Revs. Robert and Gloria Jones

Reverends Robert and Gloria Jones have had a long distinguished career with Christ Gospel Churches. They are long time Elders of Christ Gospel Church Int'l. District 5, and Rev. Robert Jones sits on the National Board of Directors. 

Revs. Jones, both natives of Florida, moved to Jeffersonville to study at the Christ Gospel Church Bible Institute in the 1960s. Completing their studies, they became ordained ministers in 1969.  Rev. Robert Jones graduated from St. Petersburg College and has held multiple jobs over the years. Rev. Gloria Jones is an LPN and for many years assisted our founding Pastor, Rev. Bernice R. Hicks, as her personal nurse. Her position allowed Rev. Jones to travel extensively world-wide with Rev. Hicks to help minister to God's people. 

Revs. Jones began pastoring in Beaumont, Texas, where they served from 1969 until 1983. When they first arrived in Beaumont, the membership consisted of less than twenty people. Membership grew fast under their tenure, and it reached 350 people by the time they departed. The church’s rapid growth required the purchase of a new building, which was completely paid off before the Joneses departed.

In January of 1984 the Lord sent them back to the St. Petersburg area of Florida to pastor a newly founded congregation. For a period of time the Church rented space and held services in other Churches while they searched for property to purchase for their growing congregation. As African-American pastors, they found it difficult to purchase a building in certain areas of Florida, which were still “primarily all white” at that time. Many of the local people continued to be resistant to allowing African-Americans into the neighborhood – even if it were merely to preach the Word of God. Rev. B. R. Hicks, affectionately known as Sister Hicks, came to St. Petersburg, along with her daughter Beverly, who was a real estate agent, to assist in the purchase of property for the church. Sister Hicks, who never tolerated segregation in her church, led the effort to secure the church grounds for Christ Gospel Church of Pinellas Park. Revs. Jones are still pastoring the church and after almost 40 years still continue. To God be all the Glory!

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Revs. Jones have 3 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 6 great-grand children.