Church Of God In Christ History
Church Of God In Christ International Music Department Heads
1950 - Present
The Church Of God In Christ and music have always gone hand in hand. Bishop Mason loved Music, and he loved all types of Music. His favorite singer was the Blind Evangelist Arizona Dranes (Mother of Gospel Music), who often sang during the Holy Convocation.
The COGIC Church always had a rich, deep roster of Music Pioneers, Gospel Giants, and Famous Celebrities. Such as Bishop C.P. Jones, Blind Willie Johnson, Two Wings Utah Smith, Elder Charles D. Beck, The Gay Sisters, Madame Earnestine Washington, Marion Williams, Kitty Parham, Ida Baker, The O’Neal Twins, Billy Preston, Mega Superstar Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Global Superstars Andrae and Sandra Crouch, Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, The Clark Sisters, Bishop Rance Allen, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Rev. James Moore, Douglas Williams, Pop Winans, Rev. Timothy Wright, Kim Burrell, Blinky Williams, Kierra Sheard, Jonathan McReynolds, Lizzo, Missy Elliot, Pharrell Williams, Michelle Williams, Teddy Riley, Sylvester, Ronnie Dyson, Kurt Carr, Daryl Coley, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Benny Cummings, Lashun Pace, The Anointed Pace Sisters, Deleon Richards Sheffield, Mary Mary, J. Moss, Micah Stampley, Ricky Dillard, Kelly Price, Bishop G.E. Patterson, Dr. Bettye Nelson, Evangelist Goldia Haynes, Supervisor Rubenstein McClure, Yvette Flunder, Sara Jordan Powell, Myrna Summers, Thomas Whitfield, Deniece Williams, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Tamela Mann, Earnest Pugh, Jabari Johnson, Dr. Vernard Johnson (saxophonist), Corey Henry (Organ), Detroit Gary Wiggins, The Nevel Sisters, Rose Marie Rimson-Brown, Dr. Holly Carter, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Dr. Judith McAllister, Dr. Myron Williams, Dr. Juanita Bynum, Chrystal Rucker, Joe Tex, Bishop Norman Hutchins, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Penny Ford, Charlie Wilson, David Daughtry, Markita Knight, Chrystal Aikin, Evangelist Ruby Terry, Evangelist Carol Thomas, Bishop Carlton Pearson, Mother Vernon Oliver Price, Evangelist Frances Kelley, Patrick Henderson, Elder James Lenox, Keith Pringle, Shelby 5, Audrey DuBois Harris, Bishop Frank A. White Etc.
1949/1950 - Present Day
Lady Deborah Mason Patterson -
One of the daughters of Bishop Mason and wife to Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson Sr., Mason's daughter was a pioneer of the COGIC Music Department along with Sister Mattie Wiggley and Sister Jesse Jimerson. During this period, Deborah Mason Patterson, Anna Broy Crockett Ford, and Bishop C.T. James were the three heads of the National Choir.
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Bishop C.T. James - 1951 to 1955
In 1951, Bishop Mason appointed Elder C.T. James to serve as the first National Director of Music. He later became Director of the National Chorus under Anna B. Crockett Ford. At his height, he had over 1 million radio listeners until his demise in the early '60s. (For some reason, his name was erased from the history of the COGIC Music Department; not many today have heard of him, and most would disagree with me on him ever being the National Director of Music, but my information comes from the COGIC Whole Truth and newspaper articles which have confirmed him to at one point being the first National Director of the COGIC Music Department).
Anna Crockett Ford - 1955 to 1968/1972
- Bishop Mason appointed Mother Ford as the National Music Department President in 1955. She served in that position until 1968/72. She is a singer and songwriter. One of her works is the standard "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me. (Dr. Ford doesn't get enough credit for being a powerful pioneer in the COGIC Music Department. Instead of National, her title should have been International Music Department President since the COGIC Church has always been International).
