Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake and the General Board of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) are saddened by the passing of General Board Member and former Presiding Bishop Chandler David Owens.
Bishop Chandler David Owens has died at 79 years of age in Atlanta, Georgia. An internationally known leader, Bishop Owens for more than 35 years faithfully served as a member of the General Board of the Church of God in Christ and from 1995-2000, as Presiding Bishop of the church.
Presiding Bishop Blake, says “the Former Presiding Bishop, Chandler David Owens’ contribution to the Church of God in Christ will forever be remembered in the annals of church history with gratitude, fondness, and respect. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life. We seek the prayers of friends and saints around the world for His loving wife, Mrs.Shirley Owens, his children, other family members, and the membership of the Church of God in Christ.”
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 1, 1931, Bishop Owens started preaching as a young child; his ministry spanned more than seven decades. He was a lifelong member of the church, traveled globally and ministered in practically every state in America.
He first pastored in Newark, NJ at the Wells Cathedral COGIC, where he served for over 33 years until his move to the state of Georgia. While in New Jersey, Bishop Owens was also the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Bishop Owens, with dedication and loyalty, served the Church of God in Christ in various leadership roles, including International President of the Youth Congress, Chairman of the Constitution Committee Second Assistant Presiding Bishop and First Assistant Presiding Bishop, Preacher, Teacher, Pastor of the Greater Community Church in Marietta, Georgia and Prelate of Central Georgia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
His heart for missions led him to establish, financially and through various other means, churches, schools and transportation for ministries in the Philippines, India, Malawi and Central Africa.
Bishop Owens will always be remembered for his electrifying oratory. His lifetime of experience at every level of church affairs made him a venerable fountain of wisdom and knowledge.
He leaves to mourn, his wife, Mrs. Shirley Owens and three children, Chandler David II, Chandra Stephanie and Shirilitha Jeanette (deceased). He is the proud and loving grandfather of seven grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
The Church of God in Christ is the fourth-largest Protestant religious denomination in the United States, with churches in 60 countries worldwide and a membership of nearly 6.5 million members
article courtesy of cogic.net
In remembrance of Bishop Owens, watch this video below from youtube:
