CONTINUING THE LEGACY 30 YEARS STRONG! By Staff of GCT

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1 CONTINUING THE LEGACY 30 YEARS STRONG! By Staff of GCT "For ye, brethren, become followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus:." 1Thes 2:14 1 Corinthians 1:2 "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" Over the past 30 years, Tennessee Central Jurisdiction has experienced great levels of leadership and fellowship. It has a rich foundation to build upon and is greatly challenged to effectively embrace the present while realizing its future. Central is the largest COGIC Jurisdiction in the State of Tennessee and its endeavor is to continue the legacy of its great founding leader, Bishop W. L. Porter. Tennessee has served as the foundation for the Church Of God In Christ, which has become known as one of the fastest growing churches in the world. It has given birth to numerous COGIC leaders, including the founder himself, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason. Tennessee is also where the historic Mason Temple is located. Tennessee is the connecting point for the COGIC throughout the fifty states of America and over fiftysix countries around the world. In the embryonic stage of the Church, the entire State of Tennessee was under the guidance of Bishop C. H. Mason. He then appointed Overseer R. H. I. Clark to serve from Bishop A. B. McEwen, Sr. was appointed Overseer from However, in 1954, growth necessitated additional leadership which led to the creation of the East and West Jurisdictions. From 1954 until 1969, Bishop McEwen was appointed Prelate of Western Jurisdiction and Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. presided over Eastern Jurisdiction. In 1968, seven years after the death of Bishop C. H. Mason, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. became the first elected Presiding Bishop of the COGIC. In 1969, after the demise of Bishop McEwen, Bishop Audley King, one of the pioneering pastors of the Eastern Region, was appointed Prelate of the Eastern Jurisdiction, while the Western Jurisdiction (later renamed Headquarters) would serve as the seat of the Presiding Bishop. As the responsibility of the Church grew, Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. petitioned the General Board to release him from his Jurisdictional duties, to no avail. However, in 1980, Bishop Patterson submitted his resignation from the Office of Jurisdictional Bishop of Headquarters and directed the State of Tennessee to be restructured, thus the creation of a third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. An official agreement was constructed outlining the strict geographical boundaries and designating the location of the three jurisdictions. It was determined that Headquarters Jurisdiction would consist of the churches located within the city limits of Memphis and Shelby County; all churches located outside of Shelby County up to the west border of

2 the Tennessee River would be Central Jurisdiction; and everything east of the Tennessee River would be the Eastern Jurisdiction, or what s commonly called the Second Jurisdiction of Tennessee. As did Bishop Mason in the earlier years of COGIC's existence, Patterson looked out on faithful men and women and prepared them for furthering the work. So, in 1981, Bishop Patterson appointed Bishop F. D. Macklin over Headquarters Jurisdiction, Bishop W. L. Porter over Tennessee Central Jurisdiction and Bishop King remained Prelate of East Jurisdiction until he was called home in Bishop W. L. Porter had been trained to step into the role of leadership and on August 1, 1981, at the end of the Jurisdictional Convocation, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. announced that Auxiliary Bishop W. L. Porter would be elevated to the Scared Office of Jurisdictional Prelate and assigned to the new Tennessee Central Jurisdiction. Continuing to show aggressive leadership for which he was known, Bishop Porter immediately sought new quarters from which he would administer the affairs of the Jurisdiction. Bishop Porter's quest led him to Calvary Baptist Church at 369 Lexington Avenue in Jackson, TN. At that time, Calvary was one of the largest church buildings in the city with scores of classrooms, a large fellowship hall, gorgeous sanctuary and an on-sight parsonage. Prior to purchasing the church, Bishop Porter took several men from his ministry to go lay hands on the building and claim it as their new location. As God ordained, it was at this site that the service of Consecration and Installation was held for Bishop Porter on October 8, After consecration, Bishop Porter met for negotiations with the administration of Calvary Baptist Church and suggested that they give him the building. A shrewd deacon remarked, "Before we give you this church we will break it down and sell it brick by brick". It was later discovered that a terrible accident occurred in the boiler room of the church, leading to the demise of that deacon. Anxious to sell the building after this tragedy, Calvary s administration made Bishop Porter a very reasonable offer. The property located at 369 Lexington Avenue became headquarters for Central Tennessee Jurisdiction and was paid for in less than 36 months. The building is currently valued at over $3 million. To God be the glory! With a spirit of evangelism permeating throughout the State, proliferated growth dictated additional leadership. As a result, other Jurisdictions were formed and additional Bishops were appointed, namely Bishop H. Jenkins Bell, Bishop G. E. Patterson, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Jr., Bishop Samuel Lowe, Bishop Felton Smith, Bishop J. M. Scott and Bishop Jerry Maynard. During this season, Tennessee became what is known as "Open State", breaking down the original barriers in order for churches to join any jurisdiction they desired. Today, Tennessee has six jurisdictions. The uniqueness of Bishop W. L. Porter's ministry was that he was the first man to be ordained by Bishop Patterson and the first Pastor to be appointed by Bishop Patterson

