Bishop Embra Robert Patterson, Jr.
Prelate, Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Bishop Embra R. Patterson, Jr. was born in Huntsville, Alabama February 24, 1952 to the late Elder Embra R. Patterson, Sr and Brazola Patterson. He is the second oldest of five siblings, and also a third generation member of the Church of God In Christ. Bishop Patterson met his wife Evangelist Leatrice James Patterson in Peoria, Illinois and have been married for 40 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, Elder Embra Robert Patterson III, Elder Adrian Harrison Patterson and one daughter Andrea Denise Patterson. They are also the proud grandparents of six grand children.
Bishop Patterson graduated from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1975 with a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Technology and Minor in Economics. He received a Certificate in Business Management in 1982 from Bradley University; and in 1995 received a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies from Bradley University.
In 1997 Pastor Patterson founded Kingdom Temple Church Of God In Christ with his wife and three children. In 2003 Phase One of a multi-Phase Building Project was completed – the first COGIC built from ground up in the city of Peoria, Illinois. In 2003 Pastor Patterson was appointed District Superintendent of the Greater Central District by Bishop Hugh E. Cawthon.
Bishop Patterson has served in the ministry for over 40 years. He was licensed to preach in 1977 and ordained in 1984. His experience includes Local YPWW President, 20 years as District YPWW President, 2 years as YPWW State Director of Public Relations, 15 years as Jurisdictional Director of Public Relations, 15 years as Jurisdictional Secretary, 10 years as District Superintendent, and 10 years as First Administrative Assistant. He served 3 years as an Appeals Court Judge for the General Council of Pastors and Elders and as Legal Advisor to the Chief Judge for the Judicial Review Committee. He currently serves as Legislative Sub-Committee Chairman on the Job Description and Remunerations Committee for the General Assembly. He has served in numerous civic organizations including Chairman of the Board – Peoria Black Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner on the Mayor’s Race Relations Commission, Planning Committee – Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, State Diversity Committee – Ameren Illinois, and Peoria School District 150 Advisory Board.
He is saved, filled with the Holy Ghost and loves his wife, family and the greatest church in the world - the Church of God In Christ.
