The Apostle Church of Christ in God

(ACCG)

On Thursday evening, March 2, 1995 around 10:00 p.m., Bishop J.C. Richardson, Sr. ended his pilgrimage on this side and went home to be with his Lord. This culminated an earthly life of eighty-five years and eight days; a life filled working in the vineyard.

Our beloved Bishop was born February 22, 1910 in Newberry County, South Carolina. He was the third child and first son of fourteen children born to the late Mr. Elmore Richardson and the late Mrs. Alice Collins Richardson Johnson. He grew up on the family farm where cotton was raised. Bishop attended school in Newberry County, and experienced very rapid growth in his physical development. In fact, Bishop Richardson said, “I was almost as huge and tall when I was 15 years old as I am now…only not as heavy.”

The Richardsons were members of Friendship Baptist Church, where “Dad Elmore” served as Music Director for 20 years. But in spite of a strong home environment and a rigid religious background, this future preacher and Prelate felt an urge to do other things. Subsequent travel carried him to Georgia, Florida, and finally North Carolina to the city of Winston-Salem. In this city, Bishop took a position with the R. J. Reynolds Company. While there he met the late Inez Williams. According to Bishop Richardson, she was, “a saved and dedicated member of the Saint Peters Apostolic Church of God where the pastor was Bishop Eli Neal.” Because of the respect that our Presider had for this young lady, he responded to her invitation to visit the Saint Peters Church Easter Sunday night, 1921. After listening the powerful preaching of Bishop Neal, the young Brother Richardson got baptized in the name of Jesus Christ that night and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues. Within a year, Brother Richardson accepted the call to the ministry and eventually became the Assistant Pastor of Saint Peters Church.

It was also in Winston-Salem where Bishop met and married Mrs. Thelma Richardson. Unfortunately poor health and a serious illness ended the marriage after six years when Sister Richardson died.

A year or so later Bishop met Sister Margaret Thompson, who was a member of the Christ Temple Apostolic Church. This marriage produced three children, Jeanette, Mary Ann, and James, Jr.

It was also during this time that our Bishop was shown a vision where he would have to go to Martinsville, Virginia to build a church. So in the year 1935, the Bishop drove to Martinsville to meet the late Mother Lucy Redd and the late Mother Sally McVay. From these discussions and prayer, an Apostolic Church mission came into being, known as Mount Sinai Church. Mother Redd and Mother McVay were shortly joined by several other persons, including the late Deacon and Sister Burnette, the Witcher sisters, Sister Bertie King Coussin, Sister Alma Carter Hairston, and others. Mother Lucy Redd was very special because the Richardson family lived with her for many years, and she became a surrogate grandmother to Jeanette, Mary Ann, and James, Jr.

With his wife, Sister Margaret T. Richardson, working with him and a number of dedicated members, Mount Sinai Church began developing with the leadership of Bishop Richardson and the inspiration of the Lord. Keep in mind that prior to moving to Martinsville, Bishop J.C. and Sister Margaret Richardson drove from Winston-Salem every week, a trip that took almost two hours one way at that time (1935-1941). However, sacrifices were honored by God as a full congregation began to come forth. The growth ultimately led to four successful building programs.

As the church grew various programs were also initiated by our Pastor. For example, Mount Sinai was the first Black congregation in Martinsville-Henry County to start a radio ministry, bus and van ministry and a church newsletter. Additionally, our Pastor started an educational fund for students planning to go to college. Further the church was organized into auxiliaries and departments and continued moving forward.

The year 1968 was one of sorrow for Mount Sinai because Sister Margaret Richardson was called home. This concluded a 25 year marriage for Bishop and Sister Richardson. The Mount Sinai Church continues to honor her memory with the Margaret T. Richardson Library.

In 1971 our Bishop married Sister Frances Price Richardson. According to our Pastor, “I could never have found a more wonderful wife. Through all of my experiences the past years, we have fasted, prayed, and overcome each adversity.” The Bishop continued, “God has really stood by me and given me a wonderful wife.”

Relative to education, Dr. Richardson attained the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity, both from Richmond Virginia Seminary; Doctor of Divinity (Honorary), Virginia Seminary & College; Doctor of Laws (Honorary), Richmond Virginia Seminary.

Honors and awards include the following: Cited for Tireless Service by the National Youth Department of the Apostle Church of Christ in God, 1965; recognized for Leadership and Spiritual Guidance, Mt. Sinai Junior Missionary Society, 1969; honored for Outstanding Leadership and Service, National Alumni Association of Virginia Seminary and College, 1975; cited as an Outstanding Pastor, Mount Sinai Brotherhood Club, 1976; recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, Martinsville-Henry County Voter’s League, 1976; received the Distinguished Achievement Award from Masjid-Muhammad of Al-Islam, 1977; recognized for Leadership as General Contractor of the Mt. Sinai Building Program, 1983; recognized for Outstanding Leadership by the National Youth Department of the Apostle Church of Christ in God, 1986.

Regarding our Bishop’s leadership in the ACCG, he has held the following positions: Cofounder and Board Elder, 1941-1952; Board Bishop, 1952-1956; Presiding Mrs.  Bishop, 1956-1995.

While serving as our Presiding Bishop, the ACCG, he had the following achievements: Creation and development of churches from Florida to New York; A National Journal; initiation of the National Scholar Program; National Youth Jubilee; Senior and Junior missionary departments; created the National Young People’s Apostolic Association; YPAA; National Deacon/Brothers Association; National Music Department with a Minister of Music; Recording of an album by the ACCG Convention Mass Choir; Development of the National Finance Committee, Convention Inspiration Hour; Annual Recognition of School Graduates. As a pastor, Bishop Richardson has had over thirty persons to enter the ministry or pastorate after serving under his leadership.

Bishop J. C. Richardson, Sr. leaves his loving wife, Mrs. Frances P.H. Richardson, two daughters, Mrs. Jeanette Millner and Mrs. Mary Ann Mason, one son, Bishop James C. Richardson, Jr., one stepdaughter, Mrs. D. Brown, one step-son, George C. Harris, Jr. two sisters, Mrs. Eloise Harper and Mrs. Ann Mae Irving, one brother, Leo Richardson, ten grandchildren, the Mt. Sinai Church congregation, the Apostle Church of Christ In God family and many friends and family and admirers.

“Surely goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalms 23:6.