COGIC INTERNATIONAL
Our History
In 1895, Elders C.P. Jones, J.A. Geter, C.H. Mason, and others delved into the scriptures, realizing the indispensable role of holiness in salvation. Embracing this truth, they were sanctified and began proclaiming it to their congregations. However, their adherence to this doctrine led to their rejection from the Baptist Church. Undeterred, they united and formed a new assembly, known as the Church of God, drawing inspiration from passages such as Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 1:2:10-32, 2 Corinthians 1:1, and 1 Timothy 3:5:15.
Amidst the prevailing assault on the gospel's authenticity and the proliferation of false doctrines, Elder C.H. Mason felt compelled to defend the purity of the Gospel. He fervently prayed for a name that would align with scripture and serve as a distinguishing mark between true believers and false teachers. In a moment of divine revelation while walking the streets of Little Rock, Arkansas, Elder Mason received from the Holy Ghost the name "Church of God in Christ," supported by scriptures such as 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 2 Thessalonians 1:1, and Galatians 1:22.
The union persisted until the year 1906, when a significant revival took place in Los Angeles, California, under the guidance of Elder W.J. Seymour. Elder C.H. Mason, among many others, participated in this event and experienced the baptism of the Holy Ghost, accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues, as described in Acts 2:4 - "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance." Upon his return, Elder Mason preached this doctrine of the New Testament, which met with resistance from some of his fellow brethren. In August 1907, during the General Assembly convened in Jackson, Mississippi, with Elder C.P. Jones presiding as General Overseer, opposition arose against the so-called new doctrine advocated by Elder C.H. Mason and others. Following an extensive discussion, the assembly withdrew fellowship from Elder Mason and all who propagated the doctrine of speaking in tongues.
Later that same year, Elder C.H. Mason called for a meeting in Memphis, Tennessee, inviting all ministers who believed in receiving the Holy Ghost baptism according to the scriptures, specifically Acts 2:4. Responding to this call were a group of Elders, including E.R. Drivers, J. Bowed, 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, and J.H. Boone. Together, these brethren formed the First General Assembly of the Church of God In Christ, united in their faith based on the apostolic doctrine received on the day of Pentecost. The assembly unanimously agreed to recognize Elder C.H. Mason as the Chief Apostle, under whose leadership the church experienced remarkable growth and spiritual grace.
As the years progressed, it became necessary for the Chief Apostle to establish state assemblies, over which he appointed overseers. As the church's work expanded both nationally and internationally, the Chief Apostle felt led to consecrate five of the overseers to the office of the Bishopric in the church.
In 1933, Apostle Mason, supported by the prayers of the Overseers, Elders, and the General Convocation, consecrated five Overseers to the office of Bishop in the church. These five Bishops, aside from Apostle Mason, were the first to hold the title and office of Senior Bishop in the Church of God in Christ. Those consecrated were: Bishop I.S. Staffors of Detroit, Michigan; Bishop E.M. Page of Dallas, Texas; Bishop W.M. Robert of Chicago, Illinois; Bishop O.T. Jones of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Bishop R.F. Williams of Cleveland, Ohio.
In 1961, the founder and Senior Bishop, Charles Harrison Mason, was called home to be with the Lord. The saints, preparing for the 54th Holy Convocation and General Assembly of the Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee, received the news that Bishop Mason had passed away in Detroit, Michigan. In the General Assembly, it was decided to wait a year before selecting a successor to their father in the Gospel.
During the Holy Convocation of 1962, the only surviving Bishop of the original five consecrated in 1933, Bishop Ozro Thurston Jones, Sr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was elected to the office of Senior Bishop of the Church of God in Christ. For two years, Bishop Jones led the church in peace, continuing the work initiated by the late Bishop Mason.
Bishop Charles H. Mason
Bishop Ozro T. Jones
Bishop William D.C. Williams, Sr.
