COGIC Bishop G. E. Patterson (1939-2007)

Church of God in Christ Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 20, 2007, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 67.

The following is a statement from the Carter Malone Group, public relations contact for the Patterson family and the COGIC:

This afternoon at 4:03 p.m. at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God In Christ, Bishop G. E. Patterson, passed away as a result of heart failure. Patterson was surrounded by his wife, Mrs. Louise Patterson, and his family.

Patterson served as the leader of the fourth-largest Protestant religious denomination in the world with an estimated membership of 6.5 million members. He led the denomination since November 2000.

The memorial and funeral services will be held at Temple of Deliverance Church Of God In Christ. Local church memorial service, March 29, 7:00 p.m. — Jurisdictional memorial service, March 30, 7:00 p.m. — National church funeral service, March 31, 10:00 a.m.

Bishop Charles E. Blake, pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ has been named the interim presiding bishop of the denomination.

News reports are available online at the WMC-TV Memphis website which includes video clips, photos, and other tributes to Bishop Patterson.

Additional information can be found in the Memphis Commercial Appeal and on the Church of God in Christ, Inc. website.