Maryland Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Church Of God In Christ, Inc., one of three jurisdictions in the State of Maryland, was established in 1966 under the episcopal leadership of the late Bishop James I. Doswell. The Jurisdiction, although established with few churches at its inception, enjoyed (however) a deep sense of spirituality and a unique spirit of unity that has been its trademark throughout its history.
Bishop James Doswell, after having served over 20 years as jurisdictional bishop, went home to be with the Lord in 1988, at which time the Bishop Stanford Lee Butts became the jurisdictional prelate. Continuing in the spirit of his predecessor, Bishop Butts served faithfully and was loved by the jurisdiction’s pastors and churches. Having advanced and initiated many jurisdictional ministries during his tenure, several churches were added to the jurisdictional roster, bringing the total number of churches to 12 fully functional and operating churches of the jurisdiction.
In February 2017, Bishop Butts was called from labor to reward, at which time General Board Member, the Bishop Ted Thomas was appointed Interim Prelate of Maryland Central by Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.
Shortly thereafter, Elder Carl A. Pierce, Sr., Senior Pastor of Carter Memorial Church of Baltimore Church Of God In Christ, Inc., availed himself to serve as Maryland Central’s leader. Consecrated to the Bishopric in 2017 at the 110th Annual Holy Convocation, Bishop Pierce, having served in pastoral ministry for over 24 years, in addition to extensive service on the local, jurisdictional, and national levels of the church, came as a candidate for office bringing a wealth of experience and vision to the Office of Jurisdictional Prelate. Cited as one of the denomination’s premier pastors and ministries in the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia area (DMV), Bishop Pierce brings to the jurisdiction a tremendous track record of success both in and outside of the church world. His ecumenical relationships, along with his civic and governmental experience further lends itself to the wealth of potential that he brings to the jurisdiction.
In November 2018, the Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., and the General Board appointed Bishop Pierce as Jurisdictional Prelate of Maryland Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Ratified by the General Assembly on November 5, 2018, he assumed the Office of Prelate with great vision sparing no pain in immediately launching into the depth of ministerial pursuits and endeavors that in a short span of time immediately catapulted the jurisdiction to heights unknown.