Dr. Mattie Moss Clark 1968/72 -1994
- Her legacy has created and helped to shape some of the most successful gospel artists, including Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Donald Vails, Commissioned, Bishop Richard “Mr. Clean” White, Elder James Lenox, Psalmist Bettye Ransom Nelson, Esther Smith, Keith Pringle, Bishop Rance Allen, Rev. James Moore and her own daughters, The Clark Sisters. Dr. Clark made a series of recordings beginning with "Going to Heaven to Meet the King" in 1958, becoming the first person to commit the sounds of a choir to record. She is the first to separate vocal parts into soprano, alto, and tenor. She received three gold-certified albums with the Southwest Michigan State Choir and went on to write and arrange hundreds of songs and record over 50 albums. After his elevation as the first elected Presiding Bishop, The late Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. appointed Dr. Clark the President of the International Music Department in 1968. Dr. Clark completely revolutionized the music departments. She defined the role of the (Jurisdictional) State Minister of Music, traveled year-round to every state in the country, conducting workshops, rehearsals, and musicals to prepare choirs for service on the National Church level, and organized the structure of the National Music Convention of the Church of God in Christ. Dr. Clark introduced the workshop and seminar concept to the convention and, along with her staff, structured classes and created “A Song Is Born,” the program where new talent was introduced before thousands. She was also one of the editors and contributors to the hymnal published by the Church Of God In Christ entitled “Yes, Lord.”
Sister LuVonia Whittley - 1994 to 2001
- Sister LuVonia Whittley of Chicago was appointed President of the COGIC Music Department in 1994. She is recognized for building a music department to include close to 1,500 singers and musicians as Jurisdictional Minister of Music for the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Illinois. In 1992, she was appointed as Vice President of the International Music Department. In 1994, she was appointed to succeed the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and served for 6½ years as the President of the International Music Department (under the late Bishop Louis H. Ford and the late Bishop Chandler D. Owens), recognized for bringing administrative finesse, organizational structure and wide participation to the department, and raising the level of music for Convocation worship services.
Professor Iris Stevenson McCullough - 2001 to 2008
- Dr. McCullough was appointed as an International Vice President by the late Presiding Bishop Louis Henry Ford in 1994 and reappointed by the late Presiding Bishop Chandler David Owens. In 2001, the late Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson elevated Professor Iris Stevenson-McCollough to the high office of International Music President. During her tenure, Professor Iris employed a global ministry focus and a parade of colorful gospel songs and arrangements full of joviality and infectious rhythms. The Movie Sister Act II is based on Dr. Iris Stevenson McCullough's life.
Dr. Judith McAllister - 2009 to 2021
- Dr. Judith Christie McAllister, often hailed as “The First Lady of Praise and Worship,” is a distinguished leader in Music Ministry. With a career span of over four decades, this Grammy-nominated Choir Director’s fingerprints can be found on the hearts and lives of Ministers of Music and Worship Leaders everywhere. Her signature songs, such as “Oh Give Thanks” and “To Our God,” recorded on her own record label (Judah Music Group), have transcended cultural and racial barriers, enriching worship services worldwide. From 2009 to 2021, McAllister served as the President of the International Music Department (IMD) for the Church of God In Christ, providing oversight, impact, and innovation to the musical constituency of the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world under the administration of Presiding Bishop Emeritus – Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.
Dr. Myron Williams - 2021 to Present Day
Williams, long-time Music Director for Juanita Bynum Ministries, is credited with the music and sound fans of Flow Records have grown to love. A renowned worship and praise leader, he found a way to harness the power and intensity of a praise service and capture the feeling on a track. This is why his production and writing skills are utilized by some of gospel music’s biggest recording artists, including T.D. Jakes, Kim Burrell, Marvin Sapp, DFW Mass Choir, Karen Clark-Sheard, and former Flow Records artist Juanita Bynum, of which he produced 7 chart-topping CDs. In 2021, Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard appointed Dr. Myron Williams as President of the International Music Department, a position he still holds today.
