From Our Chief Apostle

Before The Demise Of

Bishop C. H. Mason

Bishop Owens Always Cherished The Exhortation Expressed To

Him On The Above Photo: 

"May The Favor And Will Of God And Jesus Christ Be With You Always"

 

Below Bottom:  Picture Of Bishop C. H. Mason Snapped

By Bishop Christopher C. Owens

In The Home Of Bishop C. H. Mason

On The Mason Temple Headquarters Campus In Memphis, Tennessee

 

Below Top:  Inscription Reflected On The Entombed Shrine Of Bishop C. H. Mason

Within "The Memorial Wing" Of Mason Temple - Memphis, Tennessee

 

 

The Legacy Of The Leadership

 

 

 

Bishop Mason was born on September 8, 1866 on the Prior Farm just north

of Memphis, Tennessee, which is today the town of Bartlett, Tennessee.

Mason's parents, Jerry and Eliza Mason, were former slaves and devout members

of the Missionary Baptist Church.  They suffered the widespread, devastating

poverty affecting blacks following the Civil War.  Mason's mother prayed fervently

for her son that he would be dedicated to God.

 

As a boy, Mason prayed earnestly with his mother,  asking "above all things for

God to give him a religion like the one he had heard about from the old slaves

and seen demonstrated in their lives."  This yearning for the God of his forebears

underlies the dynamic of his life.  C. H. Mason was converted as a young

boy at the age of twelve in November, 1878.

 

It was also at the age of twelve that a yellow fever epidemic forced the Mason

family to leave the Memphis area for Plumersville, Arkansas.  This plague

claimed Mason's father's life in 1879.  During those fearful and difficult days, the young Mason

worked hard with little chance for schooling.

 

In 1880, just before his fourteenth birthday, Mason fell ill with chills and fever.

His mother despaired of his life, but in an astounding turn of events, Mason was

miraculously healed on the first Sunday in September 1880.  He and his mother

went to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church near Plumersville, Arkansas where the pastor, Mason's

half brother, the Reverend I. S. Nelson, baptized him in an atmosphere of praise

and thanksgiving.  Mason went throughout Southern Arkansas as a

lay preacher, giving  his testimony and working with souls on the mourner's

bench, especially during the summer camp meetings.

 

C. H. Mason accepted his ministerial licenses from the Mt. Gale Missionary Baptist

Church, in Preston Arkansas.

Despite being licensed and ordained to preach in 1891 at Preston, Arkansas,

Mason held back from full time ministry to marry Alice Saxton, a daughter

of his mother's best friend.  To his great disappointment and distress,

Alice bitterly opposed his ministerial plans and divorced him after

two years, and later remarried.

Mason fell into such grief and despair, that times Satan tempted him to

take his own life.  Mason remained unmarried while Alice was alive.

 

 C. H. Mason read the autobiography of Amanda Smith, a black washerwoman

who had been greatly used by God and who began teaching the "doctrine of sanctification". 

She was brought up as a Methodist (1837 - 1915), rose from slavery and poverty

to become a world famous Methodist evangelist.  As a matter of fact, Amanda Smith

 became one of the greatest, widely traveled and respected holiness

evangelists of  the 19th century.  Her life story, which included how

the Lord sanctified her, swept many blacks into the holiness movement.

And, of course, after reading Amanda Smith's autobiography, Mason

was also greatly influenced and began believing and studying

this doctrine of sanctification, and through the word of God,

he experienced sanctification in 1893 and subsequently preached

his first sermon in "Holiness" from II Timothy 2:1-3;  "Thou therefore endure

hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

Following his heart rending divorce, Mason resolved to get an education.

On November 1, 1893, Mason entered the Arkansas Baptist College, but since he

had both hermeneutical and cultural suspicions of the methods, philosophy,

and curriculum set forth by the college, Mason left the college in January 1894.

He then returned to the streets and to every pulpit that was opened to him declaring

Christ by the word, example, and precept.

 

Mason met with Charles Price Jones in late 1895, who was the newly elected pastor

of the Mt. Helms Baptist Church at Jackson, Mississippi.

Jones was a graduate of Arkansas Baptist College, and

like Mason, Jones had come under the influence of the Holiness movement,

and in 1894 claimed the experience of sanctification.  Elder C. P. Jones,

and his friends, Elder J. A. Jeter, and Elder W. S. Pleasant subsequently became

C. H. Mason's closest companions in the ministry.  Jointly, these militant gospel preachers

conducted a revival in 1896, in Jackson, Mississippi, which had far reaching effects on the city.

The anointed manifestations of the revival, which included the large numbers that

were converted, sanctified, and healed by the power of the faith and the dynamic teachings

of Mason on the doctrine of sanctification caused church doors within the Baptist association

to become closed to him and to all those who believed and supported his teachings.

 

Also in 1896, C. P. Jones sent Elder Mason to preach at the Asia

Baptist Church in Natchez, Mississippi.  The entire week that Elder Mason

preached, only one soul was saved.  That soul was Charles Pleas,

who later became the Bishop of Kansas for 55 years.

Bishop Charles Pleas was known to have a photographic mind and

God also gave him a keen "foresight in prophecy."

 

From 1896 - 1899, the holiness conventions, revivals, and periodicals inspired

by Mason and Jones split the Baptists and, in a few cases, the Methodists churches,

birthing the development of independent "sanctified" or "holiness"

congregations and associations.  The minutes of the General Missionary

Baptist Convention accused C. P. Jones, W. S. Pleasant and C. H. Mason of

preaching pernicious, heretical doctrines among the "most ignorant classes of our people,

leading off individuals and corrupting churches."  Mt. Helm (the church where C. P. Jones

was pastor), said that the minutes had become the hot-bed of corrupt doctrines,

and Mt. Helm leaders had taken steps to uproot this evil.  The minutes were signed by

Reverends Scott, Rollins, Wright, Bell, Newman, and Thompson.

President of the National Baptist Convention, E. C. Morris, was forced to

deal with this issue in his Presidential address of 1897.  On July 23, 1897, C. P. Jones,

C. H. Mason, and all of their colleagues and followers were 

vehemently opposed and were expelled from the Baptist churches

via the National Baptist Convention. 

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So in 1897, when these pioneering, persistent preachers returned to Jackson, Mississippi,

Elder Mason was forced to deliver his first message from the south entrance of the

courthouse.  A Mr. John Lee, who desired to see

Mason's ministry continue, provided the living room of his home the next night.

Because of the overwhelming number that attended, a Mr. Watson, the owner of

an old abandoned gin house in Lexington, Mississippi, gave his consent to transfer

the revival meeting to the gin house located on the bank of a little creek.

This miracle deliverance revival was such a success that it caused the

enemy "Satan" to come forth, causing someone to shoot five pistol shots and

two double barreled shotgun blasts into the midst of the saints

while they were shouting and praying.  Some persons were wounded but

miraculously, none of the shots were fatal.

At the close of this meeting, it was necessary to organize the people for the

purpose of establishing a church with a stronger appeal and greater

encouragement for all Christians and believers; a church which would emphasize

the doctrine of sanctification.  A meeting was mutually called by Elder Mason,

Elder Jones and Elder Pleasant, and sixty stood as charter members. 

 

Below is a picture of the old gin house reflecting the names of

some of the charter members.  Please note three familiar  names in particular on the list:

Mr. John Lee, Chaes Pleas, Sr., and R. H. I. Clark

 

 

Land was soon

purchased on Gazo Street from Mrs. John Ashcraft, upon which was

built a little edifice 60 X 40.  These charter members formed a Pentecostal

body known as the "Church of God".  Later, the church was reorganized

and Elder C. P. Jones was chosen as the General Overseer;  Elder C. H. Mason was

appointed as Overseer of Tennessee, and J. A. Jeter was the Overseer of Arkansas.

 

The church established in  1897 was called the St. Paul Church of God.  

With the onset of the Pentecostal Movement many churches evolved possessing

the name:  Church of God, and, of course,  Mason wanted

something different from the rest, in order to distinguish his Holiness

body from others.  He therefore fervently

prayed to God to give him a name for his Pentecostal church, and God

granted Mason his wish.

Bishop Mason, while walking south on Gaines street towards the intersection

with 8th street in Little Rock, Arkansas, received the

revelation of the name "Church Of God In Christ (COGIC)" - drawn from

 the scriptures in I Thess. 2:14, II Thess. 1:1, and Galations 1:22;

During this revelation, God also made a covenant with Elder C. H. Mason:

God informed Mason that if he gave

the church the name "Church of God in Christ"

that there would never be an auditorium large enough to hold all of the saints.

 

  Thus in 1897, a major new black denomination was born.  Bishop Mason

changed the name of his church to St. Paul Church of God in Christ.

From the seventeenth century through the nineteenth century, most blacks had

encountered Christianity under the auspices of Baptist or Methodist churches. 

 

Below We See An Older Version Of C. P. Jones

 

Mason and Jones, however, emphatically changed the religious landscape in the black

community as well as broadened the religious black experience.  Through the dynamic

preaching of Mason and the prolific writings and hymnology of Jones, Sanctified

or Holiness churches sprang up throughout the South and Southwest.

 

In 1900, Mason established a Church of God in Christ in Memphis, and by

1904 he was pastoring four churches:  St. Paul in Lexington, Saints Home

and Dyson Street in Memphis, and a COGIC in Conway, Arkansas.

 

In 1905, Bishop Mason had learned of the death of his ex-wife, Alice, and having

remained unmarried since their divorce in 1893, Mason felt free to

marry Lelia Washington, who attended his church.  Together Lelia and

C. H. Mason had 7 children, and Lelia helped him establish

the early COGIC church.  Lelia and Bishop Mason were

married for 31 years.  She died in 1936.

Below:  Lelia Mason

 

 

Below, Lelia Mason Is The Second From The Left, Bishop Mason Center

And The Entire Family

 

In the latter part of 1906, Elder C. H. Mason, Elder Jeter and Elder D. J. Young were appointed

as a committee by General Overseer C. P. Jones to investigate

 reports of the Pentecostal revival in Los Angeles, California conducted by the itinerate

preacher William J. Seymour.  In the early part of 1907, Bishop Mason, D. J. Young,

and J. A. Jeter traveled to the Azusa street revival in Los Angeles,

 California, and under the ministry of W. J.

Seymour (Referred to as "The Father Of 20th Century Pentecostalism"),

they had profound encounters with God and received

the baptism of the Holy Ghost and spoke in other tongues in accordance with Acts 2:1-4.

 

                          

Above:  D. J. Young (Left)                                       J. A. Jeter (Right)

 

 

Below:  Bishop C. H. Mason

In the interest of full disclosure, Bishop Mason and Elder D. J. Young were very close friends,

but it appears that J. A. Jeter was just a cordial associate within the church ministry.

(It had been clarified in many resources that J. A. Jeter actually received the Holy Ghost,

but I find this very difficult to believe since it was revealed that J. A. Jeter,

along with other contemporaries of Elder Mason, felt that the

New Testament doctrine concerning the baptism of the Holy Ghost

{Specifically the "Speaking In Unknown Tongues"} was merely a delusion!

If Jeter had really received the baptism of the Holy Ghost,

there would have been no doubting concerning this matter.

Also, it was later revealed that J. A. Jeter remained with the C. P. Jones faction

during the split that later evolved with C. P. Jones and C. H. Mason).

 

Below:  W. J. Seymour

Elder W. J. Seymour was preaching concerning Luke 24:49,

"And behold I send the promise of my Father upon you;  but tarry ye in the city

of Jerusalem until ye be endued with the power from on High."

 

Their personally transforming spiritual experiences, occurring in March

and April of 1907, precipitated a crucial upheaval in the Church

of God in Christ (the recent association which had previously been formed

between C. P. Jones, Bishop Mason, J. A. Jeter and W. S. Pleasant).

 

 

Above: This Photo Is The Azusa Street Mission Where Bishop C. H. Mason

And His Contemporaries Received The Holy Ghost.

This Is The Building That God Made Choice Of To Send His Blessing

To The People Of The United States Of America.

It Was Once A Methodist Church, Then A Horse Stable!

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Before returning to Memphis, Tennessee, Mason visited Portsmouth, Virginia

where some 6,000 persons in Norfolk, Virginia areas were converted with many

receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Mason returned to the municipalities of Memphis and Jackson preaching this New

Testament doctrine to which many of the brethren were averse.  Mason was

very eager to share his additional experience with his brethren, but both he and

his Pentecostal message were rejected.  It was also during this period

that Bishop Mason noticed that the Lord was teaching and giving him new songs,

and he would encounter lengthy periods of uttering an unknown language -

utterances of speaking in tongues;  He prayed to God to allow him

to be capable of interpreting these utterances

for he didn't understand the operation of the Spirit,

and he wanted to be capable of edifying the saints.

Bishop Mason said: "The Lord stood me up one day, and I began to speak in tongues

and interpret the same.  He soon gave me all kinds of utterances". 

It was common place for the saints,

including my parents, Bishop Christopher C. and Evangelist Elvie J. Owens,

to witness Bishop Mason speaking and singing in tongues during the services

and finally interpreting God's message to the saints.  Bishop Mason said that "the

Holy Ghost then began all kinds of drawings and spiritual writings

that were done without any thought of my mind".

After Bishop Mason began using his spiritual gifts in public ministry, he

drew large audiences of blacks and whites.  Wherever he preached, hundreds, and at times

ten thousand, gathered to hear and receive ministry in outdoor camp meetings.

The spirit through Mason saved, sanctified and baptized thousands of souls of

all colors and races.  Hundreds have been healed by the laying on of hands and

praying to God to rebuke the enemy.  Some of the miracles which God performed

in healing in obedience to James 5:16 through prayer by Bishop Mason were as follows:

Tumors have been removed from the bodies of women who had been

suffering for years;  An elder who had hemorrhages of the lungs

(the physicians had said that it was impossible for him to live, and he

was a sight to behold) was healed through prayer - God rebuked the bleeding,

and he began preaching the gospel.  Later in 1914,

under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, elder W. G. Johnson wrote in an unknown

handwriting.  It was through the vision of Bishop Mason that the

handwriting was interpreted:  God was telling W. G. Johnson to move to

Detroit, Michigan (Johnson's Call To Michigan) to begin a ministry; 

Johnson and his wife followed the Lord's leading, and arrived in Michigan

from Memphis, TN on March 26, 1914, and began the first

Church of God in Christ in the State of Michigan, which after many years, ultimately

gave rise to the Historic First Jurisdiction of Michigan  whose current Prelate

as of 2010 , is Bishop P. A. Brooks.

Currently Bishop P. A. Brooks will be celebrating 31 years as Prelate

of the Historic First Jurisdiction of Michigan (2011).

Currently, there are many Jurisdictions in the State of Michigan with

hundreds of churches, signifying that Bishop Mason's interpretation of

W. G. Johnson's anointed letter

was also anointed and manifested great blessings to this

Grand Ole' Church Of God In Christ!

 

Below: A Showing Of The Letter Written Under The

Anointing Of The Holy Ghost By W. G. Johnson,

Which Was Interpreted By Bishop C. H. Mason In 1914

  Truly amazing stuff!!

 

In August of 1907, the General Assembly of the association of churches

formed with C. P. Jones, C. H. Mason, J. A. Jeter, and W. S. Pleasant

convened at Jackson, Mississippi with elder C. P. Jones presiding as General

Overseer;  C. P. Jones and J. A. Jeter were also averse to the new

doctrine promulgated by Mason. 

After days and nights of intensive debating

over the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with initial evidence of speaking in tongues,

(according to the documentation of the Centennial Edition of the book:  C. H. Mason

and The Roots Of The Church Of God In Christ, at one point in continuously

searching and debating the Scriptures nonstop for three days and nights),

the Jones faction that controlled the convocation insisted that Mason

and his Pentecostal faction agree that there are other initial evidences

of having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  But Mason held firm his position;

A division, subsequently, became evident within the ranks of Elder Mason's contemporaries

when Elder J. A. Jeter, the General Overseer, Elder C. P. Jones, and others regarded the

new Holy Ghost experience of speaking in tongues as a delusion.

The General Assembly terminated by withdrawing the right hand of fellowship

from C. H. Mason.

 

Mason and Jones separated, and the church split. 

In August of 1907 when C. P. Jones and J. A. Jeter dismissed Mason from the Convocation,

of the 110 COGIC churches that existed at the time, 10 left with Mason.

However, the account as given in the Centennial Edition Of The Book About C. H. Mason,

gives quite a different version of what actually happened;  It was stated that when Mason left the

Assembly, about half the ministers and members left with him!

 

No matter what number of saints followed Bishop Mason, whatever the case,

with the conversion of Mason to the Pentecostal position, according to historian

H. Vinson Synan, the Pentecostal invasion of the South was complete.

In only a few months much of the holiness movement in the South converted

to Pentecostalism.

Mason and Jone's 12 year partnership ended over theological differences,

rights to church properties, ecclesiastical power and the

Church of God in Christ name.

 

The Division was final between Mason and Jones, and after 3 years

of legal battles ensuing (1908 - 1911:  Attorney R. E. Hart, a leader of the

church and one of Mason's closest advisors, had earlier urged the church to seek a court

ruling), Mason's legal victories

catapulted him into historical prominence and placed the COGIC

in Mid - South's religious pantheon.

  The C. P. Jones' group was forced to reorganize and select a new name.

They became known as the Church of Christ, Holiness (USA). 

Later, in the year 2000, the Church

of Christ, Holiness (USA) had roughly 25,000 members in contrast to Bishop Mason's

report of over 6,000,000 during the same period.

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Because Of His Holy Ghost Anointing In Accordance With Acts 2:4

Bishop Mason Was Truly Blessed And

Highly Favored Of The Lord, Thus

Causing The Churches Of God In Christ

To Grow Exponentially!

 

The Church Of God In Christ stands in awe of God's faithfulness and realizes

that its incredible growth, both in numbers and influence,

is because of God's Covenant with its founder, Bishop C. H. Mason.

 

Remember, it was in March of 1897, while Bishop Mason was walking

and praying on a street in Little Rock, Arkansas, that God said to him,

"If you take this name, the Church of God in Christ (I Thess. 2:14),

there will never be a building large enough to house the people whom

I will send to you."

 

 

Those 10 churches who agreed with Mason

met in Memphis, Tennessee in September 1907 to legally organize the COGIC.

