Bishop Jerome – Bishop Jerome Oscar Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award

Jerome Oscar Dawson, the honorable Theologian, Pastor and Father was born January 18, 1941, in Baltimore MD. It was quite evident early in his life that music was destined to guide him to greatness. He grew in great popularity as a singer with various music groups and performed in jazz clubs as a jazz pianist. But he developed a desire for a divine understanding of the bible. In his educational pursuits he received a Doctorate of Theology from the Jamison Bible Institute and a Doctorate Degree from Israelite College where he studied the Origin of the Hebrew Bible. Jerome partnered with The Greater North Carolina Church of God In Christ (COGIC) Bible College where he helped publish their curriculum. He then helped establish a bible college in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Later, Jerome, his beloved wife Eunice and their six sons relocated to North Carolina where he founded The Open Door COGIC Church in Yanceyville. While leading others to Christ, he purposed to also rear his sons to become kingdom-minded and equipped them with key attributes to become leaders. Jerome’s seed produced musicians, pastors, bishops, business owners, and visionaries. He inspired the young and old, birthing spiritual and natural sons and daughters through his teachings. 

While pastoring Open Door COGIC church, Jerome felt God leading him to the city of Greensboro where he would become the Senior Pastor of Rescue Temple III. He would later rename the ministry Praise Temple Family Outreach Ministries, a fitting name for a ministry that was well-known for a highly anointed praise and worship experience. Praise Temple Family Outreach Ministries birthed award winning musicians and singers who would travel the globe under the Praise Temple covering. In 1998 Jerome passed the mantle of the ministry by appointing his son Myron K. Dawson as senior pastor of, now, The Kingdom Covenant Church. The foundational principles written by Bishop Jerome O. Dawson are still being implemented today at The Kingdom Covenant Church, as well as many other ministries birthed from his teachings. Bishop Jerome O. Dawson leaves behind a great legacy that will live on through his children, grandchildren, and generations to come.