Bishop Arthur Brazier Dies – Noted Pastor and Civil Rights Leader

TBGB learned from Veronica Williams this morning that Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, Pastor Emeritus of the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, has passed away Friday, October 22 at the age of 89.

A note from Dr. Byron T. Brazier on the Apostolic Church of God website outlines the homegoing services:

Dear Congregation:

Thank you for your continued prayers.

According to his biography on the website, Bishop Brazier became pastor of the Apostolic Church of God in 1960 and served until 2008, when he retired.  While pastor he founded The Woodlawn Organization, “one of the most successful community organizations in the country.”  He was the voice of those with no voice and worked hard to ensure equitable housing, jobs and living standards for the poor.

The bio also notes that, “For more than 30 years, [Bishop Brazier] served as Diocesan of the 6th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, which included oversight of more than 80 churches in the state of Illinois.” 

Apostolic Church of God, under Bishop Brazier, was known for its outstanding chorus, which sang in churches and institutions such as Orchestra Hall.

We join with Bishop Brazier’s family and many friends, and the estimable congregation of the Apostolic Church of God, in mourning his passing and celebrating his entrance through the golden gates of Heaven and eternal happiness therein.