In 1969, at Evanston, Illinois, Bishop William David Charles Williams, Sr. issued a call to all brethren who sought to uphold the original doctrines established by the founding fathers and the constitutional system of government of the church, which emphasized leadership under a Senior Bishop rather than a twelve-man board. A significant gathering of Bishops, Elders, and workers convened in Evanston in April of that year. The Lord, as He had done in 1907 and in 1962, guided the assembly in selecting the person to lead the church in the capacity of Senior Bishop and Chief Apostle, namely, Dr. William David Charles Williams, Sr. of Evanston, Illinois. During this meeting, the General Assembly also appointed a Committee of Recommendations, which returned with a suggestion that the church maintain fidelity to the scriptures, leading to the recommendation that the church be identified and characterized as "THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST INTERNATIONAL," a proposal to which the entire General Assembly assented.
During the General Conference of 1970 held in April in New York, New York, the General Council made the decision to establish the General Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. Later that same year, at the General Holy Convocation in Hartford, Connecticut, during the Sixty-Third Annual Session, the appointments of the Senior Bishop to the Episcopacy of the church were approved. Dr. Omega Wicks Sorrells of Dallas, Texas, was chosen as the National Supervisor of the Women’s Work.
In the subsequent years, Bishop Williams served as the Senior Bishop and Chief Apostle, overseeing the church's work with harmony and peace, faithfully continuing the mission established by the late Bishop Mason. Under Bishop Williams' leadership, the church experienced significant growth, with over 18 dioceses added to the work. A National Building Fund was established and continued to grow.
In November of 1983, Senior Bishop William D. C. Williams, Sr. passed away, leaving the church saddened by the loss of their beloved organizer. However, the church remained determined to stay united and continue the teachings of their spiritual father.
Bishop Tony Clemon
In 1984, at the National Spring Conference in Evanston, Illinois, the General Assembly joyfully filled the vacancy of the Office of the Senior Bishop by electing Bishop Tony Clemon. He was later installed and consecrated to that office during the General Holy Convocation held in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Under Bishop Clemon's leadership, the church reached new heights of excitement, both naturally and spiritually. His God-given ability to rally the people and inspire them to work towards acquiring a National Headquarters was evident. In January of 1988, Bishop Clemon passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faithfulness. Despite not living to see it, the funds for the purchase of the present National Headquarters were raised during his administration.
Bishop John H. Davis
The following April, Bishop John H. Davis, who had served as National Chairman under Bishop Clemon, was elected to the Office of Senior Bishop and Chief Apostle. On Saturday, August 13, 1988, Bishop Davis was consecrated and installed as the Fifth Senior Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ International at the Parkview Hilton Hotel in Hartford, Connecticut. Bishop Davis' primary concern was to seek the continual anointing from the Lord to fulfill God's will and work.
As of the time of this writing, the church has purchased a beautiful Headquarters located at 125 N. Fisher St. in Jonesboro, Arkansas, not far from where God inspired our founding father, Bishop C.H. Mason, with the name of our church. The church has also grown from eighteen to twenty-five dioceses (jurisdictions) and continues to grow. It is evident that God is still blessing and sending His spirit as the Church of God in Christ International moves forward into the new millennium.
Bishop Richard G. Gatling, Sr.
In the 44th Holy Convocation (August 11, 2013) Bishop Richard G. Gatling Sr. was consecrated and installed as the sixth Senior Bishop of The Church of God in Christ International in Fayetteville, North Carolina. With humility and a sense of divine calling, Bishop Gatling accepted the mantle of leadership within the COGIC, International, from Senior Bishop Davis, guided by the leading of the Holy Ghost. He earnestly requested the prayers of the people of God as he embarked on this noble responsibility of shepherding such a great assembly.
Bishop James C. Watford
Upon being ill and knowing that it would hinder him in his efforts to lead this great church a teary eyed Senior Bishop Richard G.Gatling Sr. called upon then National Assistant Senior J.C.Watford to take up the mantle of National Senior Bishop & Chief Apostle continuing the legacy of faithfulness to scripture and commitment to the church's mission. Today, as we reflect on our journey, we acknowledge God's continuous blessings and guidance, propelling the Church of God in Christ International forward into the new millennium.
Your brethren in Him, The Bishops' Staff