Jump to content

Church of God and Saints of Christ

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Church of God and Saints of Christ
Prophet[1] and founder, Crowdy, in 1907
ClassificationAbrahamic: {{bulleted list|Christianity|
OrientationBlack Hebrew Israelite
Scripture
Senior Bishop Chief Executive OfficerRobert D. Grant, Sr.
HeadquartersCleveland, Ohio, United States
TerritoryUnited States, Africa, Cuba, West Indies
FounderWilliam Saunders Crowdy
Origin1896
Lawrence, Kansas, United States
Separations
  • Church of God and Saints of Christ
  • Church of God and Saints
Tabernaclesc. 70 (as of 2005)
Official websitecogasoc.net
Black Hebrew Israelites
Subgroups and denominations
People

The Church of God and Saints of Christ under the leadership of Bishop Robert D. Grant, Sr. is a Black Hebrew Israelite new religious group established in Lawrence, Kansas, in the United States, by William Saunders Crowdy in 1896.[2] William Crowdy began congregations in several cities in the Midwestern and Eastern United States, and sent an emissary to organize locations in at least six African countries. The congregation later established locations in Cuba and the West Indies.

Religious beliefs[edit]

Described as keys, the religious beliefs are drawn from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament:[3]

  1.   The Church of God and Saints of Christ (I Corinthians 1:2)
  2.   Wine is forbidden to be drunk in the Church of God forever (Leviticus 10:9)
  3.   Unleavened bread and water for Christ's body and blood (Matthew 26:26–28)
  4.   Foot-Washing is a commandment (John 13:1-8)
  5.   The Disciple's Prayer must be taught (Matthew 6:9–14)
  6.   You must be breathed upon and saluted into the Church of God with a holy kiss.  (John 20:22, Romans 16:16)
  7.   The Ten Commandments must be kept forever (Exodus 20:1–18, Revelation 22:14)

Crowdy believed and taught that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God and messiah. Presently, different beliefs are practiced by other organizations who claim to be followers of William Crowdy. The main branch of the organization, headquartered in Cleveland, OH, continues adherence to the founder's original teaching of Jesus Christ as Son of God. Another branch headquartered in, Belleville, Virginia, gravitated toward Judaism after the death of Prophet William Crowdy.

The Church of God and Saints of Christ is a religious organization that adheres to the teachings found in I Corinthians 1:1-2 and Ephesians 2:19-20, which emphasize the unity and foundation of the church in the apostolic tradition, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. The church members consider themselves fellow-citizens with the saints and part of the household of God.

The church's mission is singular and clear: to bring lost souls to Jesus Christ. It defines its religious identity as Judaic Christian, a concept rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ, who was a Jew, came not to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them, as expressed in Matthew 5:17-18.

The Church of God and Saints of Christ observes several key dates according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the Sabbath every Saturday, recognize Abib (April) 1 as New Year's Day, observe Abib 13 as the Passover Memorial, and from Abib 14-20, they observe the Days of Unleavened Bread.

Religious rituals[edit]

The Church of God and Saints of Christ synthesizes rituals drawn from both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. Some of the movement's observances, such as the seventh day Sabbath (Saturday) Sabbatarianism; use of the Holy Calendar according to the scriptures; and celebration of Passover and other religious holy days, are loosely based on the Torah.

Its rites based on the New Testament include baptism, the serving of Communion, unleavened bread and water as Christ's body and blood (St. Matthew 26: 26-28, and footwashing.[4]

A Brief History of the Leadership[edit]

The group established its headquarters in Philadelphia in 1899, and William S. Crowdy later relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1903.

