Our Founder

Bishop Melvin E. Clark, Sr.

Born in Norfolk, VA on January 28, 1931 to the late Carl, Sr. and Vashti Clark, Melvin E. Clark, Sr was a unique and gifted scholar, pastor and leader.  At the age of 3, he proudly proclaimed that he wanted to be a “sanctified preacher.” He received Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 15 and was subsequently ordained as Elder under Bishop D.L. Williams.  After marrying the love of his life, Melessie Reeves, Elder Clark was commissioned by Bishop D.C. Love to pastor the First Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Staunton, VA.  After 8 years diligently serving that vibrant congregation, Pastor Clark answered the call to become pastor of the First COGIC, Aliquippa, PA in 1960.

For over 70 years, his dynamic teaching, evangelistic ministry and progressive community leadership gave him universal reputation as a leader par excellence. He was a highly-regarded theologian, presidential advisor, international thought leader and accomplished businessman who always a love and concern for the people of God. During his decades-long tenure at the internationally renowned Church in the Round COGIC, the multi-faceted ministry experienced phenomenal growth that crossed ecumenical and cultural boundaries on a global scale. Early on, Pastor Clark launched an innovative outreach strategy, including: Commit to Christ crusades, the acclaimed “Across The Pastor’s Desk” radio outreach and “May I Present Jesus to You” Holy Ghost conferences which earned him the moniker Mr. Pentecost.

Bishop Clark’s outstanding achievements as pastor, church-planter and community leader culminated in his appointment in 1986 to the Bishopric and Jurisdictional Prelate of the Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. Subsequently, he was selected by the presiding Bishop to serve on the National Task Force of the COGIC, designed to hasten the construction of All Saints University. Perhaps most memorable, the Certificate of Tribute and the coveted Presiding Bishop’s Award of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. commending Bishop Clark for his most loyal and faithful service to Christ and His church.

His leadership abilities and deep concern for people have brought him before many leaders including four  US presidents and many foreign leaders including the Pope and President Nelson Mandela. He traveled at the request of the Presiding Bishop of the COGIC to South Korea to minister and help develop the church there. He also ministered in Greece, the City of Corinth, twice in London, England, and had the honor of serving at the Vatican, Rome, Italy as counselor, advisor and member of the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishop’s Congress, which later conferred upon him the Doctor of Divinity degree. Bishop Clark is the recipient of the Man of the Year Award of the Greater Aliquippa Chamber of Commerce, the Humanitarian Award of the NAACP, of which he was a life time member. He added these honors to an outstanding education career, which includes two Master’s degrees and an earned PhD.

Known everywhere as the “Bless Your Bones” preacher, Bishop Clark leaves an indelible mark on people and institutions throughout Christendom and beyond.

On Saturday, January 20, 2024, Bishop Melvin Eugene Clark, Sr., 92, of Monaca, PA, entered into eternal reward. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Melessie Reeves Clark, his parents and his brothers, Carl, Jr. and Wallace.

He leaves to cherish his memory 5 children Melvin Jr., David, Vashti Venice, Kenny, Sherris (Tony) Richards, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, extended family and friends and a host of local church and jurisdictional family.