How it all started...
Pentecostal Church of God in Christ of the United States of America, Inc. (PCOGIC) was founded by Van Buren (V.B.) Moore on March 28, 1941 in Jacksonville Florida. A council was established which included James Roberts, Willie Robinson, J.A. Marshall and W.L. Thomas. Moore was unanimously elected Presiding Bishop and faithfully served in this capacity until his death in February 1956.
From 1941 through the late 1970s, Bishop Moore and his successors Robert Hightower and James Tucker, Sr. established churches in Broward, Dade, Duval, Martin and Palm Beach Counties (Florida). This included expanding membership into Riviera Beach in 1953, and West Palm Beach and Port Salerno (1966). PCOGIC also acquired land and buildings during this period of growth which resulted in new edifices for West Palm Beach in 1975 and Riviera Beach in 1978
From 1941 through the late 1970s, Bishop Moore and his successors Robert Hightower and James Tucker, Sr. established churches in Broward, Dade, Duval, Martin and Palm Beach Counties (Florida). This included expanding membership into Riviera Beach in 1953, and West Palm Beach and Port Salerno (1966). PCOGIC also acquired land and buildings during this period of growth which resulted in new edifices for West Palm Beach in 1975 and Riviera Beach in 1978
Expanding the vision...
Under the leadership of Bishops Arthur Hightower (1981-1991) and John D. Alexander (1992-2007), PCOGIC
became a staple in the south Florida community. The PCOGIC model helped a number of other churches become established and spawned several of the regions rising ministries. During this time a select fellowship of churches was birthed which included Crystal Light Ministries of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Love Ministry, Rock Ministry International and Ocala Pentecostal Church. Both of these great men of God served faithfully until being called home to Glory in 1991 and 2007, respectively.
became a staple in the south Florida community. The PCOGIC model helped a number of other churches become established and spawned several of the regions rising ministries. During this time a select fellowship of churches was birthed which included Crystal Light Ministries of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Love Ministry, Rock Ministry International and Ocala Pentecostal Church. Both of these great men of God served faithfully until being called home to Glory in 1991 and 2007, respectively.
Where we are headed...
In 2008 Bishop Randy L. Hightower, the eldest son of the late Bishop Arthur Hightower, took the helm of PCOGIC. Bishop Hightower brought a vision of unity among all churches. To this end, he established an Affiliate Agreement to further solidify the union among the select group of churches that fellowship with PCOGIC. Bishop Hightower also has an overwhelming passion for people and works to impact the impoverished, deprived communities. As a result of his passion, food and clothing programs have been established in Palm Beach and Martin Counties through a variety of 501C (3) organizations which operate through the PCOGIC churches. Educational services (i.e., tutoring, GED classes, Parenting classes, daycare, etc.) and food and clothing distribution operate at multiple locations through PCOGIC facilities. Bishop Hightower is also involved with People Engaged in Active Community Efforts (PEACE), a congregation-based organization charged with effectively fighting injustices in communities throughout Palm Beach County.
Since its inception over 75 years ago, PCOGIC has continued to proclaim God’s words to impact the world. Only God knows what the future holds for this great organization. We are thankful for those who have paved the way and those who continue to till the earth to grow God’s Kingdom.
Since its inception over 75 years ago, PCOGIC has continued to proclaim God’s words to impact the world. Only God knows what the future holds for this great organization. We are thankful for those who have paved the way and those who continue to till the earth to grow God’s Kingdom.