3 during his tenor as Presiding Bishop. Throughout his ministry and life, he served his leaders and Church with diligence. The Lord made choice of Bishop W. L. Porter to serve as the First Bishop of the Central Jurisdiction in the State of Tennessee. RESTORING THE TEMPLE Born to Bishop & Mrs. W. L. Porter, Brandon Burdett Porter accepted his call to ministry in 1976 and was ordained Elder in 1978 by Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. Bishop Porter began his pastorate at Greater Allen Avenue COGIC in 1978 and in 1981 was appointed Pastor of Greater Victory Temple COGIC (both in Jackson, TN). In 1991, he was appointed Pastor of Greater Community Temple COGIC in Memphis, a church that his father founded in Under his leadership, now "One Church In Two Locations GCT has grown and expanded to members and continues to progress in excellence and outreach. Bishop Porter, like his father has meticulously served the Church Of God In Christ on many levels and capacities. More notably as Vice Chairman of the Trustee Board, President of the International Youth Department, National Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Executive Producer of the COGIC Today TV Show and Coordinator of Christmas In November. He currently serves as a member of the National Trustee Board. Bishop Porter was chosen to continue the legacy and succeed his father. In November 2009, during the 102 nd Holy Convocation, Bishop Brandon B. Porter was consecrated as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Tennessee. The geographic regions of the churches of this fellowship now spans from Memphis to Chattanooga and beyond. It consists of approximately 80 churches and growing. Presently, Central Jurisdiction is comprised of 12 districts throughout the State of Tennessee. These districts include: Bolivar, Brownsville, Jackson, Memphis Southeast, McDowell Memorial, Nashville, New Clarksville, New Millington, Parsons, Ripley, Rossville and W. L. Porter Memorial. "I believe that just because something isn't broken, doesn't mean we should just leave it alone. With the help of God, we should make it better. Over the years we have enjoyed many programs and initiatives and I strongly believe that the best is yet to come! There is a great burden to expand and advance the work of the Kingdom by empowering and fulfilling the present needs of the local churches in our area", says Bishop Brandon Porter. What the Central Jurisdiction has accomplished over the past 30 years has impacted many individuals and communities. It continues the legacy of building people, churches and communities by offering leadership training, financial resources, support and guidance in the development and construction of community ministries. "There were times when my father took monies and built a church in various rural communities for four or five little ladies, then appointed them a pastor. This gave them hope and LIFE said Bishop Porter.

