Bishop C.H. Mason

The Church Of God In Christ celebrates the birth of our founder, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. Bishop Mason’s unfeigned loyalty to God and unwavering leadership to the church infused and imparted a Pentecostal sagacity that has empowered millions. His quintessential labor and epical legacy enveloped a global prototype for religious leaders and the entire COGIC populace.  His mantle is too enormous for one denomination or community of believers. Bishop Mason’s exaltation in worship, prayerful idioms, and numinous disposition ascended the COGIC worship experience and embodied the worship style recognized by world religions and all mainstream American denominations.

Bishop Mason’s homily encircled a holiness code of behavior embracing sanctification and Pentecostalism. He adamantly directed any personal adulation to God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost our Comforter. His epitaphic inscription of “Yes, Lord” continues to surface in congregations everywhere and echoes through the corridors of our spirit in word and song.

Although, he was born during the emancipation era with humble beginnings, his heritage was rich with benevolence, witness, tangible anointing and ministry impact which engendered spiritual liberation and religious excellence that would stand as the hallmark of not only this great man of God, but of the reformation that he would found. The Church Of God In Christ honors all of our patriarchs and matriarchs, and esteems the global proportion of our founder’s labor. With double honor, we salute and respect the sainted work of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason.

The COGIC Call to Catechism, Celebration and Stewardship

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake has inspired the COGIC community to embrace urban initiatives through an insightful and strategic plan.  These multi-faceted initiatives envelopes five core areas which include; education, economic development, crime, family, and financial literacy that address contemporary issues in our community. The Church Of God In Christ is recognized as the 4^th largest religious reformation in America. Our tradition and polity encircles transparency, developmental stability, and historic preservation. The church’s biblical foundational tenets provide a plethora of ministry opportunities and an array of institutional deliverables. COGIC presence has positively impacted every major U. S. urban population with a diversity of ministries and community enhancing outreach provided by over 12,000 active congregations. 

 Our divinely inspired global mandate to provide vision casting, ministry development, technical support, and best practice dialogue, has propelled our denomination to convene frequent, powerful, confabulations and leadership development opportunities that have enhanced communities through out this nation. These sessions analyze our denominational modus operandi, ensure organizational compliance, and identify obtainable resources for ministries. Church leaders are entrusted to vanguard our heritage and promote biblical conformity through empowering ministry opportunities. COGIC leadership symposiums are convened to enlighten our presbytery and inculcate cutting edge methods and best practices to accomplish our Presiding Bishop’s desired ministry outcomes.

Bishop C. H. Mason Founder’s and Loyalty Day

Schedule of Events

Founder’s Day Celebration and Laity Reporting

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 

 Leadership Empowerment Symposium

(COGIC Credential Holders Only)

12:00 PM – 3:00PM

The Memphis Downtown Marriott Hotel- Heritage Halls I-IV

250 N. Main, Memphis, TN 38103

COGIC International Administrative Headquarters John Lee Building Dedication

(Open to the General Public)

5:00 PM

Mason Temple Campus

930 Mason Street, Memphis, TN 38136

Bishop C.H. Mason Founder’s Day Denominational Celebration

(Open to the General Public)

7:00 PM

Mason Temple

930 Mason Street, Memphis, TN 38136

The COGIC Leadership Empowerment Symposium and Luncheon

Adjutant General Bishop Matthew Williams and Bishop Dwight Haygood

Moderators: Bishop L. F.  Thuston – Bishop Cody Marshall-Bishop Felton Smith

The Call to Celebrate                                                           Bishop P. A. Brooks

The Devotional                                                                     Evangelism and Music Departments

The Historic Involvement of Women in Ministry             Mother Willie Mae Rivers

                                                                                                 (Voice of Mother Lizzie Robinson)

The Founder’s Collaborative and Inclusive Mission     Bishop DeWitt Burton

Our Faith Focus                                                                    COGIC Impact

Bishop Samuel Iglehart                                                       Bishop Edward Robinson

                                                                                                  Bishop Chandler Owens

Our Cultural Heritage                                                         COGIC Presence

Bishop Jewel Whither, Jr.                                                   Bishop Martin Luther Johnson

                                                                                                 Bishop Nathaniel Wells

Our Pursuit for excellence through Biblical Principals COGIC Potential

                                                                                                 Supt. Mathew Brown

                                                                                                 Bishop Donald Alford

                                                                                                 Bishop Jerry Macklin

The Episcopal Charge                                                        Presiding Bishop C. E. Blake, Sr.

