BISHOP GILBERT E. PATTERSON PASSES: International leader of COGIC succumbs to heart failure.
   A bout with cancer has ended the life of international presiding prelate of the Church of God In Christ, Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson on March 20 in Memphis, TN.Â
    WREG-TV in Memphis is reporting that he died specifically of heart failure at 4:03pm. He was 68.
    Among the bishop’s numerous contributions to the Body of Christ, he founded and was the pastor of the Temple of Deliverance – Cathedral of Bountiful Blessings – in Memphis.Â
    According to the church’s Web site, the Temple of Deliverance was the first Black church in the city to be built for over a million dollars. He continued the preaching legacy of his father who was also a Bishop.Â
    Elected as the president of COGIC in November 2000, while battling illness Patterson showed strong leadership during COGIC Holy Convocation in 2006. Bishop Chalres E. Blake, The First Vice Chair is the successor.Â
     Akiit.com will post funeral plans and other details as they become available.