DETROIT — “We’re here for a celebration today.”
That was the message rendered as hundreds of attendees gathered for the homegoing services of prominent church leader, Bishop John H. Sheard, Pastor of Greater Mitchell Temple C.O.G.I.C., father to Bishop John Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop, Church of God In Christ, who passed on November 11.
The farewell celebration was held at Greater Emmanuel Institutional (GEI) Church of God in Christ in Detroit (COGIC).
In 1974, Sheard acknowledged his call to ministry and was ordained elder and ultimately appointed pastor in 1982 of the Mitchell Street Church of God In Christ (now Greater Mitchell Temple).
It was in 1992, Sheard was appointed Prelate of Michigan Southwest First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and consecrated as Bishop.
Bishop Sheard was known for his exceptional leadership and generosity such as the purchase of a church facility and congregation members never having to pay a mortgage.
“He was an awesome man of GOD,” said Telada Ford. “He’ll see you at the restaurant and he would pay for your dinner or your lunch.” Ford, a church member under late Sheard for 25 years, said he would joke and laugh with people and was a leader that man people feel so special.
Spirits and emotions were high in a celebration service which lasted hours and attended by several elected officials, respected leaders, and dignitaries.
“Bishop Sheard was a wonderful person, down to earth,” said Barbara Koonce, Greeter Coordinator at GEI COGIC. “When he would visit here as our assistant pastor, he would always talk to us, laugh with us, and let us know if there was anything we needed he was there.”
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