Expeditor                                                                                Bishop Jerry Maynard

The Commission                                                                 Bishop Roy Winbush

The Prayer for the Nations                                                  Bishop George McKinney

Church Of God In Christ

International Administrative Headquarters John Lee Building

Episcopal Designation and Building Dedication

The Inspirational Melodies     

The Invocation                                                              Bishop Frank White

The Reading of the Gospel                                       Supervisor Mary Tucker

The Historic overview of John Lee                           Mrs. Mary Patterson and Descendants of Mr. John Lee

The Occasion                                                               Bishop Albert Galbreaith

The Reflections                                                            Bishop John Sheard

The Act of Dedication                                                  Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.

The Acknowledgements                                            Bishop Hollis Musgrove

The Benediction                                                           Pastor Ron Owens

Denominational Worship Honoring the birth of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason

7:00 PM

Moderators: Bishop J. Neaul Haynes, Bishop Brandon Porter and Supt. Milton Hawkins

The Call to Worship                                                    Voice of Bishop Charles H. Mason

The Invocation                                                              Bishop James Scott

The Reading of the Psalms                                      Assistant Supervisor Sylvia Law

The Old Time Gospel Hour

Tri-State Music Departments, Regional Intercessors, Mother Daisy Jones, Mother Romanetha Stallsworth, Bishop AT Moore Heritage Singers and Pastor Carl Pierce

The Pentecostal Message                                         Bishop Albert Jordan

The Recognitions                                                        Bishop Sedgwick Daniels

                                                                                        Temple COGIC, Dr. David Hall

Greater Harvest COGIC/South Fort Pickering, Elder Lee Ward

The Mason Family Acknowledgement                     Bishop Wilbur Hamilton

The Familial Salute                                                      Mother Ruth Mason-Lewis and Bishop J. O Patterson, Jr.

The Musical Selection                                                 C. H. Mason Memorial Choir

The Ministry of Giving                                                   Bishop Jerry Maynard and Bishop Samuel Lowe

The Presiding Bishop Speaks                                   Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr

The Musical Selection                                                 C. H. Mason Memorial Choir

The Celebration Homily                                              Bishop Frank Anderson

The Reporting                                                               Supt. Frank A. White

The Benediction                                                           Bishop Samuel Green

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

2010 Founder’s Day Celebration

Honoring the Life and Legacy

Of

Bishop Charles Harrison Mason

John Lee Administrative Headquarters Dedication

And

COGIC Laity Recognition

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Downtown Memphis Marriott Hotel and Mason Campus

Memphis, TN

Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. Presiding Bishop

“For ye brethren became followers of the Churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye have suffered like things of your own countrymen even as they have of the Jews.” I Thessalonians 2:14

It was 1975 when the late Presiding Bishop, J.O. Patterson, consecrated Bishop P.A. Brooks as Jurisdictional Bishop over what is now called Michigan’s Historic First Jurisdiction, “Northeast.” Since that time, Bishop P.A. Brooks has become known as a trusted and respected ecclesiastical voice of influence around the world.

When he was consecrated as Jurisdictional Bishop thirty-five years ago, Bishop Brooks was the founder and pastor of New St. Paul Tabernacle, Church of God in Christ. As the pastor of New St. Paul Tabernacle, he has led with integrity and gentleness, making himself available and approachable to all of his members. Fulfilling the great commission of Christ and equipping the people of God to aim higher in their faith is and has always been his main goal. His induction to the office of Bishop intensified his apostolic mission allowing him to connect to thousands of souls in the ministry.