Among the group of elders who responded to Mason's call

for a general assembly in September of 1907,

and who graciously accepted the Pentecostal  message of receiving the baptism

of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues in accordance with Acts 2:4 were:

~E. R. Driver

~J. Bowe

~R. R. Booker

~W. M. Roberts

~R. E. Hart

~D. W. Welch

~A. A. Blackwell

~E. M. Page

~R. H. I. Clark

~D. J. Young

~James Brewer

~Daniel Spearman

~J. H. Boone

 

They met as a general assembly and elected C. H. Mason as general overseer

or Chief Apostle and appointed D. J. Young, Mason's constant

companion, as editor of the new periodical, "The Whole Truth". 

Dr. Hart was appointed Overseer of Tennessee;  Elder J. A. Lewis was appointed

Overseer of Tennessee;  Elder J. Bowe was the Overseer of Arkansas;

Later, Elder J. A. Lewis was appointed Overseer of Mississippi.

 

The First National Meeting was named "Holy Convocation." The name

"convocation" came from Leviticus 23:4 - "These are the feasts of the Lord,

even  "Holy Convocations," which ye shall proclaim in their seasons."  Often

during the meetings, Bishop Mason would quote the words from Psalm 50:5 - "Gather

my saints together unto me;  those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

 

As the Chief Apostle, Mason immediately dedicated twenty days,

November 25th through December 14th annually as a meeting time for all of his followers

to fellowship with each other and to transact all ecclesiastical and secular affairs

pertinent to the growth of the National organization.

This segment of the year was chosen because the majority of the communicants of the

church lived in the farming districts of Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas.

By this time of the year, they had sufficient provisions and financial

resources from the harvesting of their crops

to enable them to attend and support a national meeting.

During this time Mason also was prompted to move his

headquarters to Memphis, Tennessee. 

 

As the church grew,

Elder E. M. Page was appointed Overseer of Texas;  Elder R. R. Booker, Overseer

of Missouri;  Elder E. R. Driver, Overseer of California and Elder W. B. Holt

as the National Field Secretary.

 

From its base in Memphis, although out of sight of the mainstream

of American and African-American social, political and religious culture,

the Church of God in Christ experienced exponential growth, had greater impact,

and grew much more rapidly than the C. P. Jones faction according to the numbers

of its members.

 

With this first General Assembly, the Church Of God In Christ witnessed tremendous

spiritual growth and spiritual grace.  The COGIC was the first Pentecostal body to

be incorporated and this gave the church advantages that other Pentecostal groups did

not have.  On Mason's application for incorporation, the clergy bureau in

Washington, D. C. objected to the name "Church of God In Christ", whereupon

Mason prayed further and was guided to II Thessalonians 1:1 adding

the prefix "the" to the name.  The addition was approved for incorporation;

The new denomination became "The Church Of God In Christ".

(Elder Eddie Driver, the Chairman of the Elder's Council of the

Church Of God In Christ, wrote the original Articles of Incorporation for the

COGIC Organization and filed them in Washington, D. C.).

You may view a portion of the  the Charter of Incorporation For

The Church Of God In Christ by surfing to:

{You will have to type in the domain name given below directly from

your browser box on your computer

and do not try to link to this domain name from within the web page

on this website, because you will

receive an error message!  So go directly to this domain name from

your computer after you leave this website!

www.harvestcelebration.org/reading room/cogic%20history/cogic%20charter}

 

However, For Your Convenience,

I Have Decided To Display Them Below!

Below:   I Decided To Display A Diminished Version Of The Original

 Articles Of The Charter Of Incorporation

For The Church Of God In Christ

Taken From A Small Booklet Found In The Library Of

The Late Bishop Christopher C. Owens

Which Also Included The

Constitution Of The COGIC & Its Amendments

As Of December 31, 1926, January 10, 1927 And

December 6, 1962

 

{For The Sake Of Saving Space, The Constitution Of The COGIC And

Its Respective Amendments Have Not Been Shown Here!}

{{"From The Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens"}}

 

***************************

 

 

*********************************

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Bishop Mason was given authority to establish doctrine, organize auxiliaries

and appoint bishops.  During these formative years, Mason credentialed both

whites and African Americans who would subsequently become leaders within

other Pentecostal denominations.  Because of COGIC'S incorporated status,

this gave its credentials a legal recognition that many Pentecostal ministers desired.

A white COGIC pastor named Leonard P. Adams pastored Grace  and Truth

in Memphis, and COGIC's first general secretary was a white preacher named

William B. Holt.  Mason also conducted integrated funerals, baptisms and

worship services.  At the height of Jim Crow, Mason condoned blacks and

whites sitting next to each other in church.  Mason used the

Church of God in Christ as a platform to fight against segregation

and encouraged blacks and whites to embrace racial unity.

Through-out his tenure Mason continued to integrate the COGIC, even

though in 1914 a white group left the Church of God in Christ

and formed the Assemblies of God.

 

By the time the Assemblies of God was founded in 1914, there were over 350

white ministers licensed through the COGIC.  By ordaining ministers of

all races, Mason performed an unusually important service to the early

twentieth - century Pentecostal movement.  He appears to have been the only early

convert who came from a legally incorporated church body and who could

thus ordain persons whose status as clergymen was recognized by civil

authorities.  This recognition allowed clergy to perform marriages, to carry

out other ministerial functions having legal consequences, and thus

entitling them to certain economic advantages such as the rites to obtain reduced

clergy rates on the railroads.

 

In 1920, the COGIC's Sunday School and Young Peoples Willing Workers

(YPWW) operations were thriving.  In 1926, Mason

appointed Arenia C. Mallory as President of the COGIC's Saints Industrial School

(founded in 1915).  During the Depression, Bishop Mason's

churches fed and clothed poor blacks and whites in Memphis.

 

The politics of Holiness essentially caused problems of separation

and social distance.  The Church of God in Christ managed to maintain

a distinct identity through their dress, schedules (fasting on Tuesdays and Fridays),

and rites of passage - the embodiment of holiness and sanctification.

These religious rules not only distinguished the Saints, but contained an

evaluation and assessment of the behavior of the surrounding culture.

Being Holy involved some form of rejection (separation) from sinful habits

of the world or dominant culture.

 

There were as many white Church of God in Christ ministers as there were black

COGIC ministers in the years of 1909 - 1914, all carrying  Mason's COGIC credentials.

Ironically, Mason, who viewed his life long task as one of the simple

preserving the "spiritual essence" and the "prayer tradition"  of the black

religious experience, found himself in a unique and historical pivotal position.

 

In 1913 it had become increasingly clear that as Pentecostals moved towards

denominationalism, they would follow the segregation practices of the

American culture.  The color lien that had been washed away in the blood of

Jesus at the Azusa Street Revival reappeared.  On December 20, 1913, elders

E. N. Bell and H. A. Goss issued a call to convene a general council of

"all Pentecostal saints and Church of God in Christ followers," to meet

the following April in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  This invitation went only to the white

saints.  On the first week of April 1914, Mason traveled to Hot Springs to

invoke God's blessings on the newly formed General Council of the

Assemblies Of God.  He preached to more than 400 white preachers.  Despite this

new racial separation, Mason maintained a warm relationship with the

white Pentecostals.  He preached in their conventions and maintained a

strong fellowship with two white Pentecostal leaders:  A. J. Thomlinson of

the Church Of God (CG Cleveland, Tennessee) and J. H. King of the

Pentecostal Holiness Church (PHC, Franklin Springs, Georgia).  Much later in

1952, Mason was the elder statesman attending The Pentecostal

World Conference at London, England.

 

Below:  A. J. Thomlinson Of The Church Of God

CG Cleveland, Tennessee

 

It was also in 1914 that Bishop Mason urged Elder Eddie R. Driver,

one of his best and most formally trained preachers, to travel to Los

Angeles, California to set up a mission to answer the call of some praying

mothers who had migrated from Texas to Los Angeles, California.

Mothers Millie Crawford, Martha Armstrong, Rosie Tucker,

Thomas Catley, Emma Cotton, and Mattie Cummings had written Bishop Mason.

Several of these Mothers- Cotton, Cummings and Catley, were veterans of the

Azusa Street Revival.  They gathered a host of saints who were wondering after

the Azusa Street revival ended.  Eddie Driver answered the clarion

call, left Memphis Tennessee and traveled to Los Angeles. 

Many souls were saved, and healed. And so, the first

Church of God in Christ was established in the western United States;

Eddie R. Driver was an organizer, a civil rights activist and a business man;

He was also a powerful preacher, and a sharp-tongued man whom God used mightily;

He named the church Saints Home Church of God in Christ.  He was

a college graduate and was permitted to practice

general and corporation law in Memphis, Tennessee.  As a matter of fact, as

the chairman of the Council of Elders of the Church of God in Christ,

he wrote the original Articles of  Incorporation for the

COGIC organization, and filed them in Washington, D. C.

In 1915 he sent for his family to come from Memphis, and by the summer of 1916,

he held a 30 day convocation, and the reports of miraculous healings

attracted hundreds of people.  During the 1916 convocation, Bishop Mason appointed

E. R. Driver, Sr., as state overseer and his wife, Sis. Annie Driver, as state mother.

This appointment was the beginning of the urban outreach of the

Church of God in Christ throughout the western states of the United States.

This convocation became an annual event, and it set the pattern for the

urban organization of the Church of God in Christ.

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Below, Is A Photo Of Elder E. R. Driver, Sr.

 

 

The First Church Of God In Christ Convocation On The West Coast, Was

Held Under A Large Tent Across The Street From Saints Home Church's First Building.

Elder O. T. Jones, A Young Preacher Of 23 From Fort Smith, Arkansas,

Accompanied Bishop Mason To The Convocation In Los Angeles, California.

Continuous Evangelistic Preaching Went On Night And Day, And The Reports Of Miraculous

Healings Drew Hundreds Of People.

 

 

Below Top Row, We See the Saints Home Church of God in Christ,

And In Row Two, From Left To Right:  Elder & Mrs. Christopher C. Owens,

And Elder & Mrs. L. M. Driver.

Bishop L. M. Driver Was The Son Of  E. R. Driver, Sr., And Carried On

The Ministry After The Demise Of his Father.

Above, Bishop C. C. Owens Labeled Bishop Louie M. Driver

With A Superlative Of Being Very Hospitable!

Bishop Driver's Wife, Myrtle Driver, Was The Secretary Of

The Religious Workers Guild Which Was Later Founded By Bishop C. C. Owens

 

 

Below Is A Photo Of (Bottom Row Left To Right) Dr. C. C. Owens,

 Mrs. Myrtle Driver & Bishop Louis M. Driver,

Top Row Middle, Elder Utah Smith Flanked By Others!

 

Below The Photo Is A Vivid Account From

 "The Evangelist Speaks Newspaper"

Of  Bishop L. M. Driver (The Son Of Eddie R. Driver)

Who At That Time, Had

Recently Been Appointed As Bishop Of The

South-West California Jurisdiction

And A Listing Of Those Attending His First Convocation Follows!

 

Above:  Top Row Middle, Elder Utah Smith

Was Famous For His Guitar Playing, His Preaching And Singing;

Many Times While The National Convocation Would Be  Packed On The Inside

Of Mason Temple, The Saints Would Gather On The Grounds

Outside, In Front Of The Temple To Enjoy The Singing Of Elder Utah Smith.

He Was Famous For Singing And Playing "Two Wings",

Which You May Find On YouTube:  Go To www.youtube.com

and type in Utah Smith #1;  There Are Two Other Selections;

This will give you a good idea of the foot-stumping praise breaks

 the saints would have in the outside services.

 

Below, Elder Utah Smith

 

 

Below:  The Article From The "Evangelist Speaks Newspaper"

Concerning Bishop L. M. Driver's First Convocation

As Prelate Of The South-West California Jurisdiction.

Of Course, Dr. C. C. Owens Was Among The List Of Delegates

Attending This Most Auspicious Occasion!

 

 

As you recall, during the revivals of Azusa Street with William J. Seymour, color

was washed away by the blood of Jesus;  The basic theme of Mason and Seymour's

ministries was "Whosoever Will, Let Him Come and Let Brotherly Love Prevail!"

As the picture below indicates, Bishop C. H. Mason and William J. Seymour

condoned interracial worship 50 years before the Civil Rights Movement began!

 

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Today, interracial worship prevails within the Church Of God In Christ Denomination;

Color continues to be washed away by the blood of Jesus!

All Races And Creeds May  Worship And Pray Together.

 

 

 

 

Above:  William J. Seymour

 

After the Assemblies of God left the COGIC in 1914, In December of 1919, William J.

Seymour attended the Holy Convocation of the COGIC and pleaded with the organization 

to contend for his "lost" doctrine of racial unity!

Above, Bottom Row Center:  Left, Elder William J. Seymour, Center, Mother Lizzie Robinson,

To Her Right, Is Bishop C. H. Mason.  This Is A Photo Of Elder William J. Seymour

Attending The Holy Convocation Of The Church Of God In Christ In December Of 1919

Where He Pleaded For The Church Of God In Christ To Contend For The

Return Of Racial Unity In Worshipping God.

 

The Prayers Of The Saints Were Answered!

75 years later in December of 1994, The PEW (Pentecostal Charismatic Church of North America)

went to Memphis, TN and held a dialogue of racial reconciliation with the Black Church

of God in Christ, where foot washing took place between Bishop Ithiel Clemmons,

Donald Evans, Supt. Thomas Task and Bishop Charles Blake;  The Pentecostal members

had made a concerted effort to return to the theme of racial unity for which

Bishop Mason and the COGIC along with W. J. Seymour

had longed for and had held so dear for so many years!

(As Seen Below)

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As the work of the Church of God in Christ grew in the country, the Chief Apostle set up

state assemblies over which he appointed overseers.  The church grew

until scores of churches were being erected across the nation and in foreign lands.

It was therefore laid on the heart of the Apostle to consecrate five of the overseers

to the offices of the Bishopric.  In 1933, Apostle Mason, by the laying on of hands,

assisted by the prayers of the overseers and elders and the general convocation,

set apart these 5 overseers for the office of Bishop in the COGIC - aside from

Apostle Mason, who received the office and title of Senior Bishop:

Bishop I. S. Stafford (Detroit, Michigan), Bishop E. M. Page (Dallas, Texas),

Bishop W. M. Roberts (Chicago, Illinois), Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr. (Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania), and Bishop R. F. Williams (Cleveland, Ohio).

 

The Pictures Below Are From

The Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

In The Picture Above We See On The Top Row Bishop A. B. McEwen Who Was

Not Among The First 5 Bishops Chosen To The Bishopric In 1933.

In The Middle Row Above From Left To Right We See

Bishop E. M. Page, Bishop R. F. Williams, Bishop I. S. Stafford,

Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., And Bishop W. M. Roberts.

Bishop C. H. Mason Is Seen On The Bottom Row.

 

As Seen In The News Paper Clipping And The Program Below From Left To Right, We See:

1} Bishop E. M. Page (Dallas, Texas),

2} Bishop R. F. Williams (Cleveland, Ohio),

Bishop C. H. Mason (Not Included Among The 1st Five - He Was The "Senior Bishop"),

Mayor Chandler Of Memphis, Tennessee (Not Included Among The First Five),

3} Bishop William Matthews Roberts (Chicago, Illinois),

4} Bishop Ozro Thurston Jones, Sr. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania),

5} Bishop I. S. Stafford (Detroit, Michigan) - He Is Not Pictured Below

I. S. Stafford, a medical doctor, was an overseer in State of Michigan (1924 - 1930)

 

 

 

Below, A Program From The Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

Is Almost A Replica Of The Picture Above, However, The Preacher On

The Far Right Is Not I. S. Stafford.  He Is Bishop McEwen.

Bishop McEwen, However, Was Not One Of The Five Bishops Chosen.

Left To Right:  Bishop E. M. Page, Bishop R. F. Williams,

Bishop C. H. Mason, Mayor Chandler Of Memphis,

Bishop W. M. Roberts, Bishop O. T. Jones,

Bishop I. S. Stafford Is Missing, And Bishop A. B. McEwen Is Seen In His Place

 

 

The Photo Below Was Also A Part Of Bishop Owens'

Scrapbook Archives

Since It Was Not Labeled, I'm Taking An Educated Guess

That The Gentleman Seen With Bishop C. H. Mason

Very Closely Resembles The Face Of Bishop E. M. Page As

Seen In The Picture On The Above Program {Far Left}

 

Below (Left To Right):  Bishop C. H. Mason

Shaking Hands With Bishop E. M. Page

Click on the cross to surf to the Bible/Church Trivia Page to answer questions or continue to

scroll downward to continue the story

 

Bishop C. H. Mason

 

In 1917 President Woodrow Wilson agreed in the Congress of the United States

of America in selective services for World War I.  In that time, Germany began to

invade United States peace time ships.  Bishop Charles Harrison Mason wrote

a telegram to Washington D. C. to the President to negotiate on how the Church

of God in Christ would not violate the 14th Amendment Right to not bare arms

based upon their religion.  The President sent Bishop Mason a request to visit

him at the White House, and by the invitation, Bishop Mason became the first

African American denominational leader to be invited by the President

of the United States.  Bishop Mason had set a precedence as being a non-violent

conscientious objector surrounding World War I maintaining his religious faith.

Ironically, the Federal Bureau of Investigation still opened up a file

against Bishop Mason, arresting him in Lexington, Mississippi, and in Paris, Texas.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation developed a file on C. H. Mason because

of his pacifism and interracialism.  In 1918 some white followers of Mason

in Los, Angeles were identified as being of German extraction.  Mason was

jailed in Lexington, Mississippi for allegedly preaching against the war,

and perhaps being affiliated with communists, since some of his white affiliates

were of German extraction (the FBI worked with too many unsupported assumptions). 

Its strange that the FBI over looked the fact that Bishop Mason

 sold bonds to help the war efforts.  William B. Holts, one of

the white brethren targeted by the FBI for suspicion, was a lawyer and

former Nazarene preacher.  He traveled to Lexington to post a two-thousand

dollar cash bond for Mason's release.  Mason was jailed more than once for preaching

on the streets with a white minister;  It was a known fact that the FBI created

a file on Mason during world war I because of his personal view of war and interracial

cooperation; A reference from the 1918 FBI report reveals Mason's historical

perspectives.  After quoting from one of Mason's tracts the report comments:

"It is clear that Mason and his followers felt it to be of far reaching significance

that one of the great religious movements of the twentieth century was founded

by a member of the African race."  Mason, on another occasion was jailed

and God used Bishop W. M. Roberts of Chicago, Illinois

to take he and his wife's only savings of $100 in order

to bail Bishop Mason out of jail.

