The Journal of Gospel Music is saddened to report that Bishop James C. Austin Sr., prelate of the Illinois East Fifth Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ and pastor of St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Chicago, transitioned from earth to glory on June 30, 2026.
Among his many accomplishments as a church leader, Bishop James Austin led the St. Luke Church of God in Christ Youth Choir to great acclaim. The church’s Youth Choir was formed in 1963, with James as president, director, and soloist. In addition to HOB, the Youth Choir, under James’ leadership, recorded for Harold Freeman’s Righteous label, GJ, Millennial, and also released privately-pressed albums. The choir modelled itself after other contemporary youth choirs of the day, especially those serving the COGIC denomination, which they undoubtedly encountered while fellowshipping at sister churches and at the annual COGIC convention. Katherine Bynum, the mother of famed evangelist Dr. Juanita Bynum, was a member and soloist with the Youth Choir.
An excellent bio on Bishop Austin is available here: https://www.stlukecogic.com/people/bishop-james-c-austin-sr/
JGM expresses its condolences to Lady Vernesta T. Austin, the Austin children and grandchildren, the rest of the Austin family, and the friends and congregants of Bishop Austin.
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
