February 16, 2021
Dear Saints,
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.”
Psalm 116:15
This notice of Episcopal Transition is as per the directive of our Presiding Bishop & Chief Apostle, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr.
God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Server, Bishop Charles Mason Ford, to eternal rest. Bishop Ford was an Auxiliary Bishop in Illinois First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; serving under Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Ocie Booker. Bishop Ford was Pastor Emeritus of St. Paul Church Of God In Christ in Chicago, Illinois.
Bishop Charles Mason Ford was the son of our beloved former Presiding Bishop, His Grace, Bishop Louis Henry Ford. Bishop Charles Ford served as Chairman of the National Board of Trustees of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. for 12 years until his retirement in 2012.
Bishop Ford demonstrated his level of care and concern through his ministry. He was fervent and steadfast in his commitment to all of God’s people across Chicago and throughout the United States. He utilized his knowledge of government functions and community services to the benefit of all. He was responsible for the development of more than 96-units of residential housing for seniors and the physically disabled. He was instrumental in the naming of the Bishop L. H. Ford Memorial Freeway.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulting in local and state restrictions on public gatherings to achieve social distancing, the family will hold a private memorial service for this servant.
During this time of uncertainty, we request the continued prayers as well as acts of emotional and spiritual support for the family. It is with great honor that the National Adjutancy will assist the family during this most difficult time.
“Blessed be the God, even the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3
Sanctifying the Leader, I Am,
Bishop Robert G. Rudolph, Jr.
Adjutant General
Church Of God In Christ, Inc.
February 19, 2021
The services for Bishop Charles Mason Ford, Auxiliary Bishop in Illinois First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction will be as follows:
PUBLIC VIEWING
Thursday, February 25, 2021 – 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM CST
St. Paul Church Of God In Christ
4526 South Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60653
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Thursday, February 25, 2021 – 10:00 AM CST
St. Paul Church Of God In Christ
4526 South Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60653
Messenger: Pastor Kevin Ford
Jurisdictional Prelate: Bishop Ocie Booker
DISCLAIMER
All clergy are asked to wear Class B attire. Physical distancing and government restrictions on gatherings will be observed. Persons should expect their temperature to be taken to determine entry. Entry will be prohibited if personal temperatures fall outside the acceptable range.
Everyone attending is required to observe the following regulations:
- Wear a mask at all times while on the church premises. You may also wear gloves or other forms of PPE, if desired.
- Refrain from gathering in large groups while on the church premises.
- Refrain from sitting within the sanctuary during the viewing.
Please forward all condolences and/or resolutions to stpaulcogic4526@sbcglobal.net.
During this time of uncertainty, we request your continued prayers as well as acts of emotional and spiritual support for the family.