In every incident that Mason was placed in jail, God would always deliver

him victoriously.  God's deliverance came in strange, but powerful

manifestations.  On one occasion He sent a windstorm in the midst of sweltering

heat.  On another occasion, both the jailer and his son died after failing to heed

a warning from Bishop Mason.  On still another occasion, the prosecutor 

who had been summoned to try the case of Bishop Mason in court, was killed

  when his train derailed en route to the city.

In still another instance, the only way Bishop Mason got off of the charges of

treason was that God gave him favor.  When the judge looked at who

Bishop Mason was he stated, "I will not have anything to do with this man."

The judge dropped the FBI's case!

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Throughout the first decade of the twentieth century, Bishop Mason organized

COGIC's national convocations in Memphis.  From 1907 through 1922, Bishop Mason

conducted his national meetings at his local church "Saints Home"  (today Temple Church)

located on 392 South Wellington Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

By 1920, Bishop Mason needed more space for his national meetings and in 1922,

purchased land at 958 South Fifth Street in Memphis.  With the help of his wife, Lelia,

and COGIC's national leaders, he erected the National Tabernacle, where

COGIC's national convocations were held from 1923 until 1936, the year it was

destroyed by fire.  Bishop Mason then held convocations at Temple Church, located at 672

South Lauderdale, from 1936 until 1945.  It should be noted here that

Bishop Mason's beloved wife of 31 years, Lelia Mason, died in 1936, and never

visualized the present day Mason Temple which she and her husband made

initial designs for.

 

Taken From The Azusa Mission Scrap-booking Photo Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

Pictured Above:  During Early Days Of COGIC Convocations

National Tabernacle Showing Part Of The Delegates And Officers At This Convocation

Around 1922 or 1923 

958 S. 5th Street, Memphis, Tennessee

The National Tabernacle was a very large frame building with a huge auditorium

consisting of balconies on the front and on each side of the rostrum capable

of holding approximately 1600 ministers.

 

 

Although today COGIC reserves

thousands of rooms in Memphis hotels and pours roughly $100 million or more

into the city's economy, during the early days of the COGIC Convocations,

the ministers took turns sleeping in homes, cars, or, after the

National Tabernacle was built in 1923, on church pews.

The yearly convocations were growing so rapidly

in the number of participants that services were scheduled in 24-hour

shifts to accommodate all the saints. 

This National Tabernacle was later replaced in 1945 by what

is now called Mason Temple,

due to the fact that the structure built in 1923 (as previously stated), was completely 

consumed by fire and had to be replaced.

 

Bishop Mason wanted a centerpiece

for the denomination, so, in the midst of war, a fund-raising and building

campaign was begun. 

Mason Temple emerged out of Bishop C. H. Mason's dream of a modern national

convocation/headquarters complex, and illustrated his progressive view for the

future of the COGIC denomination.

It was also a memorial to the legacy of Bishop Mason's life and achievements as

architect and chief apostle/senior Bishop of the Church of God in Christ.

The building was named after Bishop Mason to commemorate him as COGIC's

founder and was erected to honor COGIC pioneers.  Mason Temple was also

a monument to international peace and unity and served as a rallying place

for peace during the Civil Rights Movement.

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In 1940, as previously stated, Bishop Mason started building the National Temple at

South Fifth Street, appointing Bishop Riley F. Williams as chairman of his

building Commission.  The COGIC General Secretary Ulysses Ellis Miller was

appointed supervisor of construction, and Elder Henry Taylor was the architect.

 

Below:  Architect Of Mason Temple, Elder Henry Taylor

From Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

In the mid-1930's, C. H. and Lelia Mason had begun drawing plans to erect

a mega-temple built on the same design as the White House, but these

plans faltered when the U. S. entry into World War II led to government restrictions

on the use of building materials, especially steel.  When Williams, Miller and Taylor

started construction, the COGIC had only $2,900 in its building fund treasury.

From 1940 - 1945, the COGIC's national leaders, the Women's Department,

Sunday School, Y. P. W. W., pastors, members, and Memphis citizens,

helped Bishop Mason raise enough money to build Mason Temple.

 

Elder James Logan Delk (Shown in the picture holding hands with

Bishop Mason and Bishop R. F. Williams above), who

was called the "Kentucky Cyclone Evangelist"

was born in Pall Mall, Tennessee in 1887.

Delk met Bishop Mason in 1904 in Conway, Arkansas. 

Delk, who was a white minister,  became a close

confidant of Mason's and led COGIC revivals in Cincinnati, Springfield,

Missouri and Akron, Ohio.  Delk drew on his friendships with Senators

Alben Barkley, Happy Chandler, Harry S. Truman, and Tom Stewart

to help the COGIC secure $48,000 worth of steel to

complete what came to be known as Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee.

This was no small feat during World War II when all available steel

was being directed to the war effort. 

 

The Ku Klux Klan beat Delk over two times to force him

to denounce Bishop Mason, but Delk maintained his

affiliation to the COGIC throughout his ministry.

 

Writing in a 1944 letter to the Democratic National Convention, Delk wrote:  "I

have been a minister 41 years, am 57 years old, and

ordained in the Church of God in Christ."  So you see, Delk was a

very important contributor to the building of the Mason Temple structure

which was completed in 1945; 

 

Below:  To The Left We See Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr. Standing Along Side

Bishop C. H. Mason Sitting On Top Of A Cadillac Surrounded

By A Host Of Saints

This Photo Is Also From The Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

 

Mason Temple, a flagship of the Church of God in Christ,

was a monument achievement, becoming upon its completion in 1945 the

  largest gathering place in Memphis, as well as the largest Convention Center

owned and operated by African Americans in the U. S. at that time 

(in the year of its completion - in 1945).  In 1945, a dedicatory service was a

feature of the 38th National Convocation of the denomination. 

It coincided with Bishop Mason's 50th Anniversary in the ministry.

 

The three story building was constructed of brick, stone, reinforced concrete, and steel.

The main auditorium's seating capacity was 5000. The balcony seated 2000,

and the assembly room under the balcony also had the capacity to seat 2000.

Mason Temple had a baggage-check registration room, barber shop, beauty salon,

post office, first aid and emergency ward, nursery, male and female rest rooms

and shower baths, shoe shine parlor, 36 administrative offices, two industrial kitchens,

two cafeterias, concession area, photographic booth, an elaborate indoor and

outdoor sound system, and a modern heating and cooling system.

The cost of building Mason Temple was almost a quarter of a million dollars.

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Pictured Below Is Mason Temple, The

Church Of God In Christ World Wide Headquarters

As It Appears In 2010

The Neon Sign Is The Same Sign Purchased In 1945 By The Women's Department

For The Dedication Of Mason Temple During The 38th Convocation

 

The Exterior Of Mason Temple COGIC Worldwide Headquarters Where Bishop Mason Is Interred

 

 

Message On Exterior Of Mason Temple

 

 

The Entryway Of Mason Temple COGIC Worldwide Headquarters

 

 

Mason Temple's Main Auditorium

(Lower Level)

 

 

 

 

Below, Is The Stained Glass Caricature Of Bishop C. H. Mason

In The Balcony Area Of Mason Temple

 

 

 

 

Below:  The Church of God in Christ, Inc.

All Saints Bible College Campus Of  World-Wide Headquarters

In Memphis, Tennessee

 

 

Below:  Church of God in Christ, Inc.

All Saints Bible College Administrative Office

Campus Of Mason Temple, World-Wide Headquarters

Memphis, Tennessee

 

 

Below ~ The John Lee Building Project {2009 ~ 2011}

A Project Developed Under The Reign Of The Current Successor

 Of Bishop C. H. Mason ~ Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr.

 

Presiding Bishop Blake and the presidium had commissioned a national team

of planners, capital development professionals, and church leaders to implement

the timely completion of the project of an impressive, global,

administrative, informational and operational center on the campus of the

Worldwide Mason Temple Headquarters.

Bishop Sedgwick Daniels was selected to chair this committee

and orchestrate deliverables in concert with the administrative team at headquarters.

 

The John Lee Administrative Center was designed to afford denominational

departments and ministries the ability to empower congregational initiatives,

strengthen Jurisdictional programs, and advance international

COGIC ministries.

 

Our Worldwide campus is a federally designated national landmark, and for the first

time in 40 years, our ministries will operate from a central

location in Memphis on the Campus of Mason Temple.

The Presiding Bishop pushed for  a capital campaign of more than

2 million dollars to under-right this project.

  This involved the renovation of 20,000 additional square feet

on the John Lee Administration Building at our World wide Headquarters

of Mason Temple.  The project was completed slightly ahead of schedule in 2010,

but is scheduled to open for operation in 2011.

 

Below:  Current Development Improvement Project Of

The Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

The John Lee Administration Building Signage

Campus Of The Mason Temple World-Wide Headquarters

Memphis, Tennessee

 

 

Below:  The John Lee International Administration Building Renovation Development Project

In Progress, Scheduled For Opening in 2011

 

 

Below:  The Church Of God In Christ International Administrative Headquarters

John Lee Building, Scheduled For Opening Wednesday September 8, 2010 at 5:00 P.M.

On The Campus Of Mason Temple World-Wide Headquarters

With An Episcopal Designation And Building Dedication

 

 

Below:  The Church Of God In Christ Senior Manor

Campus Of Mason Temple World-Wide Headquarters

Memphis, Tennessee

Elsie Mason's Saints Haven Is A Church Of God In Christ Facility

Named In Honor Of The wife Of Bishop C. H. Mason

 

 

 

 

 

To See Additional Buildings Which Were A Part Of

Bishop L. H. Ford's Vision For

"Rebuilding The Walls Of COGIC",

Refer To The Article Dealing With The

Successors Of Bishop C. H. Mason Under

"The Bishop Ford Era",

Also  On This Page

 

 

Bishop Mason's Home

On The Campus Of Mason Temple, World-Wide Headquarters

Memphis, Tennessee

 

Below:  More Pictures From The Archives

Of Bishop Christopher C. Owens

 

Below Are Scenes From The Inside Of The Executive House

Which Was The Official Residence Of Bishop C. H. Mason,

The Founder Of The C. O. G. I. C.

On The Campus Of Mason Temple In Memphis, Tennessee

Which Was Built By The Women's Department In 1947

Under The General Supervisor:  Mother Lillian Brooks Coffey

 

You See A Portion Of The Living Room And The Bed Room,

With Sis. Christine Owens Jones {Daughter Of Bishop C. C. Owens} Holding The Headboard

 

Below:  We See Portions Of The Bedroom And The Dining Room

Of The Executive House;

Bishop Christopher C. And Evangelist Elvie J. Owens

And Some Of His Congregation Are

Observing The Dining Room And Carpet Reflecting The Initials Of The Church Of God in Christ

 

 

You May Click On The Two Grandsons Of Bishop Owens Below To Surf To

The Bible/Church Trivia Page To Answer Questions Or Continue To Scroll Downward

 

 

Below:  Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

Lelia Mason Building (Named After His 2ND Wife)

On The Campus Of Mason Temple, World-Wide Headquarters

Memphis, Tennessee

From The Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

 

In 1942 Bishop Mason married Elsie Washington who was a teacher in the

Memphis School System (Remember, his 2nd wife, Lelia Mason, died in 1936); 

Elsie Mason was a beautiful young missionary, and very devout to her husband.

 

Below Is A Photo Of Bishop C. H. & Missionary Elsie Mason

Bishop Mason died November 17, 1961

Elsie Mason Died At The Memphis Methodist University Hospital

On January 31, 2007 At The Age Of 98

Go To www.youtube.com Type In: 

Church of God in Christ Heritage Part 1 { There are brief exhortations from Elsie Mason}(10:09);

{Also there is a brief prayer by Sis. Elsie Shaw}

{and brief remarks by Bishop Ithiel Clemmons, and Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr.}

 

From The Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens:

Below:  Bishop C. H. And Mrs. Elsie Mason (Married In 1942)

 

Below:  Missionary Elsie Mason

 

 

Below Is A Letter Sent To Dr. Christopher C. Owens,

By Sis. Elsie Mason In June Of 1964 Denoting That

She Was Honored That He Chose To Name

His Church's Newly Remodeled Dining Room

"The Elsie Mason Dining Room"

She Was Sending Her Prayers & Best Wishes

 

From The Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

 

 

Family And Friends Of Bishop C. H. Mason Celebrating His 89th Birthday

 

 

Above, Bishop C. H. Mason with one of his daughters

 

 

Below:  Row 1 Left To Right:

Bishop C. H. And Elsie Mason, Bishop Mason, Bishop Mason

Row 2 Left To Right:  Bishop J. S. Bailey, Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., Bishop McEwen

Row 3 Left To Right:  Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Bishop O. M. Kelly

You may click on us to surf to the Table of Contents or continue to scroll down!

 

 

Click on us if you wish to surf to the top now and continue the COGIC History Reflections later

or continue to scroll downward

This Meeting Of 12 Bishops Took Place Shortly After The 1945 Completion Of Mason Temple

 

As you scroll further downward, you will see a newspaper

photo of the Mason Temple structure in the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

 

 

 

Bishop C. H. Mason And Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr.,

Bishop Mason's Closest Confidant For Over 50 Years

 

 

Below:  We See That Bishop W. M. Roberts Is Missing From The Picture Above

This Will Serve As An Answer To One Of The Questions On The Bible/Church Trivia Page

 

 

In 1952 at 82 years of age, Bishop Mason appointed A. B. McEwen of Memphis,

J. S. Bailey of Michigan and O. M. Kelly of new York as an Executive

Commission to oversee the Administration of the COGIC.  That

Commission was eventually expanded to 12 members.

 

Below:  Celebrating The 45th Holy Convocation,

We See Bishop A. B. McEwen Left, And Bishop C. H. Mason Right.

Since The 38th Convocation Was Celebrated At The Completion Of Mason Temple

In 1945, This Picture Had To Have Been Taken Around 1952, The Year

That Bishop A. B. McEwen Was Appointed As Head Or Chairman Of The

Board Of Commissioners!

 

 

Below:  Bishop A. B. McEwen, Appointed

Chairman Of Commissioners

 

According to Bishop O. M. Kelly

(Vice-President of the Home & Foreign Missions Board),

 he was appointed,

along with Bishop A. B. McEwen (Chairman of Commissioners)

and Bishop J. S. Bailey (Co-Chairman of the Board of Commissioners),

 in June of 1951 to begin the nucleus of the

special commission during the declining years of Bishop Mason;  They were

appointed to assist Mason with resolving grievances within

jurisdictions and other related business affairs. 

  In 1952, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. was appointed

as the Secretary of this commission.

Three Years later (1955), the following Bishops were added to this commission:

Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr. (President of The Youth Congress & 

The National President of The Board of Education),

 Bishop S. M. Crouch (California President of The Home & Foreign Missions Board),

and Bishop U. E. Miller (General Secretary).  This Special Commission

was later known as The Executive Commission.  After the death of Bishop Mason in 1961,

the General Assembly elected five more members to the Executive Commission

for a total of twelve. This twelve-man Commission later changed

its name to The Executive Board.

The five appointees were:  Bishop Wyoming Wells, Bishop L. H. Ford,

Bishop C. E. Bennett, Bishop John White and Bishop W. G. Shipman.

 

Pictured below, among others, are ten of the appointed Commissioners.

From Left To Right Second Row:  Bishop D. Lawrence Williams, Norfolk, VA.,

Chairman, Board of Bishops;  Bishop John White, New Orleans, LA.;

Bishop Louis Henry Ford, Chicago, Illinois;

Bishop W. G. Shipman, Detroit, Michigan;  Bishop C. E. Bennett, Gary, Indiana;

Bishop Wyoming Wells, Greensboro, NC.;

Bottom Row Above - Left To Right:  Bishop W. R. Nesbitt, Florida;

Bishop J. S. Bailey, Detroit, Michigan;  Bishop Samuel Crouch, Los Angeles, CA.;

Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., Newly Elected Senior Bishop;

Dr. Lillian B. Coffey, National Supervisor, Women's Dept.;

Bishop A. B. McEwen & Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., Both Of Memphis, TN.;

And Bishop J. E. Bryant In Foreground.

 

Below:  (Left) Bishop A. B. McEwen Attends 25th Wedding Anniversary

Of Dr. Christopher C. Owens In Chicago, IL.

Bishop McEwen Was Labeled With A Superlative By Dr. C. C. Owens

As Being "Most Liberal"

Among The Notable Bishops Of His Era

 

 

 

Below:  Commissioners Appointed By Bishop C. H. Mason At The Age Of 82

Between The Years Of 1951 - 1955 And Beyond

(After Mason's Demise There Were 5 More Appointees Made By The General Assembly)

To Oversee The Administration Of The Church Of God In Christ

 

 

In 1953, Fifth Street in Memphis was renamed Mason Street, and Bishop Mason

received the Pittsburg Currier Award for contributing to racial

equality in America.

Below, we see a poster advertising Founders Day 1953.

 

 

The immense contributions of the COGIC to the black church, the holiness movement,

Pentecostalism and American Christianity is worthy of serious examination.

As Abraham Lincoln once expressed:  "Only as we know

from whence we are can we perceive whither we are tending."

The Church of God in Christ as a major American denomination:

~Has Helped To Shape Gospel Music

~Has Shaped Black Worship, (A Fact Which Modern Comedians Choose To

Capitalize On To Insight Laughter Among Cheering Audiences)

~Has Shaped African American Spirituality

~Has Helped To Define Black Pentecostalism In The U. S

~(In The 20th Century) COGIC Has A Played A Major Role In The

Urbanization Of Black Christianity.

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Bishop Mason lived and led the COGIC longer than the founder

of any major denomination in modern history (1897 - 1961), and

left his indelible imprint on its life and thought.

 

Also From The Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

Below:  Bishop C. H. Mason

 

In December 1954, seven months after the landmark Brown VS. Board of

Education decision, Bishop Mason and the General Assembly

sent a letter (drafted by Eld. James Fetus) to the U. S. Supreme Court

commending its decision that "separate education facilities are not inherently

equal".  Four years later, Bishop Mason and his son, Bob Mason,  were

both probed by the FBI and accused of "stirring up racial tensions".

I guess the fact that Bishop Mason had received the previously mentioned

Pittsburg Currier Award  in previous years for contributing to racial equality

in America, was also disregarded by the FBI's decision to begin this probe.

I also guess it didn't help matters with the FBI's decision to accuse

them of stirring up racial tension since Bob Mason, had

integrated the previously all-white Glenview neighborhood in Memphis.

