History of the Texas Southwest 1st Jurisdiction

Bishop Thaddeus D. Iglehart stands as a towering figure in the history of the Texas Southwest Jurisdiction, marking a significant chapter in our journey. Born on March 2, 1913, in Onalaska, Texas, Bishop Iglehart was appointed by Bishop CH Mason as the first Bishop of the Texas Southwest Jurisdiction in 1951, becoming the youngest bishop in the Church of God In Christ at the time. His leadership extended beyond the pulpit of Childress Memorial COGIC in San Antonio, Texas, reaching national audiences through radio and television. 

From 1972 to 1976, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Bishops, showcasing his dedication to the spiritual and organizational growth of the church. A founding member of the Trustee Board for Mason Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, Bishop T.D. Iglehart's commitment to education was also evident in his organization of the Central Texas Vocational College in 1946, which educated over 3,000 students. Known for his spirit-filled leadership and passion for evangelism, he led countless tent revivals and played a crucial role in founding churches across Texas. Bishop T.D. Iglehart, a beloved husband to Mother Dessie M. Iglehart and a father to seven children including the late Bishop S.E. Iglehart, lived a life dedicated to witnessing souls come to Christ, embodying the essence of godly leadership until his passing as the oldest Presiding Prelate in the Church of God In Christ. 

His legacy is a beacon of faith, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual upliftment of our community. 

Bishop Samuel Edward Iglehart was the first of seven children born to the late Bishop Thaddeus D. and Dessie M. Truitt Iglehart. He was godly proud to be counted as a third-generation descendant of the Church of God in Christ. Anointed as a young man, he received the call to the gospel ministry at the age of twenty-four and was ordained at the age of thirty-one.

Bishop Iglehart attended the Waco Independent Public Schools and graduated from A.J. Moore High School. He furthered his education at Paul Quinn College, Waco, Texas; Prairie View A.M. & N. College, Prairie View, Texas; Savannah State College, Savannah, Georgia; Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, and The International Seminary. He held a Master of Business Administration Degree and a Master’s Degree in Bible Theology. He was a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

He served as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Texas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, which comprised more than 126 churches. His leadership roles included: Chairman of the Licensed Ministers Board; President for over ten years of the Jurisdictional Young People Willing Worker Department; District Superintendent of the Greater Temple District for fifteen years; Pastor of various churches for over thirty-six years; and First Administrative Assistant to the late Bishop T.D. Iglehart for twelve and a half years.

Bishop S.E. Iglehart became Pastor of Childress Memorial Church of God in Christ on September 27, 1997. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually and financially. His dedication to his calling and his love for people were unmistakable in the exuberance with which he undertook the daily challenges of his ministry. Whether he was with an officer of the church or a small child, Bishop S.E. Iglehart was never too busy to show how important each member was to the church. Such behavior inspired the membership to love and appreciate him; and even more to “catch his vision” for the growth of Childress Memorial.

His vision was to make Childress Memorial a “one-stop complex of service,” with facilities to care for the whole man both spiritually and naturally. The church provided services such as: a daycare and Christian Academy for the children, a learning center for adults, recreational facilities for all ages, barber and beauty salon, credit union, a Christian Book Store, and an office support and print shop center. The quest to renovate and enhance the beauty of the church had already begun under his guidance.

Among his other accomplishments, Bishop S.E. Iglehart was inducted into the “Who’s Who Society of Outstanding Church Leaders” in May 1989. He was a former member of the “Pastoral Care Board” for Scott and White Hospital and a lifetime member of the NAACP, and an ardent supporter of the United Negro College Fund. He was a working member of the College of Bishops; Secretary of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the Public Relations Committee. He served his second year term as secretary of the Inter-Jurisdictional Council of Texas Bishops.

Bishop S.E. Iglehart was a devoted family man, married to the late Glorious Cosey Iglehart, and together they had six children.