Claude Edwards, Sr. (originally named, Claudia) was born on November 25, 1924 in Cleveland, Mississippi, to the proud parents, the late Deacon Willie and Mother Josephine Edwards. He was the eldest of thirteen brothers and sisters. In his home, there was always an atmosphere of holiness and his parents were steeped in the doctrine of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC).

Claude accepted Christ at the age of eighteen and was immedi- ately filled with the Holy Ghost. He was called to the ministry a year later, and served at Brooks Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder T. B. Coppure, who taught him to play the guitar for the church. A gift, which lasted a lifetime, he purchased his first guitar for four dollars and fifty cent.

Claude received his formal education in the Mound Bayou and Drew Mississippi public school systems, and graduated high school in 1944. School at that time was difficult for him because of the lack of resources: money was scarce, he had no books, and he had to wear his dad’s boots to school. Claude was an excellent athlete, and excelled at playing forward on the school’s basketball team.

Claude always felt it was a privilege knowing and spending time with his Grandparents, Cary and Caldonia Carroll. At a very early age, they often took him to Vicksburg, Mississippi to ride the boat and go to town (or see the town?). Claude was fascinated by the lights and said, “The city is where I want to live.” His grandparents were entrepreneurs, possessing a large farm, horses, buggies, and cars. He wanted to be just like his granddaddy. Claude’s parents allowed him to rent some land from Mr. Lee and Penny Mae Winfrey Herron (Oprah Winfrey’s Aunt). He cleared seventy-two dollars that year which allowed him to buy his books and clothes.

Claude was inducted in the U. S. Army in 1943, but was deferred until 1944 and served two years. He refused to carry a weapon and was given other jobs such as an ambulance driver and a barber, a trade he had learned from his dad. The war got very intense, and the prayers of the saints brought him home safely. He earned the rank of Private First Class and received an honorable discharge.

In 1946, he received his ordination as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ at the hands of Bishop B. S. Lyle, Prelate, Northern Mississippi, and the City of Clarksdale, Mississippi. After one year, he was appointed Assistant Pastor of St. James Church of God in Christ in Belzoni, Mississippi, where he met and married his first wife, Bernice Swan. They had six lovely children, James, (deceased), Claude Jr (deceased), Robert, Donna, Ivory and Penelope. Bernice was a very gifted woman and a supporter of his ministry as well as a great mother.

In 1949, Elder Edwards moved his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where upon their arrival; they lived with a friend until he found employment. His family united with the Rehoboth Church of God in Christ, where he served at Assistant Pastor under the leadership of the late Pastor Verdell Wallace. He also served for six years as the Northwest Jurisdictional Sunday School Superintendent, and was appointed as a pastor of church in Beloit, Wisconsin by Bishop J. B. Davis.

In 1957, Faith Temple Church of God in Christ was organized in his home at 2337 N. 7th Lane. One month later, he rented a place on 544 W. Walnut Street. The church was incorporated in 1958. The church grew and had several ministries operating and many souls were saved, delivered, and filled with the Holy Spirit. His present church is located at 2482 West Center Street under the leadership of Pastor Tony Combs.

Pastor Edwards’s gifts made room for him. He was the first COGIC to be televised in the city of Milwaukee. He was the first Secretary of Northwest Jurisdiction, first Vice President of Young People’s Willing Workers (YPWW) Department and President of the Public Relations Department, just to name a few. He also founded Faith Mission No.2 Church in Racine, Wisconsin.

Pastor Edwards was appointed District Superintendent by Bishop P. J. Henderson, and in 1999, Bishop Adolphus Allen appointed him Superintendent of the Metropolitan District. His sister, Missionary Idella Ragsdale served as his District Missionary.

In 1979, Superintendent Edwards was joined together in Holy Matrimony with Evangelist Juanita Holland. She was devoted and assisted him in the ministry for thirty-five years. They opened a food pantry at the church which continues to provide the community with much needed resources.

Superintendent Edwards has received many awards, accolades, and certificates for his community services. He served on various community boards such as Harambee, Concordia Hospital and Commando’s Project one Community Organization.

Superintendent Edwards owned and operated his own barbering and cosmetology businesses for over forty years (Ace Beauty and Barber Shop). He retired from the business and his grandchildren are still carrying on his legacy. His grandson, Thomas Edwards named his barbershop ACE in Plano, Texas in his honor. Because Superintendent Edwards was one of the oldest African American barbers in Milwaukee, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels has his name in his library.

He was faithful in his office until his health began to fail, and he could no longer function and be mobile outside of the home. However, he kept a praying spirit until the end. He served as an Evangelist for 74 years. His dominating spirit has help bring in thousands of souls throughout his work for our Lord and Savior. He has been a motivating force for his sons and daughters to pursue the blessing of entrepreneurship in various business endeavors.

His final words of encouragement to people were: “God has blessed me to achieve much in life, and is still blessing the church, the mission and most of all, my life. I will always be a gospel preacher.” He would say to the younger generation, “Keep God in your life, go to church and God will supply your need.” One of his favorite songs was “I Can’t Let a Day Go Bye.”

Superintendent Claude Edwards (Emeritus) has left behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by his wife: Evangelist Juanita Edwards; son, Elder Robert (Carolyn) Edwards; step son, Anthony Bays Sr., daughters; Donna Ciepluch, Ivory Edwards – Akins and Penelope Stewart, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brother: Elder Eugene (Laura) Edwards; sisters, Mother Idella Ragsdale, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Supervisor Dessie E. Lee, Evangelist Dorothy Morris, Minister Joyce Garland, Elder Elect Alice Armah, all of Memphis, TN and Deaconess Bobbie (Reuben) Howard of Cleveland, Mississippi; grandchildren Anthony, Robert, Christopher, Thomas, Niquanna, Roberta, Nehemiah, Latasha, James A., Sherie, Jamie, Tiffany, Destiny, Claude III, James and Rodney; and a host of great-grand and great-great grandchildren; beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ Family.