 

From Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens:

Below: Bishop C. H. Mason Sitting On The Hood Of A Cadillac

Flanked By Bishop J. A. Watley And Others

 

Below:

Bishop Mason In Conversation With J. A. Watley, Sr., Bishop C. C. Owens, And Others

While Relaxing On The Hood Of The Cadillac

 

 

Before Bishop Mason's death, he had earned a Doctorate Of Divinity

degree from the Trinity Hall College in 1957.

 

 

Under Mason's leadership, the COGIC experienced phenomenal growth.

Mason led the the Church Of God In Christ until his death in 1961 while the saints

around the world were preparing to attend the 54th convocation.  Upon his death

in 1961, the Church Of God In Christ, which had begun in a gin house in

Lexington, Mississippi, claimed some 5,500 congregations and some

one million members.

  At least 10 other church bodies owed their origins to Mason's

church.  Since his death, the COGIC has continued its rapid growth;  as

a matter of fact, as previously stated, many years ago,

Bishop Mason prophesied that there

would never be a convention facility large enough to accommodate the saints.

As of 2010, it has been proven to have been a true prophesy. 

Currently, with an estimation of over 8 million members, The

Church Of God In Christ is the largest African American

denomination in the United States.

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Below, Bishop Wyoming Wells And Others Promoting Church Growth

 

 

Below, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., Bishop L. H. Ford,

Bishop Shipman, & Others Promoting The Golden

Anniversary Of The COGIC

 

 

Below, Bishop Mason Is Seen Praying For The Saints

Go To www.youtube.com Type In:  COGIC Journey Of The Bishops -

National Home Page;

Utah Smith #1 2 Wings;

"Working On The Building Praise" - Louis Overstreet;

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Up Above My Head;

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Didn't It Rain

Pictured Above And Below:

Bishop C. H. Mason Praying For The Sick.  Bishop Mason Was A Firm

Believer In Divine Healing;

I Can Remember When He Prayed For My Sister At A Very Young

 Age (Countess Musette Owens).

Thousands Reported Miraculous Healings After Being Prayed For

By Bishop Charles Harrison Mason

 

 

 

Bishop Mason stamped

his personality on his church far more emphatically than any other holiness

leader.  He lived to see the Church Of God In Christ become a major

denomination, and one of the largest Pentecostal bodies in the world.

Bishop Mason died at age 95 in Harper's Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, on

November 17, 1961.  His remains are entombed in the Mason Temple,

headquarters of the Church Of God In Christ, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Click on us to surf to the top or continue to scroll downward

 

From The Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop Christopher C. Owens

Below:  The Recessional Of The Funeral Of Bishop C. H. Mason

Held At Mason Temple In Memphis Tennessee.

Bishop Mason Died Just Before The 54th Holy Convocation Of The COGIC.

Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr. Of Philadelphia, Delivered The Eulogy To

Nearly 12,000 In Attendance At The Funeral.

 

Below:  The Interment Of Bishop C. H. Mason

You May See Bishop Mason In His Open Casket, If You Desire If You

Go To www.youtube.com Type In:

COGIC Founder Bishop C. H. Mason {0:39 ~ In Open Casket}

 

Above:  Laying Bishop Mason's Body To Rest:  Participating In The Burial

Ceremony Are Left To Right:

Bishop L. H. Ford, Sis. Elsie Shaw (Music Teacher), And Bishop Mason's

Wife:  Sis. Elsie Mason

This Was Not Bishop Mason's Final Resting Place. 

If you'll notice, there is tile flooring surrounding the feet of the mourners

above.  This was in the lobby of Mason Temple where the

burial ceremony took place;  This ceremony did not take place

in a cemetery - there was no dirt ground - only black and white tile flooring.

It was here, in the main lobby of Mason Temple where

the Body Of Our Beloved Leader was Enshrined

 In Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Below:

Bishop Mason's Body Was Initially Enshrined In The Main Lobby

As You Entered Mason Temple (To The Right);

If you will notice the tile flooring surrounding the encrypted area,

it is the same tile flooring that you saw in the above picture where the

original burial ceremony had taken place.  The enshrined display was later

transferred to a higher level in the memorial wing of the Mason Temple.

Later, The Above Accommodations For The Entombed Body Of Bishop Mason

Were Transferred To The Memorial Wing Of Mason Temple

Where It Currently Remains

See Below:

As A Result Of The "Building The Walls For COGIC Vision" By

A Succeeding Presiding Bishop L. H. Ford, Mason Temple Was Part Of The

Modernization Project Affected.

As A Result Of This Renovation, A New Memorial Wing Was Set Up

To Make Available A More Appropriate And Serene Setting For

The Remains Of Our Sainted Founder, Bishop C. H. Mason.

 

In The Memorial Wing Of Mason Temple

Bishop Mason's Remains Are Entombed

 

 

Below:  We have a clearer image of  the enshrined area at Mason Temple

thanks to Doctor Janice Carter of Peoples Church of the Harvest COGIC

In Chicago, Illinois Where Eld. Michael Eaddy Is Pastor.

 

 

 

Memorial Wing Of Mason Temple

 

 

 

Below:  A Front View Of The Inside Of Bishop Mason's Office

And Another View of The Memorial Wing Of Mason Temple And The Enshrined

Display Of Bishop Mason

 

 

Go To www.youtube.com  Type In:

COGIC History {5:26 ~ Bishop Chandler Owens Narrating};

COGIC Founder {0:54 ~ Singing};

COGIC Founder {4:52 ~ Mason Praying & Singing};

Bishop Charles Harrison Mason/The Prayer {11:59 ~ Introduction By Bishop Ford};

Bishop C. H. Mason C.O.G.I.C. Founder {2:10 ~ singing & praying}

 

Another View Of Bishop Mason's Office - Preserved After His Demise

 

 

Below Is The The Elegantly Decorated And Fitting Memorial To Our

Sainted Father, Bishop C. H. Mason, The All Saints Dinner And Fellowship Hall

Located In Mason Temple Worldwide Headquarters In Memphis, Tennessee.

This Project Was Part Of Bishop L. H. Ford's Vision Of "Building COGIC'S Walls".

The Late Sis. Mattie Wiggley (A Famous Singer Of

Pentecostal Temple COGIC, Pastor, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Jr.)

Is Seen As A Hostess In The Foreground

 

Below:  A Portion Of A View of Some Of the Patriarchs Of This

Grand Ole' Church Of God In Christ In Pioneer Court Within Mason Temple

 

 

Below, We See Pictures Of The Wall Within The Mason Temple

Worldwide Headquarters Which Reflects The Names OF

Those Who Have Financially Donated  To The Church Of God in Christ Ministry;

I Am Very Proud To Announce That The Name Of Bishop Christopher

C. Owens, The Founder And National President Of The Religious Workers Guild Is

Included Among This Vast Number Of Contributors.

I'd Like To Personally Thank Dr. Janice Carter, A Member Of 

The People's Church Of The Harvest COGIC In Chicago, IL.

For These Two Wall Reflections

 

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The Church Of God In Christ

Facing Change And Challenge

The rapid growth of the Church Of  God In Christ is also credited to

many of its leaders since the death of Bishop Mason in 1961.  In the early

sixties, Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr. served as Senior Bishop.  In 1968 Bishop J. O.

Patterson, Sr. was elected the Presiding Bishop.  He was followed by Bishop

L. H. Ford in 1989, Bishop Chandler David Owens after the demise of Bishop Ford,

followed by Bishop Gilbert Patterson and currently the Presiding Bishop is Bishop Charles

Blake.  Contributions of these leaders are legendary in every respect.  They earned

this respect by doing, not being.

 

Click on us to surf to the top or continue to scroll downward.

 

Click on us to surf to the Table Of Contents Above, or continue to scroll downward

 

 

 

~The Transitional Period ~ A Time Of Change And Challenge

Of The Church Of God In Christ

 

The Information Pertaining To The Following Successors Of Bishop C. H. Mason

Will Not Be In The Form Of Biographies, But Rather

Will Serve As Reflections Or Indicators Of The Contributions

Which These Successors Made To Increase The Faith Of The COGIC Members,

The Popularity And The Exponential Growth Of The

Church Of God In Christ

 

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The O. T. Jones, Sr. Era (1962 - 1968)

 

Selected Information Concerning {Some} Of The Successors 

Of Bishop C. H. Mason

Was Extracted From The C. H. Mason Centennial Edition

By Itheil Clemmons

You Will Find Additional Information Concerning This Book

Among Others, On The Video Journal Page

Of This Website

 

Bishop O. T. Jones. Sr.

One Of Bishop Mason's "Lieutenants" And One Of

His Closest Confidants For Over 50 Years

 

In the General Assembly, it pleased the saints to wait a year before selecting a

successor to our father in the gospel.  In the Holy Convocation of 1962,

the only surviving Bishop of the original five which had been consecrated in 1933,

was Bishop Ozro Thurston Jones, Sr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

Below, Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., Far Left,

Bishop Mason Is Sitting On Top Of The Cadillac

 

Bishop O. T. Jones, at the age of 23, accompanied Bishop Mason

on the trip to Los Angeles, California to attend the first Holy Convocation

held for 30 days, by E. R. Driver in 1916. It was O. T. Jones, Sr., who was

the close confidant of Bishop Mason for over 50 years;  Bishop Jones, Sr.,

was a close confidant of Bishop Mason before many of the

prominent Bishops even appeared on the scene.  

Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., was the last surviving of the first five bishops appointed

by Bishop Mason in 1933, as previously mentioned.

He had trained the COGIC youth of the Church since 1915.  In addition,

he had actually developed the Young People's Willing Workers (YPWW) Topics.

Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., also founded the International Youth Congress

of the Church of God in Christ, and, as a great theologian, placed

the experiences of the saints into words.  As a partner with Bishop Mason,

he had helped to codify the doctrines and disciplines of the denomination.

So then, aside from assisting with codifying our doctrine it would

be correct to assume that he not only played a major role in

formulating the COGIC affirmations concerning "what we believe"

but that he also made it an imperative task to have these

doctrinal truths printed on our Sunday School Booklets

to insure that these truths would also

be indelibly imprinted within our hearts and minds.

 

Because Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., was a great theologian himself, he was always

an advocate for a trained clergy.  By virtue of the fact that there

was a great deal of unrest and negative issues brought on by the death of

Bishop C. H. Mason (November 17, 1961), Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr.

appropriately eulogized Bishop Mason on November 25, 1961 using this verse:

"For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,

fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption."  Acts13:36.

 

Following Bishop Mason's death, the COGIC struggled to transcend the

ordeals of transition while certain saints succumbed to insubordination and corruption.

Even so, Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., led the church amid  great tumult.

Some historians erroneously  described the period between 1961 and 1968

as "The Wilderness Wandering", referring to the dispute

concerning Bishop Mason's successor (Senior Bishop Ozro T. Jones, Sr.). 

According to a well documented

"Constitutional Rights Expose`" addressed to the members of the Church

of God in Christ by Bishop Samuel P. Nesbitt

concerning this very issue (pages 2 - 7), at Bishop Mason's

death, pursuant to the COGIC Constitution, the Board of Bishops

was in charge of the Church Of God In Christ.

The Board of Bishops granted the Commissioners, who had

served with Bishop Mason, the authority to lead the Church for one year,

during which time they were to set the Church in order for the

election of a new Senior Bishop.

At the end of the year 1962, the election of the new Senior Bishop  was

scheduled to take place during the General Assembly in 1963.

However, on the closing night of the Holy Convocation, 1962, one of the Bishops

(who, for now will remain nameless) stood and told of a dream which he

had experienced relative to the leadership of the Church.  Influenced by

what they considered to be the significance of the dream, the General Assembly

was moved to elect Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., as the new Senior Bishop of

the Church in that session {1962 rather than 1963}. 

The Associated Press and all other news media

carried the news to all the world, and the saints everywhere were rejoicing.

 

The documents which follow, refer to the aforementioned

decision which was made by the General Assembly 

of the Church of God in Christ in 1962

and were taken from the scrapbook archives of

Bishop C. C. Owens

Please take your time and carefully read these articles;

You will definitely be enlightened

 

 

 

Notice Above, Under Committee #5} The Health And Welfare Of Our Ministers And Workers,

That Bishop E. Lenox And Elder C. C. Owens From Chicago, Illinois Are Participants

 

 

 

 

Having been without a leader for almost a year, the Church was

delighted to have a leader who had walked with Bishop Mason and who had been

a great supporter of Bishop Mason and the doctrines and laws of the Church.

As a great preacher, he was often called upon to deliver the annual Official

message for Bishop Mason during the Holy Convocation;  He was the

Leader whom the people felt was qualified to help us remain true to the faith;

Therefore they received him gladly.

Bishop Jones received congratulatory messages from all over the Church.

(The actual telegrams of the respective Bishops are reflected in this Expose`

of Bishop Samuel P. Nesbitt): 

~Bishop F. D. Washington, N. Y., December 8, 1962

~Bishop B. H. Dabney, Chairman Of The Board, December 8, 1962

~Bishop O. M. Kelly, NYC, December 10, 1962

 

 

Shown above as they greet newly elected Senior Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., Philadelphia:

From Left to Right Second Row:  Bishop D. Lawrence Williams, Norfolk, Va.,

Chairman, Board of Bishops;  Bishop John White, New Orleans, La;

Bishop L. H. Ford, Chicago, Illinois;  Bishop W. G. Shipman, Detroit, Michigan;

Bishop C. E. Bennett, Gary, Indiana;  Bishop Wyoming Wells, Greensboro, N. C.;

Bottom Row - Left To Right:

Bishop W. R. Nesbitt, Florida;  Bishop J. S. Bailey, Detroit, Michigan;

Bishop Samuel Crouch, Los Angeles, CA;  Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., Newly

elected Senior Bishop;  Dr. Lillian Brooks Coffey, National Supervisor, Women's Dept.;

Bishop A. B. McEwen, Memphis, TN.;  Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., Memphis, TN.;

And Bishop J. E. Bryant in foreground. 

 

 

 

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From the time of his election, December 7, 1962 to April 1963, Bishop Jones

held conferences with Church leaders, and received advice, recommendations,

 and suggestions for the future operations for the Church.  After two years in office,

the reports from various parts of the Church were favorable:  Success,

Spiritual Growth, And Wonderful Fellowship Were Evident Everywhere.

 

With the desire to secure the Church's real property and to set in place

a functional financial system for the Church, the Senior Bishop called

for a report from the Special Committee which had been set to study those areas.

Here's where the trouble began, because the Committee's recommendations

called for certain changes in the system which seemed to upset certain members

of the Executive Board.  The Senior Bishop asked that further study

would be effected, with modified recommendations to be made subsequently.

From that time, the Executive Board appeared to take a negative attitude

toward the Senior Bishop and his team.  The Executive Board began a

deliberate campaign to pull the people away from Bishop Jones' leadership.

But because Bishop Jones had a long and outstanding record in the Church,

and those whom he selected to be on his team were persons of outstanding caliber,

the Executive Board's tactics did not work.  Bishop Jones was following the

Constitution, but the Executive Board, which was not in the Constitution,

claimed to have the powers to do what Bishop Jones was doing.

 

According to the Constitution of the COGIC, our Church believed that the office of

Senior Bishop, which is the office of the Chief Apostle, was placed in the Church by

the Lord--just as the office of State Bishop or State Overseer and Pastor

 were placed in our Church by the Lord.  This is indicated in our Church's official history:

"The Lord gave Elder C. H. Mason to be Chief Apostle, to which the whole assembly accepted." 

--from "History" in Official Manual Church Of God In Christ, 1957 Ed. p.9

 

THE APPOINTIVE POWERS OF THE OFFICE OF SENIOR BISHOP:

1) In the Church Of God In Christ, the Senior Bishop appoints

State Overseers or State Bishops and heads of National Departments.  This is

according to our Constitution.

"The Overseer will be appointed by the Senior Bishop and may

be removed for cause by the Senior Bishop or his appointee."

--Church Constitution, Art. 11, par. 1

"Said National Officers [of National Departments] to be appointed by Senior Bishop."

--Church Constitution, Art. 13; par. 10

 

2) The appointive powers of the office of the Senior Bishop are in accord with the

scriptural "pattern" which gives the leader on each level of the Church

(national, state, and local) the power of appointment.

 

Scripture:  "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order

the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee." --Titus 1:5

 

The Church Of God In Christ has been greatly blessed of the Lord by following

its God-given "pattern."  Our official history says: 

"Under his leadership [that is, the leadership of the first Senior Bishop]

the church has witnessed a great triumph and growth."  --"History" in the

Official Manual, Church Of God In Christ, 1957

The appointive powers of the office of Senior Bishop on the

national level follow, fundamentally,

the same "pattern" as is followed by the Leaders of the Church on every

level of its existence (national, state, and local). 

Hence:  On the national level the Senior Bishop appoints Heads

of National Departments and the Bishops (or Overseers) of States.

On the state level, the State Bishop appoints State Officials and

the Pastor appoints Local Officials and Heads of Local Auxiliaries.

 

The Church of God In Christ has been greatly blessed of the Lord by

following its God-given "pattern".  Our official history says:

"Under his leadership [that is, the leadership of the first Senior Bishop}

the Church has witnessed a great triumph and growth."

--"History" in the Official Manual, Church Of God In Christ, 1957

The "Pattern":  Throughout the Scriptures and church history,

God has always made choice of one man to be

the chief leader for His people at any one time and place. 

In our Church--he is the Senior Bishop.  This chief leader has always been given by the Lord

authority not given to any other office or person or group of persons. 

Do not the holy scriptures, especially in Numbers 16,

warn and denounce any policy or procedure--undertaken

by any person or group, deliberately or unintentionally -- which seeks

to subvert or overthrow the Divinely chosen leader?--

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft."  -I Sam. 15:23

 

Our Church Has Covenanted Not To Change Its Spiritual "Pattern"

1) While it is true, that the General Assembly has the authority to make laws for the Church,

it is not true that the General Assembly has the authority to

change the "pattern" of the Church's leadership.  Article 9 in

our Church Constitution restricts the powers of the General Assembly in this regard.

"(a) It [the General Assembly] shall not set aside or change any of our articles of faith, nor shall

it establish any new doctrines contrary to the doctrines that now exist in the Church.

"(b) The general Assembly shall not abolish our representative form of government

nor the General Superintendency, nor deprive it of any of the authority given it by the Constitution."

