J. T. Roberts collection

Collection

Identifier: M0058

Staff Only

Dates

1958–1965

Conditions Governing Use

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Biographical / Historical

Beginning in 1958, the Church of God appointed white overseers to supervise the Church of God Colored Work. J.T. Roberts served as national overseer from 1958 to 1965 and David Lemons served from 1965 to 1966. Roberts had construction experience and was able to secure loans and build several new church buildings. Yet, many viewed the appointments of Roberts and Lemons as steps backward, and black ministers called for change. The response of the Church of God was integration. The General Assembly passed a resolution on Human Rights in 1964 and dissolved the separate “Church of God Colored Work” in 1966. Because of the large number of black churches in Florida, ministers there asked the Executive Committee to appoint a black overseer for black churches in Florida—in effect returning to the days of Edmond Barr with both white and black overseers. Until 1970, the Executive Committee also continued to appoint a black overseer for black churches in Mississippi.