Dr. Charles G. Hayes, Founder of Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer, Dies

Dr. Charles G. Hayes (left) with Allen Cathey

I am very saddened to report that Dr. Charles G. Hayes, known fondly as “Father Hayes,” has passed away.

More information about his homegoing services will be forthcoming as it is made available.

A native Alabaman, Dr. Hayes came to Chicago in the late 1950s and founded Universal Kingdom of Christ, later known as Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer, on the city’s South Side.  Placing the music ministry in the capable hands of such noted musicians as Dr. Charles Clency and, most recently, Chedwick Allen Cathey, Hayes built one of the most successful recording and radio church choirs in gospel music history.

Hayes was a staunch traditionalist, and his music ministry reflected that.  The choir, called the “Warriors,” is best known for hits such as “Jesus Can Work It Out,” “The Bridegroom Cometh,” “Everyday is a Day of Thanksgiving,” “Everytime I Feel the Spirit,” “Work On, Pray On, Time Ain’t Long,” and many more.  Hayes himself often led the songs, his tunefully strident voice instantly recognizable.

It is no hyperbole that gospel music has been enriched beyond belief by Father Hayes and his “romping, stomping” choir.  While choirs got more contemporary and modern, gospel enthusiasts knew they could count on Dr. Hayes and the Warriors to get the congregation shouting the old time way.

Father Hayes stood for discipline, professionalism, and perfection, but he was also a warm, approachable person.  It was his radio broadcast in January 1984 that introduced me to gospel music.  He sang “The Healer” as the choir supported him.  At the time I could not have imagined that I would get to know the pastor behind the big, bold Cosmo choir, and that he would always greet me whenever we happened to be in the same place at the same time.  That he allowed me to sit at the main table at one of Cosmo’s anniversaries.  That was a thrill beyond belief.

I am grateful to have had the chance to interview Father Hayes for my book on the history of gospel music in Chicago.  His story will be there for current and future generations to read.

Farewell, Father Hayes.  Time ain’t long, that’s certain, though I wish it hadn’t come so soon for you.   We are sad to see you go, but we are better people for your having lived.  See you in the great cloverfield beyond the sunset one day.  You will be there at Heaven’s door, just as you were at Cosmo, greeting those coming through.

Special thanks to Jordan Phillips, Yvonne Wesley-Seabrooks, Dennis Cole, and David Jones for letting TBGB know of Dr. Hayes’ passing.