If the Church is to be consistent with its own history, organizational structure

and composition, and Constitution, the General Superintendency not only

consists of state Bishops (who presently compose the Board of Bishops

{in 1962});  But also the office of Senior Bishop.  For it was by the authority of the

Board of Bishops, that the office of Senior Bishop was filled after

the death of the late first Senior Bishop.

The present Senior Bishop was elected to this office

by the General Assembly in 1962, which was an election held by the authority

of the Board of Bishops.

 

The Executive Board alleged that under the constitution and by-laws of the Church

Of God In Christ, there is no provision for a Senior Bishop, after

the death of the late revered Bishop C. H. Mason.

The fact is:  There is no place in the Constitution which terminates the

Office of Senior Bishop with the death of the late Bishop C. H. Mason.

The Constitution anticipates and provides for the

continuation of the Office of Senior Bishop

in that it expressly sets forth:--"the Overseer will be appointed by the Senior

Bishop or by his appointee.

COGIC Constitution Art. 11; part 1"

"Said national officers (of National Departments) to be appointed by Senior Bishop." 

COGIC Constitution Art 13; par. 10

There is nothing in the constitution which establishes any

other appointive authority for these vital offices

and positions in the Church.  It seems reasonable to conclude that

it was intended that the incumbent in the Office

of Senior Bishop would make the appointments, no matter what his name might be.

NOTE:  When the late Bishop C. H. Mason died, the "pattern" which

God  had given for the Church did not die with him.  Nor did God die, and these

rules were prayerfully sought from God!

 

So, Senior Bishop O. T. Jones made decisions and appointments without

collaboration and consensus of the Board of Bishops, General Assembly,

or the "Executive Board".  Note: The Supreme Court Of Texas in one court case,

and the ultimate court case in the Chancery Court of Shelby County, Memphis, TN.

both ruled that the

"Executive Board"  had no place in the COGIC Constitution,

and was therefore in no authoritative position to either interpret

or prescribe rulings pertaining to the COGIC Constitution.

 

COGIC Constitution Art 7; par. 2  The Constitution does

not mention "Executive Board", for there was no such creature at that time.

And by the Constitution, there is no such creature at this time.

 

Soon after the allegations, disagreement arose over the power and authority of

the Senior Bishop and the power and authority of the "Executive Board"

at the 67th Convocation in 1964.

Factions developed and  controversy engulfed the fledgling organization

as executive and administrative

decisions were being made by both the Senior Bishop and the "Executive Board"

--often conflicting with one another.

 

Therefore the Executive Board went about creating new

jurisdictions, and appointing Bishops over them.  It was unconstitutional, but

gullible men fell for it.  Considerable confusion was created throughout

the Church, especially in the State of Alabama:  In The Case:

EMMITT JACKSON, ET AL (Complainants) vs.

JOHN F. KEY, ET AL (Respondents).  The Executive Board sought to

divide the State of Alabama and create what was to be called Diocese #2.

Elder J. M. Bailey, brother of Bishop J. S. Bailey, member of the

Executive Board, was designated as Bishop of the said jurisdiction.

Bishop Ashworth, the duly appointed Bishop of the State of Alabama, had

contacted the Senior Bishop to ascertain whether or not the Senior Bishop

had authorized such an action.  The Senior Bishop informed Bishop Ashworth

that such an action had not been authorized or approved.  When an attempt

was made by Elder John F. Key, Pastor of the East Birmingham Church,

to transfer the Church from Bishop Ashworth's Jurisdiction to the

newly illegally created Diocese #2, more than a 2/3 majority of the members

and officers desired to remain with Bishop Ashworth.  After appropriate

hearings and conferences, Bishop Ashworth declared the pulpit vacant.

When Elder Key refused to vacate the Church, the officers of the Church

petitioned the Court for a restraining order against Elder John Key

and certain members of the Executive Board to prevent them from taking

their Church to the illegally created Diocese #2.

A Temporary Injunction was issued, but the permanent Injunction was denied.

 

At the Hearing, where the Executive Board and the Senior Bishop and his staff

were present, it was necessary to establish that Bishop Jones was the Senior Bishop,

that he was duly elected to the said office,

that he performed in the office,

and, by the Constitution, only he had the authority

to consecrate and appoint Bishops.

The Attorney for the Church, representing the Senior Bishop, called for a

certain Bishop , who was appointed by Senior Bishop O. T. Jones in 1963, to come

to the stand (This Bishop will remain nameless for now,

but later I will disclose pertinent information

for you to personally locate this Expose` by Bishop Samuel P. Nesbitt - if

you are interested).

The Attorney questioned this Bishop as follows:

Was Bishop Jones elected as Senior Bishop of the Church of God

in Christ?  He answered..."NO, the Church honored him with that title

because of his many years of service to the Church."

(mind you, this was the same Bishop who

had initially informed the General Assembly

of his prophetic dream, which resulted in the Assembly electing Bishop Jones as

Senior Bishop in the first place--a whole year before the

election was to actually take place no less)!

Question:  Did you sign any credentials or appointments on which

Bishop Jones' name appeared as Senior Bishop?  He answered "NO".

It was noted that Bishop Jones' Committee had sought to obtain copies of the credentials

from persons who had been consecrated by Bishop Jones; 

But all of those credentialed Bishops refused to respond (satan was on extra shenanigans);

except Bishop Eure of Delaware, who got up out of his sick bed and flew to

Alabama to testify and present his credentials.  The Senior Bishop's Attorney

called Bishop Eure to the stand, he presented his credentials

that were signed by Bishop Jones as Senior Bishop, and also

witnessed and signed by the same Bishop who had been

on the stand previously, (again, the letter reflected this Bishop's

very own signature)!  It was now obvious that the previous Bishop

had perjured himself on the witness stand;  He was immediately recalled to the

witness stand and was required to identify and read an open letter concerning his support

of Senior Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., bearing his signature;  The letter was given to the Court

by Bob Mason, the son of Bishop C. H. Mason, who was a great supporter of Bishop

O. T. Jones. (The Letter:  Showing who it was addressed to

{one of the Commissioners} and who had

written the letter - the same person who had just perjured himself

on the witness stand -- may also be found within the Expose`

written by Bishop Samuel P. Nesbitt).

After this Bishop had finished reading this letter which he had written, there

 was a moment of silence in the Court. A recess was

called.  Upon returning, The Senior Bishop's Attorney concluded with these words:

"The uncontroverted evidence shows that Bishop ________________was not telling the

truth.  But you can't wipe out the past.  You might advise him to read Omar The Tent Maker,

where he said:  "The moving finger writes, and having written moves on.  For

all your piety nor wit can lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all your tears

wash out a word of it."  And that's what Bishop ________________ didn't

know when he made that false affirmation, that he couldn't wipe out

the past."

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This blatant act of renouncing their allegiance to the

Church's Constitution was a violation of the original

Article 9 (a)(b) of the original Constitution of the Church which was a

safeguard to protect the articles of our Faith and the Leadership style

of our Church.  You may go to www.reportcogicabuse.com /Bishop_Nesbitts_Response-1.pdf,

outside of this website to discover missing names and the open letter produced

in Court.  Of course, I will keep a copy of this important Expose` of Bishop

Samuel P. Nesbitt's in my History File of

The Church of God in Christ.

 

{Later you may surf to the Pioneers Of COGIC Web Page and click

the highlighted S. P. Nesbitt's Defense of Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr.,

and the Constitution of the COGIC within the Table of Contents

on the Pioneers Of COGIC Web Page};  It is important that you notice

S. P. Nesbitt's expertise in nullifying

the false and malicious allegations brought against Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr.

 

As you can see, through a lengthy process, and despite inevitable differences of opinion,

however, through much prayer and with the assistance of , yet another Court--

The Chancery Court of Shelby County, Tennessee, The COGIC rose above the challenges

of change.  Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., actually performed

a superb job, having his mind anointed and his steps

ordered by God in maintaining respect, subordination, and order from the clergy

while leading the COGIC through this trying period.

 

In 1966, Bishop Jones was removed from the office of Senior Bishop, however,

he continued to be  honored as the "Senior Bishop" of the COGIC.

In an attempt to regain control of the Church, the pro Jones group led a failed coup attempt

during the 59th Holy Convocation in 1966.  Suits were filed

in the Chancery Court of Shelby County, TN to finally resolve the

legitimate authority controversy of the Church Of God In Christ.

The court ordered the Church to convene a constitutional convention in February 1968.

The COGIC drafted and approved a new constitution that dissolved

the office of Senior Bishop and the Executive Board,

and created the office of the Presiding Bishop and a General Board

who would be elected every 4 years to preside over the Church.

The General Assembly would have the supreme authority

over the Church to decide matters of faith and practice.  On November 14, 1968

the General Assembly of the COGIC elected the first

General Board and Presiding Bishop of the Church;  I can't imagine how they

ever managed to get around Article 9 of the Church's Constitutinon which prohibits

the General Assembly from abolishing and replacing original laws or rules,

but we shall rest in the will of God and know thhat Righteouness will always prevail!

 

 

Pictured Above From Left To Right:  Bishop Moses Cross (Chicago)

Presiding Bishop Ozro Thurston Jones, Sr. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania),

Bishop L. M. Driver (Los Angeles, California),

Bishop Christopher C. Owens (Chicago, Illinois)

Bishop W. L. Porter (Memphis, Tennessee).

Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., Is Receiving the Bishop C. H. Mason Award

From The Religious Workers Guild.

 

Below is a drawing of Bishop O. T. Jones' Church in Philadelphia, Pa.

In 1962 Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr., was yet the International President

of the Youth Department of The COGIC.

The 27th International Youth Congress of the Church of God in Christ was in session

in Detroit Michigan, June 27 to July 3, 1962.

Even in the midst of all of the turmoil within the denomination, , COGIC

was continuing to march ahead with a "Full Hallelujah Praise" with full speed!

 

 

Below:  Bishop Ozro T. Jones, Sr., D. D. in 1962 was yet the President Of The International Youth Congress,

and his wife, Mrs. O. T. Jones, Sr. was the National President of the Bishops' Wives

 

 

 

Below, Their Son, Bishop O. T. Jones, Jr., Was Part Of The Official Congress Staff

As Of 1962.  His Role Was To Serve As The Administrative Assistant To

His Father, Who Was The International President Of The International Youth Congress.

 

A Brief Timeline Of The Life Of Bishop O. T. Jones:

1914} Organized Youth Dept. of COGIC and served as the first President

1916} He founded and edited the Y. P. W. W. Quarterly Topics

which achieved notoriety as one of the largest

Pentecostal publications in the nation, a task he

continued until 1962.

1920} Appointed Assistant to the state overseer in Oklahoma

1926} Appointed state overseer for Pennsylvania

Bishop Jones watched his fledging state

grow after his appointment from 11 churches

to over 200.

1928} Founded The International Youth Congress Of The COGIC

The Youth Congress not only beckoned youth,

but became the spawning ground for nearly 30

various youth ministries.

1933} One of the first five preachers to be consecrated as the COGIC

denomination's first founding bishops.

Was the last of the original five to enter

eternal rest.

1952} In addition to being a trustee of the original corporation of the COGIC,

He was appointed by Bishop Mason to a special commission

created to assist our Founder in his waning years.  With Elder

W. E. Bryant, he co-edited one of the first official manuals

containing our doctrine and constitution.  A foundational work by the

late Bishop E. R. Driver preceded the manual produced

by Bishop Jones and elder Bryant.

1962} Board Of Bishops nominated him to serve as the new

"Senior Bishop" after the demise of Bishop C. H. Mason in 1961

1965} Opposition to his reign concerning election policies of the COGIC

1968} After lawsuits upon overlapping lawsuits initiated by

factions (some later left the COGIC organization and

referred to themselves as The Church Of God

In Christ, International - They Held On To The Original COGIC Doctrine,

But Were Averse To The Election Policies) within the

COGIC arena; The courts and the convention established clear

guidelines for the election of church leaders, and in 1968 Bishop

J. O. Patterson, Sr. was elected as the Presiding Bishop.

He was revered by many as being exemplary of the authenticity

attributed to his predecessor, Bishop Mason.

He is perhaps best remembered as an outstanding bearer of the gospel,

an organizer, an educator of Christian youth, a Christian family

man (six children, all members of the COGIC, a sainted

character, and an humble, yet dignified, shepherd to the whole flock of God.

{1972} Bishop O. T. Jones' Home-going celebration was in the year of 1972.

 Go To Top Or Continue To Surf Downward

 

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~The Patterson Era (1968 - 1989)

 

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr.

 

In January of 1968, as a result of the Chancery Court rulings

of Shelby County, Tennessee, the COGIC denomination held a

Constitutional Convention to restructure the Church's

procedure in electing new officers.

In November of 1968, the Church elected its first General Board, and then elected

Bishop Oglethorpe Patterson, Sr., Bishop Mason's son-in-law, as

Presiding Bishop, with Bishop John Seth Bailey and Samuel M. Crouch

as 1st and 2nd Assistants respectively.

 

Above, Left To Right:  Bishop O T. Jones, Sr., Bishop S. M. Crouch, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr.,

Bishop McEwen, Bishop O. M. Kelly, Bishop J. S. Bailey, E. U. Miller

 

 

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., was appointed to the Bishopric in 1955 by Bishop Mason,

with his first appointment as Prelate of the Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Tennessee.

Later he would be appointed to the secretariat to the Executive Committee of the

COGIC which was created by Bishop Mason to assist with the executive and

administrative affairs of the Church.  After the death of Bishop Mason, this committee

was known as the Executive Board, and Bishop Patterson served this board as its' secretary.

In addition to these duties, he also served as the Church's General Secretary,

member of the Board of Directors, and Manager of the Church's Publishing House.

 

During his administration, the Church enjoyed tremendous growth in many areas.

His achievements in educational related entities were the establishment of the

Charles Harrison Mason Seminary in Atlanta, GA;  The C. H. Mason System of

Bible Colleges;  The J. O. Patterson Fine Arts Department;  The Historical

Museum and Fine Arts Center and organizer of the Charles Harrison Mason Foundation,

and the Presiding Bishop's Benefit Fund which provides scholarships for

deserving youth.  Other ministries brought about through this servant include the

COGIC Book Store and the COGIC Publishing House.

 

Other involvements include Founder and President of the World Fellowship of Black

Pentecostal Churches;  Serving on the Boards for the Boys Club, The Boys Scouts

of America, Y. M. C. A., Memphis Landmark Commission, Lorraine Historical

Museum Commission, Tri-State Bank of Memphis, The Black Church Summit of the World

Council of Churches, and the Congress of Black Churches.  He also served

with the Rotary Club of Memphis, Save the Children Foundation, and the Shelby County

Sheriff's Summit on Drug Prevention. 

 

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In February of 1972, the Chisca Plaza Hotel

was given to Bishop Patterson by its owners, Mr. Robert Snowden and his sister,

Mrs. Mary Todd.  Bishop in turn gave this property to the COGIC.  His initiatives

allowed the the Church's growth to exceed 4 million in the 50 states and 47 foreign countries

at the time of his death.  During his tenure as Presiding Bishop, he consecrated and

appointed in excess of 100 prelates (Jurisdictional Bishops).

 

 

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., & Bishop Christopher C. Owens

Go To:  www.youtube.com  Type In:

Bishop J. O. Patterson & Evangelist Emily Bramm Bibby...Be Blessed!

 

 

The Bishop J. O. Patterson, Senior's, Leadership was long and decisive (21 years)--

Re-elected in 5 subsequent Quadrennial Elections.

During his reign, partially because of Patterson's leadership, the Church

grew into National and International prominence as a leading Christian Denomination.

The Church of God in Christ entered the mainstream with the broadening

of ministry, worship styles, and leadership models.  The Church ushered

 in a younger, new generation of ministers into positions as pastors, bishops

and other leadership capacities.

 

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During the 1970's and the 1980's, the COGIC denomination became more intentionally

ecumenical.  The Church of God in Christ took the lead among

Pentecostals as an ecumenical church in dialogue with non-fundamentalist denominations. 

Some of our most prominent pastors and congregations took leadership roles

in such ecumenical organizations as the National Association of Evangelicals,

the Congress of National Black Churches, The Pentecostal World Conference,

and the North American Congress

on the Holy Spirit and World Evangelism.  Many ministers and lay persons also involved

themselves in a host of local ecumenical activities.

Central to this ecumenical thrust was its establishment of the

C. H. Mason Seminary in 1970 as a member of the Interdenominational

Theological Center at Atlanta, Georgia.  For many years Mason Seminary was the only

Pentecostal seminary in the nation fully accredited by the Association of Theology Schools.

As a participant in the ITC, the Church of God in Christ became both

an educational force and an ecumenical leader

within the African American community.  While Saints Academy had long

affirmed the late Bishop Mason's and the denomination's commitment to

the educational process, Mason Seminary represented a major commitment

to graduate school education and to the idea of trained clergy and laity.

 

The establishment of the C. H. Mason Seminary paralleled the rise of a generation of

theologians beginning with Ozro Thurston Jones, Jr., Leonard Lovett (dean of

the C. H. Mason Seminary from 1970 -1975), Dr. Oliver J. Haney (dean of

C. H. Mason Seminary since 1975), Bennie Goodwin, Donald Wheelock,

Robert E. Franklin, Dorothy Exume, Dr. Ithiel Clemmons, and others.

 

Other significant developments of the 1970's were the creation of the United

National Auxiliaries Convention (UNAC - the first effort to merge the auxiliaries

of the denomination under one umbrella), and the Church's expansion to include

ministries to the military, prisons, and hospitals, and the centralization of the

the organizational  and fiscal affairs of the National Church.

Dr. Ithiel Clemmons during this ecumenical era had the opportunity to negotiate

with the Pentagon's Armed Forces Chaplain's Board, the Prison Fellowship,

and the College of Chaplains to endorse chaplains for all the

Black Pentecostal denominations.  Male and female military

chaplains have served not only the military but also the Church of God in Christ By

establishing jurisdictions in Europe, Africa, and Asia.  For over 21 years,

the denomination has launched the chaplaincy

careers of scores of men and women in all branches

of the armed forces, in prisons, hospitals, and on college and university campuses.

 

By the mid 80's, through the ecumenical efforts of Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. (by example),

and many other pioneers of the COGIC,  the denomination was being touted as the 2nd largest

African American Denomination with a membership totaling some 4 million.