Bishop James M. Grove (Leader 1908 - 1923)

Following the demise of the Founder of the Church of God and Saints of Christ, Prophet William Saunders Crowdy, James M. Groves was elected as Leader. In the year 1896, then James M. Groves affiliated himself with the Church of God and Saints of Christ (COGASOC) in Topeka Kansas and was ordained to the gospel ministry by Prophet William S. Crowdy. Tabernacles were established; points east and west, with a wide array of Saints following the plan of salvation as delivered by Prophet Crowdy.  In 1898, the First General Annual Assembly was held on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, Sivan (June) 26th in Emporia, Kansas.  At the District Assembly in Boston (called the Second Annual Assembly) in that same year, Prophet Crowdy appointed Elder Groves to the position of Assistant Bishop. Bishop Groves; an advocate and defender of the Word of God continued to preach and teach throughout the world; withersoever providence called.  He later authored and published, “Exposition of Religious Truth.”  He resided in California until his death, 1946-48, at the seasoned age of 90+

Bishop Abel S. Dickerson (Leader 1923 - 1935)[edit]

We’ve carried you through the historical and biographical journey of both our Founder, Prophet William Saunders Crowdy and 1st Successor, Bishop James M. Groves.  This now brings us to the life-story of our 2nd Successor, former leader of The Church of God and Saints of Christ, Bishop Abel S. Dickerson.

In the year 1900, Abel S. Dickerson was baptized by the esteemed Prophet of God and founder of the Church of God and Saints of Christ (COGASOC), Bishop William Saunders Crowdy, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  It was here his work for God began.   Abel S. Dickerson was born near Exmore, Virginia and was the younger brother of the late Bishop John W. Dickerson.  Abel was introduced to the COGASOC through his father who was a member of the Church. Exemplifying the characteristics of a proactive and faithful member of the COGASOC, Abel S. Dickerson began his life in the Gospel Ministry as an Elder.  He is known to have been a devout follower of Prophet Crowdy.  He was a great orator, as was his brother, Bishop John; the two were known as, “The Two Sons of Thunder.” Elder Abel stood fast on the Ten Commandments and quickly gained great love and respect from the entire Church body.  History reveals during his leadership many were healed of sicknesses and diseases.  In the early 1908 or beforehand, Elder Abel S. Dickerson was elevated to an Evangelist and became one of the most fortunate to have worked closely with our Founder, Prophet William S. Crowdy.  On August 4th, 1908, the COGASOC suffered a traumatic loss in the death of founder and leader, Prophet William S. Crowdy and following the burial of Prophet Crowdy, Evangelist Abel S. Dickerson fell under the regime of our first successor, Bishop James M. Grove.  In 1909, Evangelist Dickerson was appointed Pastor in the large tabernacle of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  In the year 1909, at Passover Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Evangelist Abel S. Dickerson was consecrated a Junior Bishop. Under the leadership of Bishop Abel S. Dickerson, the COGASOC continued to expand its growth with many tabernacles in various cities across the country.  This great leader has been documented in Church history as one of the greatest Princes in the Church of God and Saints of Christ.  Bishop Abel S. Dickerson departed this life in 1935.  

Bishop John W. Dickerson (Leader 1935 - 1971)[edit]

The mantle passed from Bishop Abel S. Dickerson to his older brother, Bishop John Wesley Dickerson, Jr..

John W. Dickerson, Jr. was born in 1875 near Exmore, Virginia.  He joined the COGASOC early 1900 (his father was a member) and became a stalwart member exemplifying holiness, greatness and calmness.  In 1901, John W. Dickerson, Jr. was ordained to the gospel ministry and quickly climbed the ranks.  In 1903, he was appointed to the office of Evangelist and in that same year was not elevated to the office of an Evangelist-at-Large but received appointment to the office of Private Secretary to Founder and Leader, Prophet William Saunders Crowdy. In 1916, Evangelist-at-Large John W. Dickerson pastored the Newark, NJ tabernacle and in 1919 was anointed and consecrated a Bishop by Bishop James M. Grove.  In 1935, he became the next successor and leader after the death of his younger brother, Bishop Abel S. Dickerson.  He and his brother were called, “The Sons of Thunder” because of their ability to orate and speak well.  History testifies that his virtual, authentic voice was as roaring waters. During his reign, Bishop John purchased over 100 acres of farmland, now called Beulah Land, in Galestown, Maryland.  Beulah Land was purchased to be a “City of Refuge” for the Saints.   The COGASOC still owns Beulah Land today and groundwork has been laid for future plans for the property.  Bishop John Dickerson was known for performing many acts of healing, and the COGASOC stood solid with many tabernacles under his regime. After 37 years of Faithful Leadership service, Bishop John Wesley Dickerson, Jr. fell asleep in Newark, New Jersey in the year of 1972, but not before he anointed then Chairman of Presbytery Board Evangelist James Reuben Grant, Sr., Cleveland, Ohio to the consecrated office of Bishopric.  Following his death, the Board of Presbytery voted and elected its new leader and 4th successor, Bishop James Reuben Grant

