NEW JERSEY THIRD JURISDICTION
As we reflect on our humble beginnings it was General Board member, Bishop Chandler D. Owens that recommended Superintendent, Dr. Norman L. Prescott, to head up this body of Pastors and congregations. Being led by God, Superintendent Prescott accepted this awesome responsibility.
This group of Pastors and Churches now known as Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction New Jersey Church of God In Christ, was established on the foundation of – “Purpose, Passion, and Principles”.
In its inception the unofficially named was “Living Dimensions Fellowship Church of God in Christ, New Jersey”. The Headquarters was located at 115 Greenwood Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 07042.
On November 14, 1994, during the 87th General Assembly of the Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee, the Living Dimensions was recognized a Jurisdiction by the late Presiding Bishop Lewis Henry Ford and Dr. Norman L. Prescott appointed Jurisdictional Prelate.
Also, Mother Vivian B. Wooden was appointed as Supervisor of the Women’s Department of the New Jersey Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction by Mother Mattie McGolthen Ca.
Once the Jurisdiction was in place, the following persons were selected as officers of the Jurisdiction: Associate Bishop John L. Knight (deceased), Superintendent Robert L. Bragg (deceased), Superintendent Hersey L. Taylor, Superintendent Leroy Hodges, Superintendent Joe Scott (deceased), Pastor Dr. Jeremiah F. Lee, and Bishop Charles Harris (Executive Secretary).
Due to deaths and transitions, the following persons were later selected as Executive Board Members: Auxiliary Bishop Hersey L. Taylor, Pastor Dr. Jeremiah F. Lee (Administrative Assistant and Chairman, Finance Committee), Pastor Dr. Kevin E. Knight, Sr., (Jurisdictional Secretary), Superintendent Dr. Embria W. Sconiers (Administrative Assistant and Chairman, Pastors’ and Elders’ Council), Superintendent Dr. David C. Graham (Administrative Assistant and Chairman, Board of Superintendents), Superintendent Dr. Eddie F. Williams, Jr. (Member), and the late Mother Vivian B. Wooden (Supervisor, Department of Women).
Bishop Prescott gracefully led our Jurisdiction with piety, loyalty, and faithfulness for twenty-one years until his emeritization in 2015. Bishop Frank O. White was commissioned by the Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. and the General Board to oversee the Jurisdiction until new leadership was appointed.
On October 17, 2015, the recommendation of a majority of Jurisdictional Pastors resulted in the appointment of Pastor Dr. Kevin E. Knight, Sr., to pick up the mantle of leadership. During this transition of leadership, the late Bishop Frank O. White (General Board Member, Church of God In Christ) served as our Interim Prelate until April, 2016 and Dr. Kevin E. Knight served as his Chief Of Staff.
During the 2016 April session of the General Assembly of the Church of God In Christ, NJ Third received ratification to continue as a Jurisdiction. Dr. Kevin E. Knight, Sr., was appointed as the new Leader of the Jurisdiction by Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., (Presiding Bishop, Church of God In Christ).
On August 22, 2016, Designee Bishop Knight was granted permission for Episcopal Consecration to take place during the NJ Third Jurisdictional 21st Holy Convocation due to the inability of his mother, Lady Fannie B. Knight to travel long distance. This Act of Consecration was officiated by Bishop Jerry W. Macklin (Second Assistant Presiding Bishop, Church of God In Christ). Bishop Kevin E. Knight, Sr., was installed as Jurisdictional Prelate on November 13, 2016, during the 109th Holy Convocation of the Church of God In Christ in St. Louis, Missouri by Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.
Under Bishop Knight’s administration, the following persons were appointed as the Executive Board Members: Pastor Dr. Arthur U. Cook, Sr., (Administrative Assistant and Chairman, Finance Committee), Elder André W. M. Peterson (Jurisdictional Secretary), Superintendent Dr. Eddie F. Williams, Jr., (Administrative Assistant and Chairman, Protocol and Security), Assistant Superintendent Anthony M. Hunter (Program and Convention Coordinator), Pastor Dr. Javon P. Allen (Urban Initiatives Coordinator), Superintendent Jeffery R. Parks (Intercessory Prayer Leader), Superintendent James L. Holmes and Pastor William A. Statham. Mother Ann Streater and Evangelist Esme Prescott, Chairperson, Vice Chair respectively along with the District Missionaries have been selected to head up a Women’s Commission to facilitate the mandates of the Women’s Department.
