A BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE KOINONIA JURISDICTION
December 2002
Bishop Ernest C.
Morris, Sr., the Prelate of the Koinonia Jurisdiction was consecrated
a Bishop in the Church of God in Christ in 1998 (99). He was
appointed by the then Presiding Bishop, Bishop Chandler D. Owens.
At that time he was consecrated a Jurisdictional Bishop over
the beautiful island nation of Bermuda.
With characteristic zeal, he went to work organizing a Jurisdiction
which had been inactive for a number of years, taking several
fact-finding trips to the island to assess needs, strengths,
and areas of concern. In the summer of 1999, a contingent of
almost 100 people traveled to Bermuda for the first of two Convocations
held in the islands. A full contingent of ministers, missionaries,
choir members, teachers and outreach workers traveled to the
meeting. Many of the local pastors joined in the services. Workshops
were held. Worship services featuring Bermudian Pastors as well
as our own Bishop were the highlight of the events. The following
year, an even larger contingent traveled to the island for an
outstanding good time as well as worship services.
The venue for these island-wide convocations was first the Sonesta
Beach Hotel and the following year the world famous landmark
Hamilton Princess Hotel.
Street teams ministered in the areas where drugs were prevalent,
and Bishop and Mother Morris had the privilege of meeting with
the Prime Minister of the country and sharing their vision with
her.
In October, 2002, a consortium of some 42 churches based in
Pennsylvania and New Jersey joined together under the leadership
of Bishop Morris, was certified by Presiding Bishop G. E. Patterson,
ratified by the General Assembly, and officially became the
KOINONIA JURISDICTION OF PENNSYLVANIA. Mother Emily Myrick,
of Vineland, New Jersey was selected as the Supervisor of the
Women's Department, and Pastor A. B. Baxter of Coatesville,
Pennsylvania was chosen as the 1st Administrative Assistant.
The mission of the new Jurisdiction is ecclesiastically centered
on building the local churches and enhancing the ministries
of the local pastors. The leadership of Bishop and his team
of dedicated Administrative Assistants, Superintendents and
Department Heads is committed to reaching souls, maximizing
the potential of every leader, positively impacting each community
and providing a role model for Jurisdictions everywhere with
an ongoing commitment to missions, scholarships, and social
ministry.
Within the two years of its existence, Koinonia has established
an admirable track record. A Scholarship Fund for the Jurisdiction
has been established and the First Annual Scholarship Prayer
Breakfast was held. The first AIM Convention was held with outstanding
community impact and vast numbers of people in attendance. Various
men and women were ordained and licensed for ministry by the
Jurisdictional Ordination Board. The First State Women's Convention
was held and was a great success. Youth activities, workshops
and institutes, jurisdictional choir concerts are some of the
innovative programs in place by our leaders.
As we approach our second Convocation, we are looking for God
to do even more in our midst. On tiptoes of expectancy we await
the further revelation of His purpose in us.
To God Be The Glory!
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