Bishop James R. Grant, Sr. (Leader 1971 - 2000)[edit]

James Reuben Grant, Sr., was one of two children, born May 12, 1917, to the late Chief Evangelist John William and St. Lucy Grant of Detroit, Michigan.  As time passed, the Chief Evangelist was commissioned and sent to pastor the Cleveland, Ohio Tabernacle.  James soon and quickly became an integral asset to his father, in the COGASOC. James married St. Margaret Taylor (later appointed Grandmother Sarah of the Daughters of Jerusalem and Sisters of Mercy) of Exmore, Virginia on September 8, 1941.   To this union two sons were born; the late Evangelist James Reuben Grant, Jr. (1949-1991), and present-day successor and leader of the COGASOC , Sr. Bishop Robert Dennis Grant, Sr.  While he was respectively called Brother Jim, he began to serve in many local functions of the Cleveland Tabernacle. As an Elder, he began to expound the Word of God, preaching the unadulterated truth and Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Saints and in the world.  Following the death of his father, Chief Evangelist John W. Grant (1962), pastoral-ship in Cleveland passed into his hands.  Elder Grant was elevated to the office of an Evangelist.  In 1969, in Newark, New Jersey, Bishop John Wesley Dickerson, Jr. (his great uncle) consecrated him to the sacred office of a Bishop.  In 1971, Bishop John fell asleep and the mantle was passed to Bishop James R. Grant, Sr.  He served 29 years in the office of Chief Executive of the Church of God and Saints of Christ, traveling throughout the United States of America, South Africa, Toronto, Ontario-Canada, and the West Indies.  In January 2000, at the age 82, Sr. Bishop James Reuben Grant, Sr. fell asleep peacefully in his home in Cleveland, Ohio; but not before he consecrated his son, Evangelist Robert Dennis Grant, Sr., to the office of Bishop.  

Bishop Robert D. Grant, Sr. (Leader 2000 - Present)[edit]

We have brought you through the historical chronicles of the legacy of leadership of the Church of God and Saints of Christ (COGASOC ) which brings us to today, and our present leader, Chief Executive and Senior Bishop Robert Dennis Grant, Sr., who was born Bul (November) 28th, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Chief Executive and Senior Bishop James Reuben, Sr., and the late Grand Mother Sarah, St. Margaret Taylor Grant; he was the second of two sons. In Sebat (February) 1978, Bishop Robert D. Grant, Sr. was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late St. Mildred Priscilla Millerton.  To this blessed union, three children were born: April Y., Crystal J., Robert, Jr., and two grandchildren, Joi and Christopher. Strictly educated and well-versed in the recorded Word of God through King James, Sr. Bishop Grant is also an avid motivational and inspirational speaker who quickly climbed the ranks of the Church of God and Saints of Christ.  In the year 1992, he was ordained to the Gospel ministry as an Elder of Israel. He began addressing the 7 keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles of degradation, showing lost souls the way to Christ and delivering peace and hope of a brighter day and eternal tomorrow through believing in Jesus Christ and acceptance and obedience to the Word of God.  In 1995, he was elevated to the office of an Evangelist and on April 20, 1999, consecrated to the honorary office of Bishop. On the dawn of February 28, 2000, he was elected to the office of Senior Bishop and Chief Executive of the Church of God in Christ by the Authority of the Church and under the direct Spiritual directive and legacy of Founder, Prophet William S. Crowdy.  Through many hardships, economic slavery, trials, tribulations and even satanic barriers, the Almighty God continues to sustain “The Church” with Spiritual nourishment of determination and fresh inspirations through His servant to remain focused and contend for the faith once delivered unto the Saints! Today, as Chief Commander of the Church of God and Saints of Christ, Senior Bishop Robert Dennis Grant, Sr., continues the legacy set before him as a stoical warrior of God, Christ and Founder, Prophet William S. Crowdy.  This places him with the patriarchs who preceded him as an advocate and explicit defender of Truth and Righteousness.  A remembered quote, “If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail; there is no substitution for study and preparation of the Word of God.”  He remains in Cleveland, Ohio – Headquarters of the Church where he continues to Pastor locally and nationally with his current wife, First Lady and Executive Assistant, United States Charitable Chief, St. Marilyn Juanita Grant; united by God in Holy Matrimony Sivan (June) 13th, 2010. Be it known and so written, many events have taken place since the establishment of the Church of God and Saints of Christ and many events are yet to come.  With the help of the Almighty God of Heaven, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of the Hebrews, the Great I AM, this great Church will continue to carry the banner that was left by its founder, Prophet William Saunders Crowdy.