His faithfulness to God and the ministry was hard not to notice. In 1984, just nine years after his ascension to bishop, he was elected a member of the General Board, the governing board of the Churches of God in Christ, Internationally. He is the second longest serving member to date.

In 2008, Bishop Brooks was chosen by Presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake, to serve as First Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ International. This esteemed honor made Bishop Brooks the Vice President to the Presiding Bishop. “Of the decisions that I made as Presiding Bishop, one of the wisest and best decisions was the decision to appoint Bishop Brooks… he is a source of so much counsel, so much wisdom, so much maturity,” said the Presiding Bishop during a visit in 2008 to Detroit for the Northeast Michigan State Holy Convocation. 

As a visionary, Bishop Brooks organized a coalition of Episcopal leaders called the Michigan Canadian Council of Bishops to support the office of the Presiding Bishop. Throughout his tenure, he has established churches, appointed and trained many great leaders including other bishops. He is entrusted to handle some of the most sensitive matters and travels to some of the most significant places throughout the Churches of God in Christ and worldwide. Of the 102 years of the institution of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop P.A. Brooks has faithfully served fifty-five of those years.

A tribute book marking Bishop Brook’s beginnings from a young superintendent eager to serve in ministry to the First Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, International will be available to the guests who attend the brunch.

Visit www.nspt.com for further information regarding this celebration

Thanksgiving Day was a blessing for many Detroiters as they filled the Cathedral Worship Center for a scrumptious dinner. Several families patiently stood in line as volunteers added several delectable servings to their plates.

With the help of Bishop PA Brook’s Ten Ten Ten Plan, the support and partnership of more than a few large corporations, several dedicated volunteers, and faithful members of New St. Paul Tabernacle COGIC, there was more than enough food and supplies to feed more than a thousand people.

Bishop Brook’s Ten Ten Ten Plan kicked off during the World Missions Walk when he called for groups of ten to raise funds to help carry out the Mission Walk; the Plan sparked such a huge response, raising more than four thousand dollars, Bishop was compelled to do it again by feeding 1000 underprivileged, unemployed and homeless persons on Thanksgiving Day.

As a result, not only were families treated to a delicious sit-down meal, but many of them were encouraged to take plates to go because some of their family members were home bound.  Several guests soaked up the kind hospitality shown to them saying, “This is the way to win souls.” As the evening came to a close, some of the guests did not want to leave, so instead they sat around sharing laughs and talking about the love that embraced them at the Cathedral Worship Center.

In the spirit of spreading Thanksgiving, some of the men of New St. Paul Tabernacle COGIC walked the streets, sharing the love of God and warm meals under the bridges near the viaducts of Detroit and fed the homeless people who dwelled there. Meals were also delivered to senior citizens, sent to several homeless shelters, and several volunteer workers. Some families even received whole cooked turkeys.

Bishop PA Brook’s vision to feed a thousand underprivileged, unemployed, and homeless people was more than a success. The outreach effort was publicized on Inside Detroit Radio AM 1200.  Channel 7 news (WXYZ) was contacted and came out to cover the event, and the Detroit Free Press published an article that was instrumental in leading families to the Cathedral for Thanksgiving dinner.   “This Thanksgiving was the best Thanksgiving of my life,” said Bishop Brooks.  “I hope to do this again next year.”

Detroit Free Press article:

http://www.freep.com/article/20091126/NEWS05/911260377/Metro-Detroiters-are-pitching-in-to-assist-those-who-have-less

On October 10, 2009, the Church Of God In Christ held the first COGIC World Missions International Walk-A-Thon.  Thousands of people showed up nationwide and in many areas all over the world to participate in this event.

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. led the Los Angeles event with hundreds of participants.   In other locales, participants walked in the rain; snow; and sunshine.  They walked to help others, and followed Jesus’ example of giving.  Walkers gave with their time, their energy, their money and the funds collected from sponsors.

