Bishop John W. Dickerson

The mantle passed from Bishop Abel S. Dickerson to his older brother, Bishop John Wesley Dickerson, Jr.  We will now share some of the life works of the 3rd Successor of the Church of God and Saints of Christ (COG&SOC). 

John W. Dickerson, Jr. was born in 1875 near Exmore, Virginia.  He joined the COG&SOC early 1900 (his father was a member) and became a stalwart member exemplifying holiness, greatness and calmness.  

In 1901, John W. Dickerson, Jr. was ordained to the gospel ministry and quickly climbed the ranks.  In 1903, he was appointed to the office of Evangelist and in that same year was not elevated to the office of an Evangelist-at-Large but received appointment to the office of Private Secretary to Founder and Leader, Prophet William Saunders Crowdy. 

In 1916, Evangelist-at-Large John W. Dickerson pastored the Newark, NJ tabernacle and in 1919 was anointed and consecrated a Bishop by Bishop James M. Grove.  In 1935, he became the next successor and leader after the death of his younger brother, Bishop Abel S. Dickerson.  He and his brother were called, “The Sons of Thunder” because of their ability to orate and speak well.  History testifies that his virtual, authentic voice was as roaring waters.  

During his reign, Bishop John purchased over 100 acres of farmland, now called Beulah Land, in Galestown, Maryland.  Beulah Land was purchased to be a “City of Refuge” for the Saints.   The COG&SOC still owns Beulah Land today and ground work has been laid for future plans for the property.  Bishop John Dickerson was known for performing many acts of healing, and the COG&SOC stood solid with many tabernacles under his regime.  

After 37 years of Faithful Leadership service, Bishop John Wesley Dickerson, Jr. fell asleep in Newark, New Jersey in the year of 1972, but not before he anointed then Chairman of Presbytery Board Evangelist James Reuben Grant, Sr., Cleveland, Ohio to the consecrated office of Bishopric.  Following his death, the Board of Presbytery voted and elected its new leader and 4th successor, Bishop James Reuben Grant, Sr., and so, the mantle passed.  

… and the journey continued…