Louis Henry Ford
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Louis Henry Ford | |
|---|---|
| Church | Saint Paul Church of God in Christ |
| In office | 1935-1995 (Pastor)
1954-1995 (Jurisdictional Bishop) 1968-1995 (General Board) 1990-1995 (Presiding Bishop) |
| Predecessor | J. O. Patterson Sr. |
| Successor | Chandler David Owens Sr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 23, 1914 Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | March 31, 1995 (aged 80) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Spouse | Margaret Little Ford |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupation | Presiding Bishop, Church of God in Christ, Pastor, minister |
Louis Henry Ford (May 23, 1914 – March 31, 1995) was a prominent American religious leader and a significant figure in the Church Of God In Christ. He served as the Presiding Bishop of the church from 1990 until his death in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy of spiritual guidance and community development.
Early Life and Education
Louis Henry Ford was born on May 23, 1914, in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Cleveland Ford and Chauney Austin. He completed his formal training at Saints College in Lexington, Mississippi. In 1926, at the age of 12, Ford committed his life to Christ and shortly thereafter received his call to ministry.
Ministry and Career
Bishop Ford's ministry began in 1933 when he was ordained by the late Bishop William Roberts, Prelate of Illinois. He went on to establish the Saint Paul Church Of God In Christ, serving as its shepherd for over sixty years. His dedication to the church led to various national appointments, including Director of Public Relations, Chairman of the National Founder's Day Program, and Vice-President of the National Publishing Board. In 1972, he was elected as the First Assistant Presiding Bishop. Following the demise of Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson Sr. in 1989, Bishop Ford was elected as the Presiding Bishop of the church on April 5, 1990.
Presiding Bishop
As Presiding Bishop, he oversaw the growth and development of the Church Of God In Christ, which has over four million congregants worldwide. His achievements include the remodeling of Mason Temple, the national headquarters; the upgrading of the Saints Academy campus; and the construction of the Deborah Mason Patterson Multipurpose Building. He also initiated plans for the Mother Mattie McGlothen Home of Love and Hope Shelter and the Saints Haven senior citizens home. Notably, he had a close relationship with President William Jefferson Clinton, who visited the church's Annual Holy Convocation in 1993 and invited Bishop Ford to the White House.
Legacy
Bishop Ford was a confidant and advisor to numerous influential leaders, including U.S. Presidents, mayors, governors, and notable figures in entertainment and civil rights. He was recognized for his contributions, receiving numerous awards and citations, including the Charles Harrison Mason Award and the Most Outstanding Alumnus Award from Saints College. The city of Chicago honored him by naming October 25, 1990, as "Louis Henry Ford Day." Ebony magazine consistently listed him among the 100 Most Influential Blacks in America.
Personal Life and Death
Bishop Ford was married to Margaret Ford and had two children, Charles Harrison Mason Ford and Janet Oliver Hill. He passed away on March 31, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual leadership and community service. His life and ministry continue to inspire and influence generations of religious leaders and community members.
References
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