“Seeking God pays off!” This motivational statement resonates as we approach Precious Faith Church of God in Christ. Precious Faith Church of God in Christ stands as a testament to unwavering faith. Its story is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Church of God in Christ in Michigan.
In 1914 Elder W.G. Johnson and his wife Mother Mary Mangum-Johnson arrived in Detroit. They came from Memphis Tennessee. Bishop C.H. Mason interpreted Elder Johnson’s unknown handwriting as his call to Michigan. They began holding services at Erskine and St. Antoine Street. Later they worshiped at other locations. This marked the beginning of the Church of God in Christ in Michigan.
Over the next four decades Bishop Mason assigned General Overseers to Michigan. Overseer Mack E. Jonas served first from 1923 to 1924. Overseer I.S. Stafford followed from 1924 to 1930. Overseer J.H. Kissintiner and Bishop I.W. Winans then took their turns. In 1939 Bishop Cleveland Landis Anderson Sr. became General Overseer.
During Bishop Anderson’s time Superintendent John Seth Bailey rose in leadership. The Church of God in Christ grew in Michigan. Bishop Mason created a new Diocese in 1946. Superintendent J.S. Bailey was appointed Bishop. The original state became the Northeastern Jurisdiction. Bishop C.L. Anderson Sr. remained its leader. The new Diocese became the Southwestern Jurisdiction.
Bishop C.L. Anderson Sr. led Northeastern Michigan until his death in 1959. Bishop Charles J. Johnson Sr. succeeded him. In 1966 Cleveland Landis Anderson Jr. became Bishop of the Great Lakes Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Bishop C.J. Johnson’s health declined in 1975. Superintendent Phillip A. Brooks II became Jurisdictional Bishop. Superintendent Herbert J. Williams Sr. was appointed to a new jurisdiction.
Northeast Michigan Jurisdiction represents over 80 churches and missions. Bishop P.A. Brooks served for 45 years until his death in 2020. He was elected to the General Board nine times. He served as Assistant Secretary and Secretary. Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. appointed him First Assistant Presiding Bishop.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused many deaths. Bishop Sedwick C. Daniels served as interim bishop. In May 2020 pastors chose Administrative Assistant Zachary Neal Hicks. He succeeded Bishop P.A. Brooks. Bishop Hicks was consecrated on June 23 2021.
While Precious Faith Church of God in Christ may have its own unique history within this larger narrative, the story underscores the deep roots and significant growth of the Church of God in Christ in Michigan. It exemplifies faith community and leadership. Precious Faith Church of God in Christ continues to spread its message.