Bishop P.A. Brooks, First Assistant to the Presiding Bishop, who resides in Detroit, Michigan, coordinated the Michigan Walk-A-Thon on September 12^th, 2009.  It was a great lead in to the International Walk-A-Thon, because it was such a successful event.  Bishop Brooks created a Ten Ten Ten plan where groups of 10 came together to fund raise.  That plan became a model for giving that was used for the subsequent Thanksgiving event, free dinner for the homeless, elderly, and the needy in Detroit.  The Michigan Walk-A-Thon garnered media attention and attracted a lot of local “star-power” because of the hard work of Bishop Brooks and all of the other organizers.  The local mayor participated, all of the major television stations, a marching band, and two radio stations did remote broadcasts. 

Bishop Jerry Macklin and General Board member Bishop Frank White were international coordinators of the event, but many people helped to make this first international endeavor a success including many of the Bishop’s wives.  “The wives were very beneficial” said Bishop Jerry Macklin, Second Assistant to the Presiding Bishop, “and “this Walk-A-Thon would not have happened without them.”   Participants from all over the nation helped to make this event memorable.  The groundbreaking year was a testament to the heart of COGIC members.   

“The Walk-A-Thon was great, and  we are encouraged  by this year; however, we are even more excited for next year, because we have 10 months to plan and many more people have already indicated they will participate,” said Bishop Macklin.   The funds from the Walk-A-Thon go to third world countries, where COGIC invests in churches, schools, orphanages, medical ministries and other programs.  This year the goal is to raise $2 million to support these programs and the educational institutions of the Church.

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Genreal Board Member Bishop Frank White

FREEPORT, NY – The fleet of black sedans meeting arriving flights at JFK International Airport were promptly occupied by the distinguished guests from the Great Lakes region anticipating their daylong summit at the invitation of Bishop Frank O. White. Winding their way through the morning rush-hour, the commute into Freeport was welcomed with steady enough traffic to appreciate the reconstructed roadways of the Belt Parkway – then onward east along Sunrise Highway to Zion Cathedral.

When you enter the magenta-trimmed office, tastefully accented by an obviously recent photograph of himself and his wife of nearly 50 years, Juliet, you will find Bishop White gladly occupied with extending his usual hospitality, rising from his desk to embrace the arrival of Bishop James R. Wright of New York Western Jurisdiction, shouldered against Bishop R. J. Hoston of New York Central and Bishop Jeffrey L. Melvin (East Africa, Republic of Rwanda).

With Bishop G. H. Young of New York Western Second, Superintendent Matthew Brown (Buffalo), Bishop Norman Quick of New York Southeast and Bishop Aubrey Baker of New York Eastern Second already standing in conversational reverence of the framed portraits of past Presiding Bishops of the Church of God in Christ – and the present – along the corridor outside Bishop White’s office, Bishop J. P. Lee (New York Eastern Fourth) soon enters the fellowship area and joins the stance.  It was a setting suited for perhaps even the Sons of Isachaar (1 Chron. 12:32).

Scheduled roll call was only minutes away. But first, the long-awaited tour of the majestic Zion Cathedral. From its polished hardwood mezzanine seating nearly 900 to its masterfully-equipped main sound studio perched against its 350-seat balcony overlooking the royal breadth of the sanctuary, the brotherly consensus rang clear: What a towering tribute to the glory of God!  Tuned with humility, “It is the house that prayer built” Bishop White relayed. 

Upon the arrival of Bishop James Gaylord (New York Eastern First), they were off to the Executive Conference Room to be about our “Church of God in Christ” business centered upon The Power of Partnership.

Bishop White opens the summit by calling the bishops’ attention to the fact that the Church of God in Christ is on the leading edge of something truly great! He pauses to remove his eyeglasses with the paternalistic posture of the late Bishop O. M. Kelly and offers thanks to God for having always given unto the Church of God in Christ “great leaders with reliable visionary eyesight.”

The Power of Partnership: Linking Leadership 

The unanimous decision to join forces, combine resources and pledge active participation for advancing the agenda articulated by our Presiding Bishop & Chief Apostle, Bishop Charles E. Blake in his Apostolic Missives made for a comfortable, productive, informative and successful morning session presided over by Bishop White, who, prior to being elected to the General Board, served the Church of God in Christ for more than 16 years as Secretary of Finance.