- Credit to IMD
- COGIC Whole Truth
- COGIC Souvenir books
Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel
Church Of God In Christ History
Church Of God In Christ International Music Department Heads
1950 - Present
The Church Of God In Christ and music have always gone hand in hand. Bishop Mason loved Music, and he loved all types of Music. His favorite singer was the Blind Evangelist Arizona Dranes (Mother of Gospel Music), who often sang during the Holy Convocation.
The COGIC Church always had a rich, deep roster of Music Pioneers, Gospel Giants, and Famous Celebrities. Such as Bishop C.P. Jones, Blind Willie Johnson, Two Wings Utah Smith, Elder Charles D. Beck, The Gay Sisters, Madame Earnestine Washington, Marion Williams, Kitty Parham, Ida Baker, The O’Neal Twins, Billy Preston, Mega Superstar Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Global Superstars Andrae and Sandra Crouch, Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, The Clark Sisters, Bishop Rance Allen, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Rev. James Moore, Douglas Williams, Pop Winans, Rev. Timothy Wright, Kim Burrell, Blinky Williams, Kierra Sheard, Jonathan McReynolds, Lizzo, Missy Elliot, Pharrell Williams, Michelle Williams, Teddy Riley, Sylvester, Ronnie Dyson, Kurt Carr, Daryl Coley, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Benny Cummings, Lashun Pace, The Anointed Pace Sisters, Deleon Richards Sheffield, Mary Mary, J. Moss, Micah Stampley, Ricky Dillard, Kelly Price, Bishop G.E. Patterson, Dr. Bettye Nelson, Evangelist Goldia Haynes, Supervisor Rubenstein McClure, Yvette Flunder, Sara Jordan Powell, Myrna Summers, Thomas Whitfield, Deniece Williams, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Tamela Mann, Earnest Pugh, Jabari Johnson, Dr. Vernard Johnson (saxophonist), Corey Henry (Organ), Detroit Gary Wiggins, The Nevel Sisters, Rose Marie Rimson-Brown, Dr. Holly Carter, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Dr. Judith McAllister, Dr. Myron Williams, Dr. Juanita Bynum, Chrystal Rucker, Joe Tex, Bishop Norman Hutchins, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Penny Ford, Charlie Wilson, David Daughtry, Markita Knight, Chrystal Aikin, Evangelist Ruby Terry, Evangelist Carol Thomas, Bishop Carlton Pearson, Mother Vernon Oliver Price, Evangelist Frances Kelley, Patrick Henderson, Elder James Lenox, Keith Pringle, Shelby 5, Audrey DuBois Harris, Bishop Frank A. White Etc.
1949/1950 - Present Day
Lady Deborah Mason Patterson -
One of the daughters of Bishop Mason and wife to Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson Sr., Mason's daughter was a pioneer of the COGIC Music Department along with Sister Mattie Wiggley and Sister Jesse Jimerson. During this period, Deborah Mason Patterson, Anna Broy Crockett Ford, and Bishop C.T. James were the three heads of the National Choir.
,
Bishop C.T. James - 1951 to 1955
In 1951, Bishop Mason appointed Elder C.T. James to serve as the first National Director of Music. He later became Director of the National Chorus under Anna B. Crockett Ford. At his height, he had over 1 million radio listeners until his demise in the early '60s. (For some reason, his name was erased from the history of the COGIC Music Department; not many today have heard of him, and most would disagree with me on him ever being the National Director of Music, but my information comes from the COGIC Whole Truth and newspaper articles which have confirmed him to at one point being the first National Director of the COGIC Music Department).
Anna Crockett Ford - 1955 to 1968/1972
- Bishop Mason appointed Mother Ford as the National Music Department President in 1955. She served in that position until 1968/72. She is a singer and songwriter. One of her works is the standard "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me. (Dr. Ford doesn't get enough credit for being a powerful pioneer in the COGIC Music Department. Instead of National, her title should have been International Music Department President since the COGIC Church has always been International).