 

Below, General Board Members Of 1970

 

 

Above Is Bishop J. O. Patterson's Cabinet Of 1972

Bottom Row (Left To Right):  Bishop Wyoming Wells,

Bishop O. M. Kelly, Bishop L. H. Ford,

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., Bishop Samuel M. Crouch

Top Row Standing (Left To Right):  Bishop J. A. Blake, Bishop F. D. Washington,

Bishop Jacob Cohen, Bishop John White,

Bishop Husband, Bishop C. L. Anderson

 

 

 

 

Above (Left To Right):  Bishop J. S. Bailey, Bishop W. A. Patterson, Bishop J. O. Patterson,

Bishop Gilbert Patterson, Bishop Husband

Go To www.youtube.com Type In:  Bishop W. A. Patterson Clip 1

Bishop W. A. Patterson Clip 2

Bishop W. A. Patterson Father Of GE Patterson

Bishop W. A. Patterson "Jesus" (4:07)

Bishop WA Patterson wap9187  Pt 2

 

W. A. Patterson was G. E. Patterson's father;  W. A. Patterson and J. O. Patterson, Sr.

were brothers;  So then, Bishop J. O. Patterson was Bishop G. E. Patterson's uncle.

 

As Seen Below, Bishop W. A. Patterson Would Often

Be Slated For Rendering The Official

Anniversary Message For Dr. C. C. Owens

 

W. A. Patterson used to give the Official message for Bishop C. C. Owens'

Church Anniversary Services and would often be a guest in his home.

 

 

Bishop W. A. Patterson, Speaker For The 18th, 23rd, Anniversaries, And Others

 

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More Scrapbook Relics Of Bishop Christopher C. Owens

 

~The Bishop Louis Henry Ford Era (1990 - 1995)

 

Bishop Louis Henry Ford

 

Bishop Louis Henry Ford from Clarksdale, Mississippi, was one of

Dr. Arenia C. Mallory's prized pupils at the Lexington Industrial School.

Spanning the Mason, Jones, Patterson Eras, Bishop Ford had served

the Church as pastor and bishop in Chicago, Illinois, and on the National level

as Director  of Public Relations.  He knew the Church

like few contemporaries and longed for the

Church which he had discovered as a lad in Mississippi.  Upon the death of

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., Bishop Ford, who had been his First

Assistant Presiding Bishop, served as the interim leader,

and in 1990 was elected as the second Presiding Bishop

and the fourth leader in COGIC history.

 

Bishop Ford's Cabinet

 

 

Below:  Bishop L. H. Ford (Front & Center) Was Elected As Presiding Bishop Of The COGIC In 1990;

Bishop Chandler David Owens (Seen Immediately Behind Bishop Ford), Served As Presiding

Bishop After The Demise Of Bishop L. H. Ford

 

From the first day in office, Bishop Ford unapologetically proclaimed his

 vision for restoration.  He wanted to take the Church back to its

Holiness-Pentecostal, less structured, liturgical roots.  Believing this was the

Mason style of ministry, he wanted to return Church to this vision.  He embodied

what he viewed as the "Golden Years" of the Church Of God In Christ.

 

During his brief tenure of 5 years, Bishop Ford undertook the refurbishing

of Mason Temple and the Mason residence and building a

four million dollar Deborah Mason Patterson All - Purpose Facility on the

campus of Saints Junior College in Lexington, Mississippi.

 

Pictured From Left To Right:  The Late Bishop J. A Blake, Who Was

The Father Of Bishop Charles Edward Blake (The Current Presiding Bishop Of COGIC 2011)

Bishop R. L. Winbush, And Bishop Louis Henry Ford

 

 

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Bishop Ford's first priority became the resurrection of an almost defunct school.

At the Lexington campus, not only was a new

building erected, but a new President, Dr. Goldie Wells, was appointed,

along with supporting staff.

Professor Robert Michael Franklin, Bishop Ford's assistant pastor of

St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Chicago for many years, said the

"Bishop L. H. Ford placed the Church of God in Christ firmly in the public square

at the intersection of religion and politics."

A protégé` of the late black Southside Chicago Democratic

Congressman, William Dawson, Bishop Ford was also a member of the late

Chicago Mayor Richard J. Dailey, Sr.'s inner circle. 

He was a competent, consummate member

of Chicago's political establishment, part of its ruling elite, as well a

being the leading Church of God in Christ pastor in the area.

 

For him, ministry and politics were not mutually exclusive. 

Bishop Ford was a progressive, populist preacher

known for his street meetings, tent revivals, Christmas days spent with prisoners,

and distribution of food to the needy through a network

of over 30 churches.  He was recognized on the

Southside as the people's preacher.

More than any other National leader before him,

Bishop Ford raised the political profile of the Church of God in Christ

and provided a concrete model of what Dr. Franklin called political urban ministry.

He referred to Jesus' time in Palestine as an example of a holy man

who was not afraid of the "city realities".  He quoted Bishop Mason's

favorite passage -- I Timothy 2:1,2--in which the apostle Paul admonished

the saints to pray for those in political authority.  Dr. Franklin said that

Bishop Ford dismissed the world-rejecting theology of an earlier era

as a heretical, selfish escape from serious public engagement.  Bishop Ford felt

that the saints had insulated themselves and were inclined to

ignore social and political realities far too long.

 

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Below:  Bishop L. H. Ford Is Speaking At The Podium

Among General Board Bishops And Fellow Clergymen.

He Was Outspoken And Aggressive, But Good-Hearted!

As A People's Preacher, He Accepted Challenges And Successfully Got The Job Done!

 

 

Although thought by some in the Church to be less than prudent in his

political involvement, Bishop Fords astute public theology placed him

on the cutting edge of garnering resources for the poor and oppressed.

He led the Church to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit prisoners, open the

doors for employment, and to support the NAACP, the

Urban League, and scores of

organizations whose visions coincided with that of the Church

of God in Christ.  Dr. Franklin asserted that those visions included

humanizing the violent, individualistic, cold, inner city where most African

Americans live.

 

Upon becoming the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Ford led a delegation of the

denomination's bishops to visit Governor William (Bill) Clinton at

Little Rock, Arkansas, during the Holy Ghost Conference in that city in

1991.  He also invited Governor Clinton to the Memphis Convocation.

In November 1991, presidential candidate Clinton visited the 84h

Annual Holy Convocation, asking Bishop Ford's and the Church's

blessing and help in his bid for the presidency of the United States.

 

Bishop L. H. Ford Became A Trusted Advisor To

President Bill Clinton

 

 

In April 1993, President Clinton returned to Mason Temple to thank Bishop Ford

and the Church for their support.  Through his friendship with President

Clinton, Bishop Ford was able to harness resources for a

spillway in Holmes County, Mississippi, to correct a serious flooding problem

that the residents had endured throughout this 20th century.

Bishop Ford  broadened the black Pentecostal tradition's view of ministry

from direct acts of charity to infusing the arena of

public policy with a humanizing moral perspective.  Bishop Ford died suddenly

on March 31, 1995, three years into his full term as a Presiding Bishop.

Ten years earlier he had been near death, but had experienced a miraculous healing

and regained his full strength.  In exactly five years (April 5, 1990 - April 5, 1995), he

had completed his divinely appointed assignment,

was called home to glory, eulogized by the saints,

and laid to rest with his fathers and mothers.

 

Bishop Ford Is Seen Indulging In Powerful Conversation

With Dr. C. C. Owens At A Tent Meeting

 

Below, Bishop Ford (Far Right) Is In A Solemn Moment Of Prayer

 

One Of Dr. Mallory's Prized Students Was Responsible For

The "Rebuilding Of The Walls" Of

The Church Of God In Christ~{1990~1995};

"Rebuilding Of The Walls"

Was A Vision Of Bishop L. H. Ford For Forty Years~

Causing The Reopening Of Saints Academy And College

In Lexington, Mississippi

 

The Saints Industrial School in Lexington, Mississippi was eventually closed,

but during the reign of Bishop L. H. Ford it was revitalized and reopened!

In more recent years, during the reign of Bishop L. H. Ford (1990 - 1995),

who was characterized as being an aggressive and charismatic visionary with a

"Jonah Complex", received a vision from God forty years before 1990 to rebuild

the "walls" of the Church Of God In Christ.  Bishop L. H. Ford made an incredible

forty year journey in a mere four years.  The miracles began with the modernization

of our Historic Mason Temple complete with the elegantly decorated and fitting memorial

to our Sainted Father, Bishop Mason, the All Saints Fellowship Hall

and many other necessary amenities.

The building of COGIC'S walls continued with the acquisition of the apartment

complex adjacent to Mason Temple.  This building, which was in gross disrepair,

had been transformed into the Elsie W. Mason Saints Haven.  Named for

the widow of Bishop Mason, this complex had been designed to serve as a

facility to house senior saints who had physical impairments.  The

facility had been a blessing to those who had enjoyed its warmth and comfort.

It is handicap accessible and has the serene and comfortable  amenities

of a home.  Mother Elsie Mason, who fell victim to an impairment,

became the first permanent resident to this apartment complex.

The wall building continued with the Mother Mattie McGlothen Home Of Love

And Hope Emergency Shelter.  A place or refuge for battered or abused

women and children, this facility is one of a kind.  Because from this shelter,

the hungry will be fed, clothing given to those needing the same, and

counseling will be offered to the despondent and assistance to victims of

catastrophes across the land.

Lastly, up from the ashes comes what has been called one of the nations' finest

private schools.  Saints Academy and College in Lexington, Mississippi.

This newly reopened institution sits on over three hundred eighty acres

of prime land.  Every building has been thoroughly modernized

with amenities including central air and heat, newly tiled baths and

elegantly decorated interiors.

 

The crowning jewel of the campus is the beautiful and spacious

Deborah Mason Patterson Hall.  This multi-purpose building houses

a 1,000 seat auditorium, guest quarters, conference rooms, faculty offices,

the student dining room, and several other areas for multi-use activities.

 

In a mere 4 years, God used Presiding Bishop L. H. Ford, with assistance

from the General Board, the General Assembly and the Bishops, Supervisors,

Elders and Laymen, to complete the task.  Now the walls are nearly complete.

Mason Temple stands as the North wall, Saints Haven and the

McGlothen Shelter serves as the Western wall and to the South,

we have Saints Academy and College.  The work on the walls will not

cease because God reigns.  Our walled city, from which many

additional ministries will flourish, will continue to be built as

"The Vision Continues..."

 

Below, Bishop Christopher C. Owens And His Daughter, Sis. Christine J. Owens-Jones

In Front Of The 4 Million Dollar Deborah Mason Patterson Hall On

The Campus Of The Saints College In Lexington, Mississippi

 

 

 

Below {Top}:  The Multi-Purpose 4 Million Dollar Deborah Mason Patterson Hall

At Saints College In Lexington Mississippi, A Part Of The

"Wall Building" Project Of The COGIC,

A Vision Of The Presiding Bishop Ford {1990 ~ 1995}

The Chapel Above To the Right Is The O. M. Kelly Chapel, Which Was Donated

To The Campus By Bishop O. M. Kelly

 

The Vision Continues!

At Saints Campus In Lexington, Mississippi

In The Center Of The Above Bottom Picture {With The Suit}, Is Dr. Michael Eaddy,

Pastor Of The People's Church Of The Harvest Church Of God In Christ In Chicago, IL.

To His Right In The White Suit Is Bishop L. H. Ford, The Visionary Of

The "Building COGIC'S Walls Project".

 

 

From the foregoing, you see that the Saints Industrial School later became

Saints Academy and College in Lexington, Mississippi.

 

 

Below {Top}, The Elsie Washington Mason Saints Haven Is Located

In Memphis, Tennessee On The Worldwide Campus Of Mason Temple {Across The Street}

Bottom:  The McGlothen Shelter Is Located

Near The Mason Temple Campus In Memphis, Tennessee

 

 

 

 

 

Below, Bishop L. H. Ford (Far Right) Is Receiving

The Bishop C. H. Mason Award From The Religious Workers Guild, Inc.

Bishop Ford Is Flanked From 2nd Left To Right

By Bishop Willie Lee Porter,

Bishop Christopher C. Owens,

(Who Was The President And Founder Of The Religious Workers Guild, Inc.),

And Bishop A. B. McEwen

 

 

 

It Was Noted In Bishop Ford's Obituary That of All The Awards He Had Received

During His Lifetime,

He Favored The C. H. Mason Award Received

From The Religious Workers Guild, Inc.

Most Of All

 

 

Below:  ST. Paul Church Of God In Christ

A Christian Community Center

Pastor, Bishop Charles Ford, Son Of The Late Bishop L. H. Ford

Go To www.youtube.com Type In:

1st. Jurisdiction IL. Revival Convocation {6:03};

Bishop Louis H. Ford Preaches To The Saints {6:24};

Just Having Good Old Fashion Church In Chicago {9:16};

COGIC History {4:19} (Bishop Ford Narrating;

Rev. Jesse Jackson's Tribute To Bishop L. H. Ford {7:37};

Bishop Ithiel Clemmons Tribute To Bishop L. H. Ford {7:15};

Bishop Louis Henry Ford...COGIC #4 {2:07};

 

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~The Chandler David Owens Era (1996 - 2000)

The unexpected and untimely death of Bishop L. H. Ford

Leadership of the Church of God in Christ.

 

 

Bishop Chandler Davis Owens was a venerable fountain of knowledge and wisdom;

He was always quite gifted at exciting his audiences with

his deep, strong, voice and his electrifying oratory.

 

 

Born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 2, 1931, Bishop Owens

started preaching as a young child of about four or five years old,

 according to his testimony.  His ministry spanned more than seven decades;

Bishop Owens, with dedication and loyalty, served the Church of God

in Christ in various leadership roles including International President of the

Youth Congress, Chairman of the Constitution Committee Second Assistant,

Presiding Bishop and First Assistant Presiding Bishop, Preacher, Teacher,

Pastor of The Greater Community Church in Marietta, GA., and Prelate

of Central Georgia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

 

His heart for missions led him through financial and through

various other means to establish churches, schools, and transportation

for ministries in the Philippines, India, Malawi and Central Africa.

 

In November 1996, the General Assembly selected Bishop Chandler

David Owens, Bishop Ford's First Assistant Presiding Bishop, as

the fifth Leader of the denomination

Bishop Owens brought to the office of Presiding Bishop a more collegial

leadership style. 

Bishop Ford's leadership style, characterized as

authoritarian and aggressive, was thought by some

to be more suited behind

the scenes, heavy political action than diplomatic public governance.

Bishop Chandler Owens and the new generation leaders in his cabinet,

faced the awesome challenge of bringing the Church into ministry

in the 21st century.

 

 

In July 1995, Bishop Chandler Owens called the leadership to dialogue with him regarding

the vision, mission, and priorities of the Church of God in Christ

as it was approaching the year 2000.  The General Board had been primarily

focused on Bishop Ford's vision of restoration and priorities until

his untimely death.  In January 1996, Bishop Chandler Owens, together

with the board, launched Vision 2000 and Beyond.

 

The General Board and the Board of Bishops, who led some 150

jurisdictions, were composed of strong, successful leaders.  They were builders,

organizers, communicators, and administrators who were committed to the

renewal of the Church and the redemption of our society.

These leaders were conscious of the fact that this Church  was not summoned to

be an echo of the culture, nor to admire its economics, nor

to embrace its psychology, nor to certify its morality.  To become a faithful

Church, we were not called to replicate the things

of another generation, but to confront the dangers peculiar to this generation.

 

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We are conscious of the dialectic 

"of being in the world, but not of the world".  This means that

while we are a faith community that continues to seek order,

 security and prosperity, at the same time, we face the harder, more demanding

human issues of justice and humaneness.  We want to be a Church that

continues to seek growth, influence and respectability, but we also seek

the more demanding, evangelical questions of faithfulness,

renewal and information.

 

Among the projects set into motion under Vision 2000 and Beyond,

the one that really caught fire was the Regional Pastors' Church Growth Conferences.

Black Pentecostals are now able to concentrate on techniques of growth,

rather than on issues of survival.

This indicates that an economic and social class shift has occurred,

which is both a cause to celebrate, and also a challenge to fulfill

Vision 2000 and Beyond.

 

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Bishop Chandler Owens was a staunch defender of the Church of God in Christ.

he was always very outspoken, especially in

situations when he found it necessary to stand for holiness;

There were reports that Reverend Sun Myung Moon and his Unification

offered Bishop Chandler Owens in excess of one million dollars for a

pulpit address to the saints of the Church of God in Christ in Memphis,

Tennessee, in an effort to mainstream their heretical cult.  Upon hearing

the proposal, it is said that Bishop Chandler Owens responded by saying

that the Church of God in Christ was not a "prostitute or a whore, and the pulpit of

this church is not for sale".

 

On another occasion in Chicago, Illinois, Bishop Chandler Owens raised his concerns

openly and vocally that the Church of God in Christ had become

open to the homosexual agenda, but reminded the Church that the COGIC was

neither "Homosexual Central" nor a place where those in the sin of homosexuality

should feel comfortable.  He affirmed that the Church should not be open to,

nor affirm homosexuality in any manner.

 

Bishop Chandler Owens said that he had asked the Lord why He had left him here

on this earth as long as he did?  The Lord responded "I left you here to....bring the

Church of God in Christ back to its original posture and roots, so that we will become a

separate and a distinct people."  "God said that He called us out from among

other people--not because we're better than those people, but because we're different,

and we're willing to uphold the rules and regulations of holiness;  and that

I could not do this alone--I would need the help of all of the true saints."

 

In 1996 Bishop Chandler Owens called on COGIC to "Rebuild The Walls" of orthodoxy

to prevent the world's unclean spirits from invading the Church.

"I believe this is a time for spiritual repair,

Bishop Owens told COGIC members in Memphis."  "In many places those walls

have fallen.  We have allowed the church to be too open, and we have been invaded

by all kinds of people.  The church used to be a sanctuary, now its a zoo.  Everything

from everywhere has crept into the Church of God in Christ."

"He said the church has strayed too far from fundamentals."  He said,

"we are against same sex marriages.  I don't care what another church does.  In the

Church of God in Christ, a man--a real man--a 'sho nuf' man knows the

difference between Old Spice and Chanel No. 5....the COGIC won't ordain sissies!"

 

Bishop Chandler David Owens passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2011

at 79 years of age in Atlanta, GA.  An internationally

known leader, Bishop Owens

for more than 35 years faithfully served as a member of the General Board,

and from 1995 - 2000 as Presiding Bishop of The Church Of God In Christ.