Because of the foundation of Principal, Purpose and Passion NJ3rd is moving to achieve levels of excellence in ministry second to none in New Jersey. Under the direction of Bishop Knight, the Jurisdiction will nurture and lead people (unsaved and saved) into a true relationship with Jesus Christ.
New Jersey 3rd Jurisdiction is more than a group of churches who assemble to expedite the business at hand. They are men and women who appreciate one another with compassion and love that cannot be compromised.
The vision of NJ3rd is to Empower Pastors and Churches to worship God through Biblical practices and programs. This will include appropriate pastoral and lay-leadership preparation, training and funding to assist in planting and growing the local congregation to do ministry in the communities where we are called to serve. To wit, fulfilling the mandate of Church Of God In Christ, Inc. to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
We will continue to umbrella Pastors and Churches in the Jurisdiction and perform the mandates of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., through our Jurisdictional efforts, Pastoral/Church fellowships, and formulation of brotherhood among the Pastors.
THE NJ 3RD ADMINISTRATION
THE RIGHT REVEREND KEVIN E. KNIGHT, SR.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23
The fourth of seven children, Kevin Eugene was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to working class parents Late Bishop John L. and Fannie B. Knight. And born again in 1975. In 1977 he married his Mary L and to this union, were born their two “diamonds in the rough”, Kevin Eugene Jr., Shantae’ Merie (William Gary Young) and beautiful “Grands”.
He received his grammar and high school education in the Jersey City public school system and earned an Associate degree in Applied Science in Public Policy, a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies from Saint Peter’s College, Jersey City, NJ, a Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Theology degree from Grace Hill Bible University. He is also a 2000 graduate of NLI (Neighborhood Leadership Initiative).
In 1976 he accepted the call to ministry and was appointed by his father, as the Youth/YPWW President at his local church Heavenly Temple C.O.G.I.C. As he grew and matured in the Lord, he was appointed in 1978 the Youth President of Hudson-Northeast District Youth Department, New Jersey Third Jurisdiction. The appointment provided the platform to begin his work as a passionate leader in the Kingdom of God providing innovative educational and recreational programs for Church and community.
Further calling and conviction lead to his ordination as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ in 1984 and thereafter in 1989 appointed Assistant Pastor at his local Church. In June 1999, his father the Late Bishop John L. Knight passed on the mantle of leadership to him. He yet serves as Pastor of Heavenly Temple, Church Of God In Christ Jersey City, New Jersey. Pastor Knight serves his Church and community in various capacities. He is a member of the (IMA) Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Jersey City & Vicinity where is served as 2nd Vic-President. 2014 to present, he serves as a Member of New Jersey Together an ecumenical group of Churches and Civic groups organized to intercede for the disenfranchised. 2002 to Present, he serves the President and Executive Director of Community Outreach Team, Inc. (COT) was conceptualized and established in 1988 by the late Bishop John L Knight. It is a faith based non-profit organization with a focus to fulfill the social, educational, and housing needs of the community. COT has been a constant contributor to the revitalization and growth of the Greenville section of Jersey City, New Jersey and continues under the stellar leadership and guidance of Rev. Kevin E. Knight, Sr.
Ecclesiastical Activities 1995-2016
The ministry and service Of Bishop Knight within the Church of God in Christ and abroad includes multiple areas of service many of which he serves simultaneously.
New Jersey Third Hudson-Northeast District of churches COGIC,
- In 1995 – 2008, served as District Secretary,
- In 2008 to 2015, appointed as District Treasurer.
New Jersey Third Jurisdiction COGIC, appointed by Bishop Norman Prescott
- In 1995–2005, he served as President of the Jurisdictional Youth/YP Department,
- In 1999 – 2008, he served as Chairman of (A.I.M.) Auxiliaries In Ministry,
- In 2002 - 2016, he served as Jurisdictional Secretary
- In 2011 - 2016, he served as Jurisdictional Coordinator for the Urban Initiative.
These platforms created an opportunity to provide similar seminars and power-shops to a larger audience of young people throughout New Jersey.
His notoriety did not stop here but drew the attention of the International leaders.
For the International Church Of God In Christ Inc.
- In 2001 – 2006, appointed by President Brandon B. Porter, he served as East Coast Regional Youth Director. Area include: Eastern New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland/Washington, Virginia and West Virginia.
- In 2005- 2009, appointed by Bishop G. E. Paterson, Presiding Bishop of the Churches of God in Christ, he served as Vice President for the International Youth Department
- April 2012 to present also serves as a member if the Resolution Committee for the General Assembly,
- July 2015 to 2016, serves as “Overseer” in the Adjutancy Core.