Dr. Mattie Moss Clark 1968/72 -1994
- Her legacy has created and helped to shape some of the most successful gospel artists, including Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Donald Vails, Commissioned, Bishop Richard “Mr. Clean” White, Elder James Lenox, Psalmist Bettye Ransom Nelson, Esther Smith, Keith Pringle, Bishop Rance Allen, Rev. James Moore and her own daughters, The Clark Sisters. Dr. Clark made a series of recordings beginning with "Going to Heaven to Meet the King" in 1958, becoming the first person to commit the sounds of a choir to record. She is the first to separate vocal parts into soprano, alto, and tenor. She received three gold-certified albums with the Southwest Michigan State Choir and went on to write and arrange hundreds of songs and record over 50 albums. After his elevation as the first elected Presiding Bishop, The late Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. appointed Dr. Clark the President of the International Music Department in 1968. Dr. Clark completely revolutionized the music departments. She defined the role of the (Jurisdictional) State Minister of Music, traveled year-round to every state in the country, conducting workshops, rehearsals, and musicals to prepare choirs for service on the National Church level, and organized the structure of the National Music Convention of the Church of God in Christ. Dr. Clark introduced the workshop and seminar concept to the convention and, along with her staff, structured classes and created “A Song Is Born,” the program where new talent was introduced before thousands. She was also one of the editors and contributors to the hymnal published by the Church Of God In Christ entitled “Yes, Lord.”
Sister LuVonia Whittley - 1994 to 2001
- Sister LuVonia Whittley of Chicago was appointed President of the COGIC Music Department in 1994. She is recognized for building a music department to include close to 1,500 singers and musicians as Jurisdictional Minister of Music for the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Illinois. In 1992, she was appointed as Vice President of the International Music Department. In 1994, she was appointed to succeed the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and served for 6½ years as the President of the International Music Department (under the late Bishop Louis H. Ford and the late Bishop Chandler D. Owens), recognized for bringing administrative finesse, organizational structure and wide participation to the department, and raising the level of music for Convocation worship services.
Professor Iris Stevenson McCullough - 2001 to 2008
- Dr. McCullough was appointed as an International Vice President by the late Presiding Bishop Louis Henry Ford in 1994 and reappointed by the late Presiding Bishop Chandler David Owens. In 2001, the late Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson elevated Professor Iris Stevenson-McCollough to the high office of International Music President. During her tenure, Professor Iris employed a global ministry focus and a parade of colorful gospel songs and arrangements full of joviality and infectious rhythms. The Movie Sister Act II is based on Dr. Iris Stevenson McCullough's life.
Dr. Judith McAllister - 2009 to 2021
- Dr. Judith Christie McAllister, often hailed as “The First Lady of Praise and Worship,” is a distinguished leader in Music Ministry. With a career span of over four decades, this Grammy-nominated Choir Director’s fingerprints can be found on the hearts and lives of Ministers of Music and Worship Leaders everywhere. Her signature songs, such as “Oh Give Thanks” and “To Our God,” recorded on her own record label (Judah Music Group), have transcended cultural and racial barriers, enriching worship services worldwide. From 2009 to 2021, McAllister served as the President of the International Music Department (IMD) for the Church of God In Christ, providing oversight, impact, and innovation to the musical constituency of the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world under the administration of Presiding Bishop Emeritus – Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.
Dr. Myron Williams - 2021 to Present Day
Williams, long-time Music Director for Juanita Bynum Ministries, is credited with the music and sound fans of Flow Records have grown to love. A renowned worship and praise leader, he found a way to harness the power and intensity of a praise service and capture the feeling on a track. This is why his production and writing skills are utilized by some of gospel music’s biggest recording artists, including T.D. Jakes, Kim Burrell, Marvin Sapp, DFW Mass Choir, Karen Clark-Sheard, and former Flow Records artist Juanita Bynum, of which he produced 7 chart-topping CDs. In 2021, Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard appointed Dr. Myron Williams as President of the International Music Department, a position he still holds today.
- Credit to IMD
- COGIC Whole Truth
- COGIC Souvenir books
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