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Dr. Mattie McGlothen Library /
-The law of truth was in his mouth and Iniquity was not found in his mouth." mc 2 6     "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 8 32
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VOLUME XXVIII, NO. XI
C.O.G.I.C. HEADQUARTERS, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER, 1991
84th HOLY CONVOCATION
ONENESS
The 84th International Holy Convocation of
the Church Of God In Christ convened in
Memphis, Tennessee, as a jubilant Presiding
Bishop Louis H. Ford orchestrated the annual
convention as only he can Along w ith the General
Board of Bishops, Mother Mattie McGlothen and
the general officers of the Church, some 40.000
people attended what proved to be a demonstration in the power of oneness The sparkle in the
crow n jew el of Church conventions was the recent
renovations done on the national properties.
Bishop Ford and a select committee have been
working diligently to beautify  and restore the
Bishop Ford preaches on Founder's Dav
grand nature of Mason Temple and the surrounding properties. The unfolding vision of Bishop
Ford helped produce a oneness among the saints
which has not been witnessed for sometime The
saints came to the convocation and saw the
renovation for the first time, and started a
rejoicing which lasted the entire meeting.
November 5-11. 1991 proved to be a season of
rediscovery for people who have long attended
the Holy Convocation From the four corners of
the world came the saints having hope for a truly
spiritual Holy Convocation The advance stories
of the coming renovations and improvements as
told in The Whole Truth made these delegates
eager to see the grounds. As the saints arrived at
Mason Temple they peered skyward to view the
gold cross affixed atop the building- They stepped
into the front lobby and were greeted with freshly
painted walls featuring the names of historic
founding jurisdictional officials, past as well as
current leadership and other points of Church Of
God In Christ history   Even the downstairs
kitchen area was a source of encouragement and
pride   Now featuring totally carpeted floors and
all new interior, the dining area looks like any
other commercial restaurant. The saints simply
felt good and godly proud about the changes
The theme of the convocation: "The Power of
Oneness," was Bishop Ford's personal choice and
reflected what he was attempting to bring about
If he is to finish the unfolding of the vision God
has given him, then the saints need to be together
with him. He wanted unheard of oneness during
this meeting
The Lord provided the saints some chosen
vessels to bring the word A cadre of notable and
inspired speakers were on hand to deliver the
Word Of God and the saints cena\n\y did feast.
From the very opening day of the convocation,
the Lord blessed each speaker to give words of
love and hope. It was refreshing to see persons
who had never before had an opportunity to
preach before the convocation having that
opportunity. Daily there were excellent seminars
taught during the seminar hour  Nightly, there
were different messages and the impact of being
under such worship and praise had a building
effect. Mason Temple was filled during the pre-
musical and every subsequent night the crowd
was larger and larger.  By the weekend the
convocation was in a unity of blessed proportions;
both in numbers and enthusiasm.
The genuine feelings of love and togetherness
were evident from the beginning and it made the
theme seemed ever vital. As stated, the speakers
were a mixture of quality persons committed to
continue J on pg  5
ROSS HOMEGOING
BISHOP GERMAN REED ROSS    1921 -1991
Bishop G. R  Ross
Bishop German Reed
Ross was a four term General Secretary of the Church
Of God In Christ. He was
prelate of the California
North Central Jurisdiction
and a dedicated pastor in
the city of Oakland.
California. Presiding
Bishop Louis H. Ford
eulogi/ed him November
20. 1991 before an over-
tlovving crowd of saints and friends The subject of
the eulogy characterized the life and times of Bishop
Ross and those in attendance knew Bishop Ross as
a man with "FAITH TO LIVE AND COURAGE
TO DIE." The following is the obituary of this loyal
and totally committed man ol God
GENERAL SECRETARY - CHURCH OF GOD
IN CHRIST. INC.
BISHOP GERMAN R. ROSS was born in Mart.
Texas, to Ira and Mary Lewis Ross. He took up
residence in Dallas, Texas, in his early teens and
joined the St Louis Church Of God In Christ
pastored by Bishop B.J. Crouch He was a membei
oi the Sunday School class, was faithful, loyal,
obedient, very warm and studious
After graduating from B.T Washington High
School, he and Miss Grace Yvonne Searcy were
joined in Holy Matrimony, and moved to Little
Rock, Arkansas, where he entered the Philander
Smith College
In 1942. he volunteered for service in the U.S.
\av v and was sent to the Great Lakes Training Base
for six weeks and remained there for three years,
serving as Secretary to the Chaplain
In ]945. he was transferred to Shoemaker,
California, where he received an honorable
discharge. He and his family took up residence in
California and joined with the saints at Mingleton
Temple Church Of God In Christ He served there
as Pianist and Minister of Music. Deacon. Trustee
and Sunday School Superintendent.
Elder Ross attended Golden Gate University where
he received his Bachelor of Business Administration
degree in 194S, with special training as a CPA, and
furthered his education at University of California
and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary where
he received his Master of Divinity Degree
continued on pg. 7
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
TAMPA, FLORIDA
January 22-24, 1992
Bishop Chandler D. Owens and the General
Board's committee on the Leadership Conference
have released some initial information about the
coming Leadership Conference. The conference
will convene in Tampa. Florida and be officially
housed at the Omni and Holiday Inn Hotels.
The Chureh has a very good delegate package.
A double occupancy room and five meals during
the three days will cost $265.00 per person.
Wednesday. January 22. 1992. the registration
table will open. There will be something for
everyone during this meeting, The executive
planning committee. General Board of Bishops
members. Owens, Haynes. Brooks and Winbush
have conducted a series of planning sessions and
are confident that laity and clergy alike will
benefit from the conference. For further
mfonnation. please call (901) 578-3830.
January 22-24. 1992. come hear top professionals, ministry experts. Holy Ghost inspired
preachers and others. Come and hear Presiding
Bishop Louis H. Ford and the latest about the
"Unfolding Vision.