Administrator Assistant Rudolph Thomas

Pastor Rudolph Thomas was born on July 13, 1927, in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Walter and Josephine Thomas, who preceded him in death. He was the youngest of six sons and one daughter.

In 1948, the entire Thomas family relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan. Realizing the importance of a high school education, Pastor Thomas diligently worked to earn his Graduate Equivalent Diploma (GED) from the Benton Harbor School System. Pastor Thomas worked as a specialist at Auto Specialties Manufacturing Company and retired after working over 27 years.

During the same year of 1948, Pastor Thomas received the salvation plan of God under the leadership of the late Superintendent John H. McCoy, Sr. and joined Church of God in Christ #2. While attending church one evening, the spirit of the Lord filled the temple, and he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost according to Act 2: 1-4.

The year of 1950 would bring about a beautiful change. On August 20, 1950, Pastor Thomas chose a beautiful bride and married the love of his life, Josephine McCoy. This diamond would prove to be his help mate and a fortress of strength. To this union, God gifted 8 children: Ernestine, Rudolph, Jr., Vestina, Luella, Jureatha, Virginia, Vickie, and Darlar Jean. They remained married for 52 ½ years, until the heavenly transition of Mother Thomas.

Pastor Rudolph Thomas enjoyed cooking and often prepared delectable dishes and invited his entire church congregation over for dinner on Sundays. He also enjoyed teaching and mentoring young men. A couple of his favorite gospel songs are: “Yes God is real”, and “Come in the Room.” Pastor Thomas was a family man and truly loved his family. In the good times, bad times, happy times, and sad times, just having family members around, brightened his day.

Pastor Rudolph Thomas was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ by the late Bishop John Seth Bailey. In 1960, he accepted his calling to become a faithful pastoral servant of God and founded the Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. located in Benton Harbor, Michigan. In 1975, Pastor Thomas was promoted to Superintendent by the late Bishop John Seth Bailey. He served in various capacities during his walk with Christ such as: Sunday School Superintendent under the late Nathaniel Wells, Sr., Western Michigan Jurisdiction, and Administrative Assistant under the late Bishop Herbert J. Williams, and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Michigan North Central Jurisdiction. He remained a loyal and faithful supporter, until the Lord called him home. Pastor Thomas was appointed pastor of New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1985. He faithfully served as pastor of Holy Temple and New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. until his health declined.

Pastor Rudolph Thomas, husband, father and shepherd began his transition into Glory on the morning of Sunday, May 19, 2024. During the twelfth hour, Pastor Thomas while smiling slipped peacefully into eternity. He was gathered into the arms of his Father. We can hear him declaring, “This, the Lord has done, and it is marvelous in our eyes!” Absent from us, present with the Lord. “A Journey Completed!” “A Life Well Spent!” “A Lasting Legacy!”

Pastor Rudolph Thomas gained his wings and crown and was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Josephine Thomas; wife, Mother Josephine Thomas; son, Rudolph Thomas, Jr.; daughters, Jureatha Wooden and Virginia Cunningham; grandson, Jeffrey J. Hall; brothers, Oscar, Voyd, Walter, Nathaniel, and Bishop Howard Thomas; one sister, (transitioned at birth).

Pastor Rudolph Thomas leaves to cherish his precious memories and to anticipate a glorious reunion according to I Thessalonians 4: 16-17: Ernestine (Henry) Cooper, Vestina Hall, Luella Thomas, Vickie Thomas, Darlar Jean (Joseph) Lee; son-in-law, Michael Cunningham; sixteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church families, and friends.

Pastor Rudolph Thomas, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13.

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