Gone but not Forgotten: Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon

The Journal of Gospel Music learned from Ron Barrett that Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon, founder of Christ Universal Temple in Chicago, died December 23.

Here is a link to the church’s website: http://cutemple.org/?page_id=2457

Colemon founded Christ Universal Temple (CUT) in 1956 and expanded her New Thought Church concept into a ministerial empire called the Universal Foundation for Better Living, Inc.  At one time, CUT’s music ministry was led by Robert Mayes, a top-shelf musician and choir director who died at age 50.  One could argue that CUT was one of Chicago’s first megachurches, well before megachurches were popular.

Homegoing information for Rev. Dr. Colemon to follow when it becomes available.  Chicago has lost a titan of a religious leader, one of the last of her generation.

Photo Credit: HistoryMakers