H.G. Poitier to be Honored by Seminary
Cleveland, TN–During the upcoming Multi-Cultural Ministries16th Biennial International Fellowship Conference, a special chapel service will be held July 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the Pentecostal Theological Seminary chapel to honor the late Bishop H.G. Poitier.
Following the chapel service, a brief dedication will be held in the remodeled Seminary commons, which will now be known as “Poitier Commons.”
Rev. Poitier was ordained in 1945; organized twelve churches; and served twelve pastorates. His service in the administrative work of the church included serving in the following capacities:
-Secretary/Treasurer of the Colored Work (term used at that time);
-State Overseer – Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida
Jacksonville/Cocoa;
-Overseer/Representative of Black Affairs – Church of God Executive
Offices, Cleveland, Tennessee;
-Established the Ministerial & Lay Enrichment Program for the State of
Florida – Jacksonville/Cocoa Office.
Bishop H.G. Poitier
Viewed as “A Quiet Giant,” he was recognized as a bridge builder in both ministry and community affairs. H. G. Poitier was driven by the belief that as scripture records, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. (Acts 10:34-35).” He believed a church divided against itself cannot stand. He taught that the church must become one in spirit, one in power, one in faith; and that it must demonstrate this in word and practicality.
Even prior to being appointed by the Church of God Executive Office leadership to serve in the capacity of Representative of Black Affairs, Bishop Poitier traveled extensively on behalf of the denomination reaching out to brethren to promote unity.
Having confidence in the Word of God and his call to ministry, H. G. Poitier diligently pursued the building of this bridge despite negative criticism and repercussions by some of his more militant minded peers. In addition, he faced the demeaning and condescending attitudes of some white ministers. In spite of tremendous adversity, he focused on his mission; and he persevered, understanding the importance of the greater purpose to be achieved by becoming one.
After experiencing salvation and the baptism in the Holy Ghost in 1924, he sensed the call of God as the spark of evangelism struck his soul and he began ministering. He shared the importance of studying the scriptures with fellow ministers as he encouraged them to take advantage of the ministerial enrichment programs offered at Lee College (now Lee University) by the denomination’s executive leadership.
Retiring after more than 69 years of active ministry, Bishop H.G. Poitier is mentioned in Like A Mighty Army as “widely regarded by his minister friends as a person of sincerity and high character. . . He was known for his even temper and kindness; and he gave meaning to the term ‘gentleman.'”(Conn, C., 2008)
“Daddy” to nine daughters and eight sons, he and his wife, Celestine Tynes Poitier, have a legacy that extends to numerous third, fourth, and fifth generation heirs. In the midst of the hectic life of full-time ministry, often pastoring more than one church miles apart from each other, H. G. Poitier took the time to “pastor” his own family. Among the children are four credentialed ministers (one deceased), pastors’ wives, church musicians, and career professionals.
Dr. R. Lamar Vest, PTS President, remembers Bishop Poitier as “a man of God who boldly proclaimed that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was God’s best news for a lost world. He was a great leader in the Church of God and a man loved and admired by many. I wish he and Sister Poitier were still with us to be part of this moment of honor so richly deserved. We ask our Church of God family to join us for this significant event.”
Ken Hill, director of Multi-Cultural Ministries for the Church of God considers this service of honor and dedication of the Poitier Commons to be a highlight of the upcoming 16th Biennial International Fellowship Conference, “Bishop H.G. Poitier was considered a visionary who embraced diversity while all along he was creating a path for our future destiny.”
A plaque honoring him will be permanently placed on a wall in the commons area where students, faculty, and staff frequently gather. Among those participating in the chapel service and dedication will be Dr. Wallace Sibley, assistant general overseer of the Church of God who shared, “Bishop Poitier was gentle and smart with a winning personality. No one deserves this honor more than Bishop Poitier.”