4 The Tennessee Central Jurisdiction has been a model for many Bishops and leaders across the country. Many have visited just to get a glimpse of the organizational model, structure and skills, and have implemented those tools within their own organizations. The Jurisdiction stands as a beam of hope for its ministries and a light for what COGIC represents. It is an extension of the National Church whose purpose is to uphold Constitutional matters throughout the Church. "We simply exist because the Church Of God In Christ said okay, let's expand in Tennessee", disclosed Porter. Tennessee Central Jurisdiction is a strong supporter of the National Church and its vision, which is the primary focus. It raises money so that it can give back to the National Church and continue to expand its statewide ministry. Out of 270 Jurisdictions in the USA and 60 foreign countries, Tennessee Central is ranked in the top 15. Much of the success of Central Tennessee can be attributed to the late Bishop W. L. Porter. This visionary leader possessed tremendous insight on how to organize and energize people to fulfill the needs of ministry. "There is an array of opportunities for ministry workers and leaders to utilize their gifts and talents for the Kingdom of God. I have been in prayer concerning how we can further the greatness that my father helped bestow here in Tennessee. God has put a few things in my spirit to share with those who are already devoted to Central and those He is leading our way. I believe if these initiatives are embraced, it will be to our advantage", explained Porter. During his tenure, Bishop W. L. Porter made choice of two women to serve him and the State Women s Department: Mother Zelma Spight and Mother Bettie Sue Vaughn. These anointed women of God worked to contribute to the success of Central Tennessee Jurisdiction. Mother Vaughn served until her health began to fail. She became Supervisor Emeritus in 2009 after which Mother Ida M. Porter was installed as the newly appointed Supervisor of Women. She continues to serve her son, Bishop Brandon B. Porter and the women God has entrusted to Central Jurisdiction. There is a story that should be considered nothing less than a prolific dissertation. This is the story of a man with a God-given vision and a great enough anointing to see that vision come to fruition. A man, who while riding a bus through his Jurisdictional territory with fellow constituents, was mocked by those who stated, "Look at Bishop Porter's Jurisdiction, a whole lot of trees!" As it goes, those TREES turned into MINISTREEEESSSS as Central Jurisdiction became the largest in the State of Tennessee and continues to grow strong! Tennessee Central embraces the opportunity to continue the legacy, while holding up the arms of its Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Brandon B. Porter, who stands strong with his lovely wife Melody and their two sons, Brandon II and Bryson. "We build people, we build churches and we build communities; this is how we will continue the legacy. Since I have been allowed to serve, we have added almost 15 churches. New churches are being built by local congregations. We had so much

5 growth in the Memphis area that we added a new district this year. Yes, God is still good! says Bishop Brandon B. Porter. Central Jurisdiction remains strong do to its unwavering commitment to educate the people of Christ. Monthly sessions were developed many years ago in order to assist the Jurisdiction with the tools necessary to further its development. Sessions are as follows: -Training & Development -Empowerment Retreats -Resource Centers -Economic Empowerment -Budget Committees -Church Growth & Marketing Strategies -Audio & Visual Resources -Website Development -Community Relations & Outreach (Drug & Alcohol Recovery Centers) Bishop Brandon B. Porter now leads Tennessee Central with a due focus and idea of Continuing The Legacy. He stands on the shoulders and exemplary faith of his father. Bishop Porter has unveiled a vision consisting of numerous innovative growth and development opportunities for local churches and the advancement of the Jurisdiction, all centered on the values, principals and ideals that have yielded great exploits in times past and prove to be the stimuli for future success. One of the most consequential parts of this vision is the refurbishing and renovation of the Jurisdictional Headquarters. In his commitment to continue the legacy, Bishop Porter embraces a vision he has coined Restoring The Temple. We began this campaign because it has been thirty years since my father organized this work. I also thought it was a great season to bring beauty to our blessed temple. We have several projections that I believe will not only enhance our facility, but also better our worship and fellowship experiences. Each church is asked to make a donation to this cause as well as individuals. We are eager because this kind of rally has not happened for many years. We are putting in new restrooms, a women's lounge, additional training and administrative space for State Officers, a bookstore and a library called the Legacy Place where we will have history on display" says Porter. This project will ultimately manifest the appreciation of the leaders and members of Central Tennessee for the hard work of the late Bishop W. L. Porter along with those whom the Lord assigned to him to acquire such a towering edifice that serves as its headquarters. Lest we forget, RESTORE THE TEMPLE. For more information about Tennessee Central Jurisdiction go to or call

Tennessee Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention, Inc. THE DISASTER RELIEF MINISTRY

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