 

Servant Well Done

 

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Below (Left To Right):  Six Of Our Great Leaders

{Asside From Our Senior Bishop C. H. Mason}

Bishop O. M. Kelly, Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr.,

Bishop A. B. McEwen, Bishop Chandler D. Owens,

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. & Bishop L. H. Ford

Have All Expired;  The COGIC Will Greatly Miss Them.

The Prominent Positions Which They Ultimately Acquired

Only Attest To The Fact That:

 

"Great Leaders Are First Loyal Followers"

 

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~The Gilbert E. Patterson Era (2000 - 2005)

 

Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson

{September 22, 1939 ~ March 20, 2007}

 

Let's Take A Closer Look At God's Vessel

 

 

The Great Struggle Before God's Plan For His Destiny:

Bishop Gilbert Patterson was saved in May of 1951 at the age of eleven at the

Holy Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee where his father,

Bishop W. A. Patterson, was the pastor.  The revival conductor was Elder Johnny Brown.

The following year, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan.

While yet in Detroit, Bishop Patterson received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost

at the age of 16 in 1956;  One month later, he was called into the ministry, and

in January of 1957, he preached his first message (Subject:  "We Wait For

Light, But We Walk In Darkness";  Text:  Isaiah 59:9).  Patterson was licensed

by his father in March of 1957, and ordained by Bishop J. S. Bailey in

August of 1958.

 

In December of 1961, Patterson returned to Memphis to serve as Co-Pastor

of his father's church,

the Holy Temple COGIC while he attended Lemoyne College.

From December of 1961 till June of 1964, the church had experienced no growth,

but after Gilbert Patterson led the congregation in a 3 day fast , followed

by a 30 day tent revival and subsequently bringing 55 new souls to the church, from

that time on, Gilbert Patterson exemplified a gift for drawing large crowds.

Because of his gift to gather large crowds and cause many souls to be saved,

by 1965 , he was known as God's Young Apostle.  He continued to Co-Pastor

The Holy Temple COGIC, and experienced tremendous growth between 1964 - 1974.

 

In 1969 after the death of Tennessee Bishop A. B. McEwen, Sr., a rift began with the

Patterson family.  Many of the Pastors of West Tennessee wanted Gilbert Patterson's

father, Bishop W. A. Patterson, Sr., to return from Detroit to full time service

in Memphis (with his church where his son was co-pastor)

and become the Jurisdictional

 Bishop of West Tennessee.  Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson refused,

using the Catholic church as his example.  He felt that the Presiding Bishop of

the Church of God in Christ should be the

Bishop of Memphis (should live where his church was located),

 just as the Pope (living in Rome) is the Bishop of Rome.

Bishop Gilbert attempted to champion the cause for his father, but failed.  During the

Convocation of 1974, the General Board supported the Presiding Bishop and was

preparing to move against Bishop W. A. Patterson, Sr., and his son (Gilbert), to

remove them from the Holy Temple Church in Memphis.  In an effort to

end the feud and stop any other efforts against his father, Gilbert Patterson resigned

from Holy Temple with an effective date of February 23, 1975. 

In the

meantime, Gilbert Patterson purchased and remodeled the old Mt. Vernon

Baptist Church Building at 547 Mississippi Blvd.  At that location he opened

Temple of Deliverance, The Cathedral of Bountiful Blessings, March 2, 1975. 

On that day 436 persons became members of he Church.  They came from

every denomination and religious organization in Memphis.  The Church was

too small from the first day.  In less than 3 years, the membership grew to over 2000,

therefore, immediate plans were set forth to build a larger sanctuary.

On October 8, 1978, 3 years and 7 months from the Church's opening,

Temple of Deliverance entered into its new sanctuary.

At a cost of 1.2 million dollars, it was the first Church built by blacks in Memphis,

at a cost more than a million dollars (as noted in Jet Magazine).  

By 1984, the 1200 seat capacity could no longer accommodate the 11:00 A. M.

worshipers.  On July 5, 1987, Chandler David Owens dedicated the new wing

which seated approximately 600.

As time went by, Bishop Gilbert Patterson had to build yet another larger sanctuary.

Today, Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ

is one of the nation's fastest growing congregations with over 18,000

on its membership roll.  In 2000, Calhoun Street, where Bountiful

Blessing is located, was renamed G. E. Patterson Ave. in honor of Bishop Patterson.

 

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Patterson founded the rapidly growing Bountiful Blessings Ministry (BBM)

which is viewed internationally on The Word Network weekly, as well as on local

TV Stations throughout the nation.

Bountiful Blessings Ministry has a mailing list of over 100,000 active donors

from outside the Memphis viewing audience. 

Below, Evangelist Louise D. Patterson (his wife for over 35 years)

is now the Chairperson and CEO of Bountiful Blessings Ministries.

 

Bishop Gilbert & Evangelist Louise Patterson

 

 

After studying at the Detroit Bible Institute, and the LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis,

Bishop Patterson held an Honorary Doctorate degree from Oral Roberts University,

and was the President of the Charles H. Mason Bible College of Tennessee

Fourth Jurisdiction in Memphis.

Bishop Patterson was a publisher of Bountiful Blessings Magazine and a contributing

writer in the Spirit Filled life Bible (King James Version) published by Thomas

Nelson Publishers and edited by Dr. Jack Hayford.  In 2002,

Whitaker House released Patterson's first book, entitled:  "Here Comes The Judge".

 

See Below:  A Sample Of The Bountiful Blessings Magazine

And "Here Comes The Judge"

 

An Excellent Book ~ Good Reading

 

 

God's Design For Bishop Gilbert Patterson's

Position Within The COGIC Finally Coming Into Fruition:

 

The Devil Tried, But Could Not Block God's Holy Vessel!

 

In 1986, during a telephone conversation with his uncle, Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson,

the Presiding Bishop expressed his desire to see his nephew back as an active

member of the Church of God in Christ.  As a result of that phone conversation,

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., had Gilbert Patterson's name added to the General Board's

agenda during the Convocation of 1986.  Many of the General Board members

had waited for this day and had often spoken of Gilbert Patterson's return.

Board members, such as O. T. Jones, Jr., F. D. Washington, J. D. Husband, Leroy Anderson,

and C. D. Owens had given him their ardent support.  The most vocal was

Gilbert Patterson's life long friend, Bishop Chandler David Owens;

 He refused to break his friendship with Gilbert Patterson, although he was

frequently under great pressure to do so.  During the November 1986

General Board meeting, the General Board members voted 11 to 0 to invite

Gilbert Patterson to come back to the active ministry of the COGIC as a

Jurisdictional Bishop with the Jurisdiction in Memphis.  This meeting was

chaired by Bishop Ford in the absence of Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr.

This action of the General Board meeting of 1986 was not executed by Bishop J. O.

Patterson, Sr., until  January 1988 at the Bishop's Conference in

Jacksonville, Florida.

 

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Bishop Gilbert Patterson was elected to the General Board in 1992 and again in 1996.

After graciously conceding the last election that he lost by only 1 vote to

Bishop Chandler Owens (1,429 - 1,428), Patterson's supporters, including a number of bishops,

immediately called for a recount, but Gilbert Patterson waived them off.

Gilbert Patterson told the denomination's 89th General Assembly in Memphis,

"Thank you for your support, but I never want to see the Church of God

in Christ split over whether or not I should have been elected

Presiding Bishop."  Patterson's broader view made him more popular than ever;

Four years later he was elected Presiding Bishop of the

Church of God in Christ by a wide margin;

Bishop Gilbert Patterson was elected on November 14, 2000 by more than 900 votes.

 

Bishop Patterson, one of the denomination's most popular preachers,

had become its leading advocate for crossing ecumenical, interfaith,

interracial and even secular boundaries.

 

According to Dr. Robert Franklin, a Professor at Emory University's Candler

School of Theology and a member of the Church of God in Christ, "Bishop Gilbert Patterson

was a stabilizing figure, a bridge figure between older and younger

members of the denomination."

"He helped bring the Church forward out of its insularity and into interaction

within the public square.  He moved the entire denomination forward

with the force of his own piety and his dynamic personality and preaching."

Bishop Patterson often said that he was a spokesman for the Holy Ghost.  he

was called to transmit the truth, the raw gospel, the inspired, infallible and undefiled

word of God.  He preached without notes (usually 30 - 45 minutes);  His deep,

resonant voice would usually start slowly and lowly;  It would then pick up steam,

moving from a whisper to a shout, from talking to singing, from solemn to sanctified.

 

In 2002, Gilbert Patterson charted COGIC Charities, Inc.  Through this non-profit

corporation, the Church of God in Christ, Inc. has assisted victims of natural disasters both

foreign and domestic, as well as other charitable efforts to uplift humanity.

 

He was one of the most sought after speakers in the country. 

His character, his leadership and

his powerful preaching,

extended his influence beyond the Church he loved

so dearly!

 

Patterson died on March 20, 2007 of heart failure. 

In 2005 he announced that he was battling prostate cancer, and was hospitalized in

January for an unannounced illness.  On March 28, 2007 the Senate of

The United States of America passed a resolution celebrating the life of

Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson.  The sponsors were Senators Obama, Levin, Kerry,

Alexander, and Corker.  He was interred at Memorial Park Cemetery

in Memphis.

 

Bishop Patterson's dear friend and First Assistant Presiding Bishop

of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.,

Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr., succeeded him as Presiding Bishop.

 

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Below (Left - Right):  Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson

And Bishop Christopher C. Owens

Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson Was The Special Guest Speaker At

Congratulatory Banquet For Dr. Christopher C. Owens

 

 

Below:  2ND From Left, We See Bishop Gilbert Patterson, Elder A. Z. Hall.

And The Late Bishop Christopher C. Owens

Bishop Gilbert Patterson , The Nephew Of The Late Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr.,

Was Elected The Presiding Bishop Of The Church Of God In Christ After

Bishop Chandler David Owens Had Served As Presiding Bishop

 

 

 

Bishop Gilbert Patterson's Cabinet

 

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~The Charles Edward Blake Era (2007 - )

 

Centennial Celebration Of 100 Years {2007}

 

A Respected And Dynamic Preacher, A World Class Leader,

A Visionary, A Friend:

The Presiding Bishop Of The Church Of God In Christ ~

Bishop Charles Edward Blake

 

 

 

Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr., serves as the Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the

Church of God in Christ, Inc., a close to 8 million-member

Pentecostal-Holiness denomination. On March 21, 2007,

he became the Presiding Bishop of the COGIC due

to the untimely death of the former Presiding Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson.

In a November 2007 special election, he was elected to complete

the unexpired term of his predecessor as Presiding Bishop.  Then again,

in November 2008, Bishop Blake was re-elected to serve a full

four-year term as Presiding Bishop.

 

Bishop Blake is the fifth Presiding Bishop and the 7th Leader of the historically

African-American denomination.  From 1985 - 2009, he was the

Jurisdictional Prelate of The First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of California,

overseeing more than 250 churches that make up the jurisdiction.  He was succeeded

 by Bishop Joe L. Ealy.

 

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Bishop Blake is the pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, on

of the largest Churches in the Western United States, with a membership of over 24,000.

He is recognized as one of the great preachers of this generation with a message

that ministers to the whole person and brings people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds

together.  In 1982, he was selected by Ebony Magazine as one of the 15

"Greatest Preachers in America".  Since 2007, Ebony has recognized Bishop Blake annually

as one of the 100 + most influential African Americans.

 

Bishop Blake has been long noted and respected for his intellectual,

dynamic, expository delivery and style of preaching.  He is an ardent advocate of education

and academic excellence, who holds multiple academic and honorary degrees,

from various educational institutions.  Most recently, California State University,

Los Angeles, conferred an honorary doctorate upon him (June 12, 2010).

 

In response to the HIV/Aids crisis in Africa, Blake founded and

is the president of the Pan African Children's Fund (PACF).  Save Africa's

Children, a program of PACF, currently provides support to over 220 orphanages

throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

He was the Founding Chair of the Board of Directors for, and serves as a member of

the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, and as a Board member of the

Board of Directors for the Interdenominational Theological Seminary.

Blake has served as the Chair of the Executive Committee, member of the Board

of Directors of Oral Roberts University, and as member of the Board of Directors

of International Charismatic Bible Ministries.

 

Blake has also formerly served as an Advisory Committee Member of The Pentecostal

World Conference, and as the founder and Co-Chair of the Los Angeles Ecumenical

Congress (LAEC), an interdenominational coalition of religious leaders and pastors.

He has also been awarded the Salvation Army's William Booth Award, The

Greenlining Institute's Big Heart Award, and was the designated recipient of the L.A.

Urban League's Whitney M. Young Award for the year 2000.

 

 

Below:  Bishop Charles And First Lady May Blake

Bishop Charles Blake Became The Presiding Bishop Of The Church Of God In Christ

After The Demise Of Bishop G. E. Patterson

 

Pictured Below:  The Presiding Bishop Charles Blake And His Cabinet

Go To www.youtube.com Type In:  COGIC Bishop Charles Blake

Sermon Convocation GE Patterson (2:02)

COGIC Bishop Blake Sermon Convocation GE Patterson (1:16)

Bihsop Charles E. Blake @ Southwestern FL Jurisdiction Holy Convocation (Part 2)

COGIC Praise Break Bishop Chandler David Owens Pioneer Series

Find More Selections On The Video Journal Web Page!

 

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Bishop Blake has quoted the 8th Chapter of the Book of Acts, as it pertains to the

first expansion of the Church of Jerusalem, to validate COGIC'S decision

of "Thinking Outside The Box", and Moving the 103rd Holy Convocation

to St. Louis, MO for 2010 ~ 2012.  He was convinced that it was God's will for the COGIC

to move outside of its comfort zone--its Jerusalem (Memphis) and to launch

out into the deep;  Bishop Blake had stated that "Though it took extraordinary

circumstances to dislodge the believers from the comfort zone of Jerusalem,

the hand of God would later prove to be the instrument that started the evangelical

thrust that we are beneficiaries of".  As a visionary, he further suggests that "the

COGIC has launched out into the deep waters of God's will to change the world,

and that this most recent activity was an opportunity for the

Church of God in Christ to serve as a "Flame of Evangelism" to impact

the Midwest and further equip the Church to represent God's Ambassadors

of good will towards all."

 

It has been the desire of our Presiding Bishop that all saints

 would become dreamers and visionaries and strive to make great accomplishments

for kingdom living;  that we develop leadership abilities, sharpening our

theological foundation, strengthening social justice through community

development, and equipping ourselves to live a life that pleases God.

 

Presiding Bishop Blake and the presidium had commissioned a national team

of planners, capital development professionals, and church leaders to implement

the timely completion of the project of an impressive, global,

administrative, informational and operational center on the campus of the

Worldwide Mason Temple Headquarters.

Bishop Sedgwick Daniels was selected to chair this committee

and orchestrate deliverables in concert with the administrative team at headquarters.

 

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The John Lee Administrative Center was designed to afford denominational

departments and ministries the ability to empower congregational initiatives,

strengthen Jurisdictional programs, and advance international

COGIC ministries.

 

Our Worldwide campus is a federally designated national landmark, and for the first

time in 40 years, our ministries will operate from a central

location in Memphis on the Campus of Mason Temple.

The Presiding Bishop pushed for  a capital campaign of more than

2 million dollars to under-right this project.

  This involved the renovation of 20,000 additional square feet

on the John Lee Administration Building at our World wide Headquarters

of Mason Temple.  The project was completed slightly ahead of schedule in 2010.

 

Below:  Current Development Improvement Project Of

The Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

The John Lee Administration Building Signage

Campus Of The Mason Temple World-Wide Headquarters

Memphis, Tennessee

 

 

Below:  The John Lee International Administration Building Renovation Development Project

In Progress, Scheduled For Opening in 2011

 

 

Below:  The Church Of God In Christ International Administrative Headquarters

John Lee Building, Scheduled For Opening Wednesday September 8, 2010 at 5:00 P.M.

On The Campus Of Mason Temple World-Wide Headquarters

With An Episcopal Designation And Building Dedication

 

 

Bishop Charles Edward Blake's Cabinet

 

Top Row Left To Right:  Bishop Charles E. Blake, Presiding Bishop

(Prelate, California Southern First - A position Which Was Relinquished

By Him This Year 2010, Los Angeles, California), Bishop Phillip Aquilla Brooks, II,

First Assistant Presiding Bishop, (Prelate, Michigan Northeast, Detroit, Michigan),

Bishop Jerry Wayne Macklin, (Prelate NorCor Metropolitan, Haward, California),

Bishop Wilbur Wyatt Hamilton, Secretary To The General Board,

(Prelate, California Northwest, Seaside, California),

 

Second Row From Top Left To Right:  Roy Lawrence Hailey Winbush,

Assistant Secretary To The General Board, (Prelate, Louisiana First, Lafayette, Louisiana),

Bishop Chandler David Owens, Former Presiding Bishop,

(Prelate, Georgia Central, Marietta, Georgia)

Bishop J. Neaul Haynes, (Prelate, Texas Northeast First, Dallas, Texas)

Bishop Samuel Lee Green, Jr., (Prelate, Virginia Second, Newport News, Virginia),

 

Third Row From Left To Right:  Bishop George Dallas McKinney,

(Prelate, California Southern Second, San Diego, California),

Bishop Nathaniel Wyoming Wells, (Prelate, Michigan Western, Benton Harbor, Michigan),

Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, (Prelate, Wisconsin Southeast First, Milwaukee, Wisconsin),

Bishop Frank O. White, (Prelate, New York Eastern Third, New York, New York)

 

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Loyal Followers:  In The Mid - 1960's Some Members Of Bishop Mason's Executive Council

And Other General Board "Members-To-Be" Stand With An Aged

Bishop A. B. McEwen, Sr.  Left To Right:

Bishops:  F. D. Washington, John White, J. A. Blake, Wyoming Wells

Samuel Crouch, J. O. Patterson, Sr., A. B. McEwen, O. M. Kelly,

J. S. Bailey, B. S. Lyles, D. Lawrence Williams, And J. D. Husband.

 

 

Below, From Left To Right:  We See Bob Mason, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr.,

Dr. Christopher C. Owens (Founder And National President  Of The Religious Workers Guild),

Bishop Ozro Thurston Jones, The Presiding Bishop Of The COGIC At That Time,

And Bishop Louis Henry Ford

 

 

Today, the COGIC has a worldwide membership estimated to be more than 8 million

members in more than 60 Nations.  In 2007 COGIC celebrated its 100th Convocation,

and today the COGIC has the largest Pentecostal denomination.