Listed on the agenda, after being served a Marriott International-style breakfast, was a visual presentation by Superintendent Matthew Brown power-pointing to “Connecting, Leveraging, Engaging and Promoting” the tools available to the body. In particular, “broadening our capacity in strategic and virtual initiatives that impact all New Yorkers”. Articulate and thorough, Superintendent Brown facilitated the discussion followed by Bishop Wright’s presentation highlighting the benefits of ecumenical networks established in his Western New York region.

By the second brew of coffee, Bishop Harrison Hale had joined the meeting by conference call from Guatemala as did Bishop Ralph Jefferson (Canada Western) from his home office. Their input: well-received.

Right on schedule, Bishop Baker, responding to Bishop White’s appeal for the summit to align its perspective with Bishop Blake’s appreciation for President Obama’s economic sensitivity, New York State Comptroller William Thompson, also in attendance, offered a realistic overview of where middle-income saints might expect to find themselves in times like these. Consequently, Congress had just  introduced the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act giving “the federal government more tools to crack down on the kind of fraud that put thousands of hardworking families at risk of losing their homes despite doing everything right to live within their means.”

Commenting further on the transitional state of our government, Bishop White admonished the bishops in the edited style of the late President John F. Kennedy, “As leaders with influence, it is important that we ask not so much what our government can do for us, but rather ask respectfully what we can do for our government.”

By mid-afternoon, Chief Adjutant-Pastor Jerome Lewis, confirming return flights by cell, ordered the distribution of relevant guidelines prepared by Bishop White for the fellow bishops to digest in preparation for COGIC Heritage Celebration & Loyalty Day as well as their respective regional World Missions Walk-A-Thons.

Making a Difference: One Mile At A Time

Just as planned, Bishop White kicked-off the New York Area Walk-A-Thon, Columbus Day Morning at 9:14 AM on the Boardwalk at Long Beach following greetings by Thomas R. Sofield, President of the Long Beach City Council. Hundreds of walkers from the joint jurisdictions, neighboring communities as well as volunteers from the local PTAs, NAACP and Nassau University Medical Center joined the endeavor looking out at a brisk Atlantic.

Beaming with accomplishment, having completed the 1.4 kilometers, each way, the morning turned out to be “so much more than a health benefit” remarked Yamise Fields, Manager for the American Heart Association. “It was a chance to remember that global outreach is a part of our Church of God in Christ identity.”  

To add to the excitement, [it was] “a new, refreshing and rewarding activity initiated by our Presiding Bishop Blake sure to catch on all over the world” commented Dr. Walter Willie, Executive Secretary of New York Eastern Third.

Reaching Out by Being Prayed-Up

Back at the summit table, as Bishop White moves through the agenda, a readiness to maximize our Church’s goals is intensifying wall to wall within the chambers. Specifically, it became inevitable that the challenge to envision the lack of food in Angola, inaccessible medical care in rural Malawi, insufficient means for receiving  proper education in Zimbabwe and an infant mortality rate directly linked with malnutrition here on American soil would draw an outpour of compassion and a commitment among the bishops to  actively do something! This begins with the relational touch of Christ Who “met them, then He loved them, then He healed them and then He saved them” Bishop White shared.

“This opportunity cannot pass us by” became the common goal even as the bishops bid each other traveling mercies until seeing each other again in Memphis.  “My Brothers take this same energy back home to your local churches.” Bishop White fervently charged them all. “Take this back to your jurisdictions” he continues. “Bring it back to your pastors, and let us do what God has empowered us in the Church of God in Christ to do: Make a difference…one step at a time.”

By late afternoon, the meeting of minds drew towards culmination with plans to promote a New York Summit on Prayer, appropriately subtitled by Bishop White as “The Next Realm of Power.” Plans are underway for naming five locations for hosting concurrent intercessory prayer by the Spring 2010.

Closing with prayer for the grace and joint determination to undergird Bishop Blake’s cause, strategy and leadership, the black sedans pulled up and opened again their doors to the team of bishops, all of whom, having participated in this enlightening full-day fellowship were energized and ready to open their own arms to the world – Church of God in Christ style!