- August 2016 Consecration to the Episcopal office of Bishop
- November 2016 Consecrated as Prelate of New Jersey Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
But most of all, his heart’s desire is to be able to hear God say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant!”
FIRST LADY MARY L. KNIGHT
It did not take long for her to realize the special calling of God in her life. Her early commitment of service to God began in 1970 at the Faith Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. William Taylor. There she served as a Sunday School teacher, President of the Youth Dept. and member of the Usher Board and the choir. After marriage, she joined Heavenly Temple COGIC continuing her growth in the Lord.
At her new Church Home, the late Bishop John L. Knight elevated her to leadership roles. She was appointed a Sunday School Teacher, Church Secretary, President/Founder of the Junior Ushers’ Board, President of the YWCC and member of the choir. Under the pastorate of her husband the Bishop Kevin E. Knight, Sr. her service in ministry included President of the Women’s Ministry and Coordinator of “Dew In Morning Women’s Prayer”.
Presently she serves as chairperson of the finance Department and a financial secretary, Teacher of the Pastor’s New Members Support Class, President of the Young Women Christian Council, Coordinator of the Helping Hands, Warm Hearts Shelter Ministry, and Member of the Trustee Board. She was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary under the late Supervisor of Women Mother Vivian B. Wooden of New Jersey Third Jurisdiction.
Her service in ministry includes multiple areas:
Hudson Northeast District, NJ3rd Jurisdiction:
● She served in the District Women's Dept. as President of Pastors and Elder Wives
Circle and served as Public Relations & Program Chairperson.
For the NJ Third Jurisdiction, she served as:
● Secretary for the Clergy Wives Circle
● Executive Member of the Y.W.C.C.
● Marshal for the Women’s Department
she currently serves as:
● First Lady of Heavenly Temple Church of God in Christ and The New Jersey Third
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
● A member of the Commission for the Women’s Department.
● Advisor of The Jurisdiction Pastors’ and Elders’ Wives
Church Of God In Christ Internationally, she served as:
● President of the Wives of the President of the Regional Youth Department
● A member of the President Wives of the International Youth Department
● A member of the International Jurisdictional Secretary Wives Circle
she currently serves as:
● Active member of the Bishops’ Wives Circle
● Appointed Recording Ambassador 2020 for the Bishops’ Wives Circle by President
Mother Yolanda Bryant
Lastly, Lady Mary L. Knight lives daily by her favorite scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths ~ She loves the Lord with all her heart, which is first and foremost and HIS people.~
MOTHER DR. MARY E. WIGGINS, DESIGNATE
Mother Mary Elizabeth Wiggins, Supervisor Designate is a native of Georgia. She was born into the St. John Church of God in Christ,
church family, where her mother served as an Evangelist Missionary.
She was the recipient of a college scholarship while attending one of
their Jurisdictional Holy Convocations. This made an impact on her
life, therefore, she purposed to assist college bound young adults in
expanding their horizon.
She moved to New Jersey and has attended Wells Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Newark for over forty-five years, presently pastored by a highly anointed man of God, Pastor James N. Williams, Sr. There, she serves as church Mother, President of the Church Mother’s Board, Co-Chairman and secretary of the Trustee Board, President of two New Jersey prison ministries: East Jersey State Prison, Rahway and the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center, Newark, as well as in other areas of ministry.
Over the years, she has served in various capacities of Kingdom work within the local, district, and jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ in New Jersey.
In her career, Mother Wiggins served thirty-six years in the Newark, New Jersey Public Schools System as a teacher and as an administrator. As a teacher of mathematics, she received the Teacher of the Year Award from the City of Newark, was selected as Master Teacher, and was recommended for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She was also an adjunct professor of mathematics at three of New Jersey’s higher education institutions (college/university). She also has a PhD in Religious Education.
Upon retiring in 2009, she became a Grief Recovery Specialist, and a Registered Parliamentarian and continues to study Parliamentary Law.
Mother Wiggins is humbled, most grateful, honored and appreciative of the Bishop, who recently appointed her to serve in the position of Supervisor Designate of the Department of Women, New Jersey Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ, Inc., he is none
other than the honorable and anointed great leader, The Right Reverend Kevin E. Knight, Sr., Th.D., Jurisdictional Bishop.
Mother Mary Wiggins is so thankful for the honor of being a child of the Most High, Almighty God!
Please keep Mother Wiggins, Supervisor Designate in prayer.