The COGIC has churches, schools, missions and medical clinics in nearly 60

nations on 5 continents including Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Belize, Brazil,

Chile, Argentina, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, Germany,

Pakistan, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.  The COGIG also operates

schools of higher learning:  All Saints Bible College, Memphis, Tennessee,

The C. H. Mason Bible College, The C. H. Mason Theological Seminary.

 

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~100th Year - (2007)

Below:  The Centennial Convocation Of The COGIC

At The Cook Convention Center In Memphis, Tennessee

Thousands Of Delegates Are Attending The Convocation Here, And

Simultaneously, Thousands Are Attending Services At Mason Temple

And Other Church Locations Within The City Of Memphis

Because There Is Never Enough Space To House All Of The Saints Under One Roof

As Prophesied By Bishop Mason Many Years Ago!!

 

You May Listen To The COGIC Hymn "Yes Lord" During This 100th

Holy Convocation If You Go To www.youtube.com and Type In:

The Yes Lord Hymn At Holy Convocation 2007;

According To Dr. Arenia C. Mallory's Biographer And

Personal Secretary {Dovie Simmonds}, The Yes Lord Praise Originated

When Dr. Mallory Repeatedly Sang It As She Repented

Before She Was Reinstated To Her Position As President Of  The

Saints Industrial School In Lexington, Mississippi;

She Was Allowed To Go Forth And The Lord Gave Her This Song As She

Cried And Publicly Repented At A COGIC In New York.

You May Read About Her Situation On The Mission Page Of This Website.

 

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~The COGIC'S 100 Year History Presidium Platform

 

 

The Timeline Delineates The Pertinent Dates And Presiding Bishops Of The COGIC'S

100 Year History:

 

1896} Charles H. Mason And Charles Jones Form The Church Of God

1897} Name Changed To Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) 

1907} Jones Splits With Mason And Forms Church Of Christ (Holiness) USA

1907} MASON UNANIMOUSLY CHOSEN & BECOMES GENERAL

OVERSEER AND CHIEF APOSTLE OF THE COGIC:

Mason, Elder D. J. Young, And Elder J. A. Jeter Traveled To The Azusa

Street Revival In Las Angeles, CA, And Heard The Teachings Of Elder W. J. Seymour - The

Father Of 20th Century Pentecostalism.  They Became Convinced That The Outpouring

Of The Holy Ghost Was An Essential Part Of The Salvation Experience Of The Believer.

As A Result Of The Holy Ghost Baptism Mason Experienced (With The Initial

Evidence Of Speaking In Tongues), He Returned To Memphis To Share His Testimony

With Other Members Of His Fellowship.  All Ministers Who Believed In The Baptism

Of The Holy Ghost According To The Account In Acts 2:1 - 4 Followed Mason In The

Split With Charles Jones.  They Were:  E. R. Driver, J. Bowe, R. R. Booker, R. E. Hart,

W. Welsh, A. A. Blackwell, E. M. Page, R. H. Clark, D. J. Young,

James Brewer, Daniel Spearman, And J. H. Boone.  These Men Of God Organized

The First Assembly Of The Church Of God In Christ.

1914} White Ministers Form Assemblies Of God After Leaving COGIC

1940} COGIC Headquarters Built In Memphis, Tennessee 1945} Completed

1961} Presiding Bishop C. H. Mason Dies

1961} Ozro Thurston Jones Becomes Senior Bishop.  Serves Until 1968

1968} James O. Patterson, Sr., Becomes Presiding Bishop...Serves Until 1989

1989} Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. Dies

1990} Louis Henry Ford Becomes Presiding Bishop.  Serves Until 1995

1995} Chandler David Owens Becomes Presiding Bishop.  Serves Until 2000

2000} Gilbert Earl Patterson Elected Presiding Bishop

2007} Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson Dies

2007} Charles E. Blake Elected Presiding Bishop

 

 

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~Prominent Bishops Of The Church Of God In Christ

These Young Preachers (Many Of Which Were, At The Time, Elders)

Became Prominent Bishops Within The COGIC,

And Some Are Still Alive Today (2010) And Some Are Members Of The

General Board Of The Current Presiding Bishop Of The COGIC.

As Of 2010, The Presiding Bishop Of The COGIC Is Bishop Charles E. Blake

 

From Left To Right Above:  Bishop W. L. Porter, Bishop R. L. Winbush,

Bishop Charles Blake, Elder W. D. Haynes, Bishop P. A. Brooks,

Bishop William James, Bishop C. D. Owens, Bishop Rodger Jones,

Elder Stitts, Bishop Charles Brewer, Bishop J. N. Haynes,

Bishop Earl Wright, And Elder J. Edward Lee

 

 

Legendary Leaders

From Left To Right:  Bishop J. S Bailey, Bishop S. M. Crouch (California)

Bishop R. E. Ranger (Texas), Bishop Page (California), Bishop Eastland,

Bishop O. T. Jones, Jr., Bishop Glispe

 

Below:  Front Row 2nd Left, Dr. C. C. Owens,

To The Right Of Dr. C. C. Owens ~ Bishop J. O. Patterson,

2nd Row Directly Behind Dr. Owens ~ Bishop F. D. Washington,

Flanked By A Host Of Bishops

 

Left To Right:  Bishop C. H. Mason, Bishop J. A. Watley

And Bishop Christopher C. Owens

 

 

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Or Continue To Scroll Downward For More Historical Facts

Or Click On The Ladies Below To Surf To The Top

 

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~Below Are Scrapbook News Relics Saved By Bishop C. C. Owens.

We See Mason Temple, The World Headquarters Of The C. O. G. I. C.,

Which Was Named After Our Founder, Bishop C. H. Mason.

Mason Temple Is Located At 958 South Fifth Street In Memphis, Tennessee,

Construction Began In 1940,

And Was Completed In November, 1945,

And Dedicated At The National Convocation In 1945.

In 1945 The Church Of God In Christ Celebrated Its 38th Convocation,

And Bishop Mason's 50th Anniversary In The Ministry.

This Article Was Written In The Memphis Commercial Appeal Newspaper

 

 

 

 

 

 

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~COGIC History Continued

The Dedication Of The Chapel At Saints College In Lexington, Mississippi

Pictured Below Are From Left To Right:  Clara Cantrell Clemmons,

Bishop C. W. Williams, Bishop O. M Kelly (Affectionately Called Pops

Or Mr. Church Of God In Christ), Bishop C. C. Owens.

They Were Attending The Dedication Ceremony For The Chapel For Which

Bishop O. M. Kelly Donated To The Church Of God In Christ At Saints College

In Lexington, Mississippi (He Had It Built From The Ground) On

Friday, April 19, 1974.

 

 

 

 

Above:  Dr. Arenia Mallory

 

Dr. Arenia Mallory (President Of Saints College) Gave A Request To Bishop

Kelly To Do Something Special For The College, And As He States

In His Book (The Profile Of A Churchman:  The Life Of Otha M. Kelly

In The Church Of God In Christ), God Gave Him The Unction To Build A Chapel

For The Saints College On The Campus In Lexington, Mississippi;

God's Work Will Be Accomplished Through His Servants;  During The First

Few Months Of The Project $35,000 Started Rolling In From Donations. 

God's Blessing Was On The Project!

 

 

The O. M. Kelly Chapel Is Seen Below, Bottom Row To The Right

 

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Or Continue To Scroll Downward!

 

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~More Scrapbook Relics

Again, Pictured Below Is A Stained Glass Caricature Image Of

Bishop Charles Harrison Mason Expounding The Gospel From the Bible

As Seen From The Balcony Area

Of Mason Temple

We Will Use This Image To Direct You To Some Very Interesting

Videos Reflecting Bishop C. H. Mason And Azusa Street Facts

 

Go To www.youtube.com Type In:  COGIC CH Mason/GE Patterson Praise Dance;

Bishop Charles H. Mason (1:45);

The Church Of God In Christ History (3:26);

Azusa & Church of God in Christ History by Dr. Henry Phillips (4:28);

Bishop C. H.  Mason (6:05);

 

Continue To Surf Below For Interesting Pictures Of Prominent Bishops In The COGIC

And Important Articles On The Women Of The COGIC,

Dr. Arenia C. Mallory,

Supervisor Lizzie Robinson,

And Mother Lillian Brooks Coffey

Above:  This Is An Excellent Account Of Bishop C. H. Mason

And The Roots Of The Church Of God In Christ

Written By Bishop Ithiel Clemmons

 

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or continue to scroll downward

 

 

Pictured Below Is A Listing Of Biblical Facts

Outlined By  Bishop Charles Harrison Mason

Featured In The Memphis Commercial Appeal Newspaper

November, 1959

 

 

More Scrapbook Relics Of Bishop Christopher C. Owens

Concerning Bishop C. H. Mason's Personal Lifestyle

Bishop Mason married Elsie Washington, an educator in the Memphis City Schools.

She became editor in chief of the Whole Truth Newspaper (1942).

 

 

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answer trivia questions or continue to scroll downward

 

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Below:  More Pictures From The Scrapbook Archives Of

Bishop Christopher C. Owens

(A Continuation Of COGIC History)

 

 

Below:

 Preachers From Left To Right:  Bishop Chandler Owens,

Bishop C. L. Anderson, Bishop Neaul Haynes, Bishop P. A. Brooks,

?, Bishop Winbush, Bishop Gilbert Patterson, ?, Bishop Ithiel Clemmons

It Is Difficult To Distinguish The Clarity Of The Faces Of The 5th & 8th Preachers!

The 8th Preacher, With His Head Down Appears To Be Bishop Rodger Jones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Scrapbook Relics From Bishop C. C. Owens:

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Scrapbook Relics From Bishop C. C. Owens

 

 

 

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Or Continue To Scroll Downward For More Historical Facts!

 

 

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Below:  More Pictures From The Scrapbook Archives

Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

Below:  The Cornerstone Drive Continues.

The Laying Of The Cornerstone For The Publishing House  

At The 52nd National Meeting In Memphis, Tennessee.

The Saints Were Outside Collecting Funds For

The Cornerstone Of The Publishing House Of The COGIC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Three Preachers On The Bottom Row Above From Left To Right:

Bishop J. O. Mason, Bishop D. M. Cleaver, Dr. D. L. Caruthers.

 

 

Bishop J. O. Mason (Far Left On The Bottom Row Of The Above Picture)

was the pastor of the Prayer Garden COGIC located near 59th & State Street

in Chicago, Illinois.  Below is a picture of the gathering of World Bishops

meeting at his church in January of 1955.

 

This was an assemblage of bishops of the Church Of God In Christ:

From Left To Right:  Bishop John E. Watley, Overseer of England and the British Isles;

Bishop Cain Scott, Overseer of Northern Illinois; and

Bishop J. O. Mason, Overseer of Costa Rica.

Their joined hands represented a "Symbolic Clasp Of Fellowship"

 

 

It Was The Picture Below Of Dad Mason That Was Used To Produce

The Stained Glass Caricature Shown Previously.  (See Below)

(Only The Caricature Is In Reverse Of The Original Image)

 

 

Bishop Charles Pleas (as seen in the above photo - 3rd from the left bottom row),

converted to Holiness in 1896 through the preaching of

Bishop C. H. Mason.  In 1957 the COGIC celebrated its 50th Jubilee

Anniversary of its reorganization as a Pentecostal denomination.

Bishop C. Pleas published the book "Fifty Years Of Achievement".

 

 

This Caricature Of Bishop C. H. Mason Was A Model Depicting The First Picture

Of C. H. Mason In The Above Segment (Only The Image Is Reversed)

 

 

 

 

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  Below, Bishop J. E. Watley Was Quite Often

In The Church Of God In Christ Newspaper Called

"The Evangelist Speaks"

C. Range, Whose Picture Is Reflected Some Newsletter Pages Upwards,

Was The Editor Of "The Evangelist Speaks"    

              

 

 

March of 1955

Pictured Below, we see Bishop John E. Watley en route to

London England to preside over a church convocation.

Bishop John E. Watley is seen here waving farewell to his friends

at Chicago's Midway Airport.  He was making his third European trip

on behalf of the COGIC.  He toured Germany, Switzerland and Italy while abroad.

 

 

News Clippings From The Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

 

 

 

 

Click On Us To Surf To The Bible/Church Trivia Web Page To Answer Questions

Or Continue To Scroll Downward!

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~Bishop C. C. Owens

The Late Bishop C. C. Owens Presents

Character Superlatives For Prominent Bishops

Of The COGIC In The Memphis Commercial Appeal

November 1959

Bishop Superlatives As Listed Above By Bishop C. C. Owens:

J. O. Patterson, Sr. -- Most Conservative

F. D. Washington -- Most Progressive

L. M. Driver -- Most Hospitable

A. B. McEwen -- Most Liberal

L. H. Ford -- Most Energetic And Aggressive

G. W. Shipman -- Most Theological

O. T. Jones, Sr. -- Most Philosophical

S. M. Crouch -- Most Reserved

O. M. Kelly -- Religious Politician

J. E. Watley -- Globetrotter

J. S. Bailey -- Most Poised

D. L. Williams -- Pentecostal Alliance Inclined

A. A. Childs -- Promoter Of Foreign Bishops

E. Lenox -- Welfare Of The Clergy

H. Dell -- Information Bureau Of General Council

Minor Jones -- Business, Lover Of Fine Foods

B. S. Lyle -- Tall, Dark, Handsome

W. A. Patterson -- A Preacher At Heart

Wyoming Wells -- Pulpit Dramatizer

Charles Pleas -- Church At Heart

C. E. Bennett -- Eloquence Of Speech

W. L. Morris -- Great Collector Of Church's Concessions

C. Range -- A Great Journalist

 

 

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Bishop Christopher C. And Evangelist Elvie J. Owens

Were Married For A Total Of 63 Years Before The Demise  Of Bishop Owens

 

 

 

 

 

The Late Bishop C. C. Owens Presents An Explanation

Of The Religious Workers Guild Awards

Printed In The Memphis Commercial Appeal Newspaper

November, 1959

 

 

 

 

 

Newspaper Clippings From The Scrapbook Archives Of Bishop C. C. Owens

 

 

Click below to surf to the Bishop's Transition Page or continue to scroll downward

 

 

 

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Or Continue To Scroll Downward For More Historical Facts

Or Click On The Ladies Below To Surf To The Top

 

 

Click On Us To Surf To The Bible/Church Trivia Page

Or  Scroll Downward

 

 

Click here to surf to the Missions Page of this website to continue Historical Facts

of the Women Supervisors Of  The COGIC, And to find out

1) Why Was There A Need To Institute A National Women's Department

&

2) Why Did Mother Coffey See A Need To Institute A National Women's Covention

 

Or

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You May Continue To Scroll Downward To Locate Listings

On You Tube:

~These Are Listings Pertaining To Historic Names Or

Historic Events Mentioned On Either Of The Following Web Pages

On This Website:

Historic Reflections, Missions, Religious Workers Guild,

Video Journal And Bishop's Transition

Go To www.youtube.com

And Type In The Particular Listings As Given Within This

You Tube Section And Then Click On Search!

 

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COGIC Pioneer You Tube Listings:

 

You May Continue To Scroll Downward To Locate Listings

On You Tube:

These Are Listings Pertaining To Historic Names Or

Historic Events Mentioned On Either Of The Following Web Pages

On This Website

Go To www.youtube.com

And Type In The Particular Listing As Given Within This

You Tube Section

 

~COGIC Pioneer You Tube Listings:

Type In The Following Headings On The You Tube (www.YouTube.com)

For Interesting Videos Pertaining To Many Of Our Topics

Discussed On This Historic Reflections Web Page:

 

1) COGIC Praise Break Dance Of Bishop CH Mason Rare  Footage 1:10

2) COGIC CH Mason/GE. Patterson Dancing 2:56

3) The Church Of God In Christ (3:26)

4) Bishop C. H. Mason (6:05) - Hear Bishop Mason Speak

5) Revival At Azusa Street (2:01)

6) Bishop Charles H. Mason 1:45 Footage of Mason Prayer Service

7) Azusa And Church Of God In Christ History (4:28) by Dr. Henry Phillips

8) COGIC Prayer Bishop Leroy Anderson Praise Pioneer Series

9) Mother Willie Mae Smalls Rivers

10) COGIC Bishop CL Anderson Mother Willie Mae Rivers

11) COGIC State Mother Crouch Mother Nash

12) COGIC Praise Break Bishop Chandler David Owens

13) COGIC Glory To Glory Praise C H Mason GE Patterson

14) Church of God in Christ Journey Of The Bishops

15) Bishop W. A. Patterson - "Jesus!" (2:06)

15b) Bishop W. A. Patterson "Jesus" (4:07)

16) Bishop W. A. Patterson Clip 1

17) Bishop W. A. Patterson Clip 2 (4:13)

18) COGIC Bishop W. A. Patterson Father Of GE Patterson

As a personal note concerning Bishop W. A. Patterson:

He used to preach the official message at various church anniversaries

for Bishop Christopher C. Owens;  Many times he was the house guest

of Bishop Owens.

19) W. A. Patterson WAP9187 Pt 2

20) The Prayer Ministry Of Mother Elsie Shaw (9:50)

Elsie Shaw was known as a prayer warrior.

She spoke in tongues as God gave her utterance (she had the gift of tongues).

She also had the Gift for interpreting tongues (as seen in the above video).

She was the wedding planner for Bishop C. C. & Elvie J. Owens over 64 years ago.

Mother Elvie Owens used to comb Elsie Shaw's hair, as she was a neighbor

who lived across the street from her.

21) Mother Francis Kelly Prayer at TWC09 (5:17)

22) Part 1/6 The Late Mother Bramm Bibby (6:36)

22b) COGIC Madam Emily Bramm Bibby Testimony Of Praise (2:44)

22c) COGIC Madam Emily Bramm Bibby Testimony  In Song (4:31)

23) Bishop G. E. Patterson (3:01)

24) Bishop GE Patterson "Sunday Morning Memphis" #5 - 2006

25) God Can Turn it Around Praise Break Break!

26) Bishop J. O. Patterson & Evangelist Emily

27) Bishop F. D. Washington Preaches To The Saints

28) Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Testifies! Enjoy! I Did

(It Also Gives A Brief Biography - You Must Read It Rapidly)

29) Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Sings With Twinkie! Enjoy PT 2

30) Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Sings With Twinkie! Enjoy PT 3

 

 

 

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or

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And Ultimately To the Religious Workers Guild Page To Find More

Important Faces And Corresponding Videos On YouTube!

 

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