The same night, 150 souls from New York Eastern Third were baptized! The Ceremonial Homily delivered by Bishop R. J. Hoston. With joy, the candidates, young and old, were escorted “to the water” by Bishop White, himself – The host of the day. ■

Downtown Memphis, TN

The Leadership Conference of the Church Of God In Christ is a powerful convention that further seeks to strengthen the body of Christ through the examination of business practices.  This annual gathering focuses on the larger objectives of the Church under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake and the direction of General Board Member Bishop Jerry Macklin, which is to emphasize effective leadership skills.  The three-day event returns to Memphis, Tennessee.  This year’s theme is “Vision, Administration and Accountability: Essentials for Excellence in Church Leadership” and will address issues like policies and procedures for church management, administrative forms for policy and procedures and Vision.

The Church has remained focused on five major initiatives since they were given by the Presiding Bishop: The Urban Family, Health & Public Safety, Financial Literacy, Education and Employment & Training.  And during the leadership meetings, classes are devised to focus on the analysis and planning of the strategies that have been set forth to fulfill the implementation of the initiatives.

Classes cover everything from best practices in financial accountability to time management and the art of delegation.  It is also a great opportunity for saints from across the country to come and fellowship with each other while they learn invaluable skills.

“Every year we aim to strengthen our leaders and the Church as a whole through programs such as this.  We know that we have a great responsibility to our communities, and in order to fulfill those obligations, we must prepare ourselves through consecration, meditation and true commitment to the cause,” said Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.

Memphis can expect thousands of people to attend the Leadership Conference, which will be housed at the Marriott Memphis Downtown from January 18-21, 2010.  Deadline for registration is Thursday, December 31, 2009. 

If you would like to maximize your productivity by attending the Leadership Conference, please contact COGIC Convention Services at 1-866-522-1331 or www.cogic.com.

Bishop Brooks and the event coordinators in Michigan have been organizing in Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Grand Rapids, obtaining media partners and signing-up walkers to participate in the walk-a-thon. “I am very excited about this event and pleased with the way our state has embraced the World Missions Walk-A-Thon because of its focus on health,” said Brooks. “Because this is the first year, our goal is to have at least 25,000 people participate in our events across the state. There has been a lot of hard work from many people including Jackie Day who has contacted many professional athletes and has been instrumental in a few celebrities and organizations who have signed on including the NBA Mother’s organization,” said Brooks. Magic Johnson’s mother Christine Johnson and Judge Greg Mathis have already committed. Bishop Marvin Pryor and administrative assistant Superintendant Hurley Coleman have been very active in the Flint-Saginaw area. Mother Mary Jane Walton, the Supervisor of Southwest Michigan Fourth Jurisdiction, and Alternate Area Supervisor has really aided the Detroit and Lansing Walk-a-Thon processes to move swiftly. Some sponsors include Detroit radio stations WMUZ and WEXL, part of the Crawford Broadcasting Company.

The World Mission’s Walk-a-thon in Michigan will be the day before the National Loyalty Day on Sunday, September 13th. Bishop Brooks has requested that the Michigan jurisdictions lift-up and remember Church Of God In Christ founder Bishop Charles Mason and contribute on that Sunday in Mason’s honor to support the Global missions and education programs.

Second Assistant Presiding Bishop Jerry Macklin and General Board Member, Bishop Frank White are the national coordinators of the Loyalty events.

For more information on how to participate in the Michigan Walk-A-Thons contact 313-835-5329.

“So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.” Psalm 20:16

Welcome to the home page of the General Board of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. The men selected to lead the Church were chosen by God and the membership of the Church Of God In Christ. We hope you enjoy learning more about the Church leadership and the important role they have in leading God’s people.

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About the Church Of God In Christ

The Church Of God In Christ is the fourth-largest Protestant religious denomination in the United States with an estimated membership above 6.5 million members. COGIC headquarters are located at Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee.

Media contacts: Deidre Malone and Alandas Dobbins, The Carter Malone Group, 901.278.0881 or dmalone@cmgpr.com or adobbins@cmgpr.com