Independent branches[edit]

As early as 1909, local branches of the organization severed their ties with the congregation, forming their own organizations.[5][6] The first of these was headed by Malinda Morris, an early and favored follower of Crowdy, and based in Newark, New Jersey (where it still exists).[7]

Today, two of the groups not affiliated with Sr. Bishop Robert D. Grant, Sr. are also called the Church of God and Saints of Christ, headquartered in Belleville | Suffolk, Virginia and another group headquartered in Cleveland, OH.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Gallagher, Eugene V. (2004). The New Religious Movements Experience in America. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. p. 146. ISBN 0-313-32807-2.
  2. ^ Fox, Andrew (September 29, 2005). "Sons of Abraham". The College Hill Independent. Archived from the original on 2006-03-10. Retrieved 2007-10-20.
  3. ^ "FAQ". Church of God and Saints of Christ. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  4. ^ Singer, Merrill (2000). Yvonne Patricia Chireau; Nathaniel Deutsch (eds.). Black Zion: African American Religious Encounters with Judaism. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 59. ISBN 0-19-511257-1.
  5. ^ Walker, Elfreth J. P. Sr.; William S. Crowdy (1948). James M. Grove as I Knew Him. Philadelphia: E.J.P. Walker Press. This book was published from an interview the authors conducted with James M. Grove, an early follower of William S. Crowdy. Walker's wife was a granddaughter of William S. Crowdy. William "Bill" Crowdy was a grandson of "Prophet" William S. Crowdy. In this account, Grove, ordained bishop of the western district by the organization's founder, details his involvement at the center of several actions made by some to take over the congregation after the death of William S. Crowdy. Grove cites in this book that following a lawsuit pursued by Grove against Joseph Wesley Crowdy for control of the entire church, Pennsylvania courts awarded the entire congregation to Joseph W. Crowdy, and Grove as bishop of the western district, both appointments originally designated by the founder. Grove further commented that as a result of the verdict, Grove and other ministers formed their own congregation, separate from Joseph Crowdy and the leadership set up by William S. Crowdy. Grove also cited his regret for his involvement in the schism of 1909, and made an attempt to mend the ties of his organization with the parent organization in 1930 under William H. Plummer, but his plans were impeded by an automobile accident near Alexandria, VA.
  6. ^ "'Chief' J.W. Crowdy Accepted as Logical Head of Church of God and Saints of Christ". The Philadelphia Courant. Philadelphia, PA. June 28, 1913. No longer circulated. Archived at Temple University Libraries in The Urban Archives section. http://library.temple.edu/collections/urbana/?bhcp=1
  7. ^ Miller, Michael (2023). "Bishop Allan Wilson Cook (Rabbi Haling Hank Lenht), Queen Malinda Morris, and the Independent Church of God: A Missing Piece in the History of Hebrew Israelite Black Judaism". Black Theology. 21 (3): 257–274. doi:10.1080/14769948.2023.2256597. S2CID 261848365. Retrieved November 23, 2023.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Church_of_God_and_Saints_of_Christ&oldid=1228603272"