Bishop German Reed Ross

Born on a cotton farm in Hubbard, Texas, on April 20, 1921, the youngest of 23 children living in a one room shack, German Reed Ross elevated himself from a life of poverty, racism and illiteracy by earning a Master's Degree, becoming the first African American corporate auditor for the IRS in Northern California and becoming an  internationally recognized minister and community leader. He was the husband of the late Grace Yvnonne Ross, First State Supervisor of California North Central Women's Department and brother-in-law of the late Mother Crouch, the General Supervisor of Women for the Church of God in Christ, Worldwide. Bishop Ross was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved the Lord, traveled the world and helped thousands in their time of need.

• 1921 -  Bishop Ross was born to Ira and Mary Lewis Ross
• 1925-  Taught himself to read
• 1936-  Took up residence in Dallas, TX and joined the St. Louis Church of God in Christ (COGIC)
• 1941-  Married his beloved Grace Yvonne Searcy
• 1942-  Volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy where he served as a Chaplain
• 1945-  Transferred to Shoemaker, California where he received honorable discharge
• 1945-  Joined Mingleton Temple COGIC in Oakland, CA where he served as Pianist, Minister of Music and Sunday School Superintendent
• 1948-  Earned his Bachelor of Business Administration & CPA certification from Golden State University
• 1951-  Founded and directed the nationally recognized choir "The Professor Ross Singers"
• 1951-  Appointed Minister of Music of the Northern California Jurisdiction of COGIC
• 1954-  Ordained as an Elder and made Pastor of True Faith Tabernacle COGIC
• 1956- Spearheaded and supervised the construction of the new Mt. Sanai COGIC
• 1970- Received his Master in Divinity Degree from Pacific University Theological Seminary
• 1973- Appointed Bishop of California North Central Jurisdiction
• 1973- Elected General Secretary of COGIC and remained for four consecutive terms
• 1973- Became Pastor of Good Samaritan Cathedral COGIC
• 1991 - Passed away from lung cancer on the 13th of November

Bishop Ross traveled extensively throughout North America, Australia, Europe, South America and Asia spreading the word of God. Despite having stood shoulder to shoulder with royalty and having audiences with world leaders such as Pope John Paul II, Bishop Ross treated EACH person he encountered as a child of God. His early years of illiteracy fueled his passion for knowledge and inspired his mass efforts for literacy among young people. He enriched the world with his child-like spirit, love of humanity, curiosity for life and generosity. He was a man of humble beginnings who embodied the ideals of Christ in every word he spoke and in everything he did.