Obituary of Supt. Charles E. Giddins Sr.

Teacher, Leader, Prophet, Apostle, Planter of Churches, Lover of God's men, women and young people everywhere; Supt. Charles Edward Giddins Sr. was born in King & Queen County Virginia to Sidney and Annie Lee Giddins. He was the 2nd of four children; Naomi Giddins (predeceased), Dorothy Turner (predeceased), and Joyce Mims. After the death of his father, the family then migrated to New Jersey. Supt. Giddins was raised in the Church of God in Christ and turned his life over to the Lord 68 years ago at the age of 18 under the Pastorate of Supt. Benjamin Troop Morris of Faith Holy Temple Church. From that moment on, Supt. Giddins demonstrated the operation of Holy Ghost through his fiery sermons, insightful biblical teachings, the laying on of hands for healing, deliverance and for those that were dead, to live again. On February 14th, 1946, Supt. Charles and Adele were united in Holy Matrimony by Supt.. B. T. Morris and to this union were born four children; Brenda Moragne, Charles Giddins, Jr. (predeceased), Charlette, and Charles Jr. II. Founder of the COGIC, Bishop C.H. Mason laid hands on a young Elder Giddins and blessed him with an "Apostles Anointing". Supt. Giddins received his education in the Camden City Public Schools. He obtained an Electrical and Engineering Certification from Temple University in 1958. He later began his higher education at Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University, and in 1974, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Supt. Giddins attended Jameson Bible College of Grambling State University and received a B. TH, M. TH, and in 1979, a Doctorate Degree. He continued to use his education to help others through the Victory Temple School of Christian Education. In 1979, he taught a correspondence course for the Moody's Bible College at Rutger's University in Camden, New Jersey. Twenty-eight of those students received certification for completion from Moody's Bible College. He was also an Instructor for The American Bible College of which twenty received Biblical certification. After completing a correspondence course in Radio & TV Repair, and continuing with Electrical Engineering from Temple University, he opened a store on Kaighn Ave for radio and tv repair known as "Charlie's Radio & TV Service." In 1975, he received the Chapel of Four Chaplin's Award in recognition of outstanding service to all people regardless of faith or race. He has also served as a Chaplain of Cooper Hospital Medical Center for 4 years. Elder Giddins, at that time, served in his local church under his pastor, B. T. Morris, in many capacities such as YPWW President, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Deacon's Board, Asst. Pastor, and the list goes on. He served in the Camden District under the leadership of his pastor, Supt. B. T. Morris as Treasurer and also served on the Board of the Camden District. He was Ordained an Elder in 1954 under Overseer/Bishop Wells (State of New Jersey), called by God to pastor in 1956, and in 1960 founded Victory Temple Community COGIC. In 1963, he was made Superintendent of the Camden District. Supt. Giddins also served as the Chairman of the Ordination Board during this time in the State of New Jersey. In 1968, God directed Supt. Giddins to continue to build the work that Elder Dockery founded in Atlantic City, New Jersey and was chosen by the congregation to serve as Pastor. Supt. Giddins has served as Superintendent of the Garden State District (now First Garden District) since 1968, serving under Bishop Smith and later under Bishop Gilmore. In 1976, he continued on with the ministry that Eld. Dockery founded in Atlantic City, NJ, Mt. Zion Church. The church prospered under the ministry of Pastor Giddins and his wife, Mother Adele Giddins. Pastor and Mother travelled to Atlantic City on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month while conducting weekly Thursday night services there as well. No matter the weather conditions of the highways, this dynamic duo faithfully served both churches consistently. During the Dark Ages of the Church of God in Christ, Supt Giddins began to follow the leadership of Senior Bishop of COGIC, Ozro Thurston Jones Sr., also the Bishop of the Commonwealth of Pa . Supt Giddins has served under both Bishop O.T. Jones Sr. and Bishop O.T. Jones Jr. in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania until the year of 2000. It was at that time that the newly installed Prelate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Ravenel, offered Supt. Giddins to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Superintendents and Second Assistant to the Jurisdictional Prelate. However, seeing the need for a Jurisdiction in South Jersey, Supt. Giddins, chose to serve alongside Bishop Curley Guidry as First Administrative Assistant to help build the South Jersey Jurisdiction into the thriving Jurisdiction that it is today. Supt. Giddins continued to serve with zeal and vigor as Senior Pastor of both Victory Temple Community Church in Camden (54 years) and Mt. Zion Church in Atlantic City, NJ (46 years). In 2013, he accepted the office of Overseer of these two churches. A true example of integrity, transparency and longevity. He was a man of conducting business in the right way. He was a man who encouraged others to speak their minds and to be an active participant in the worship service of the Lord. He encouraged men everywhere to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. He pleaded with young people everywhere to remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. He emphasized that the women are the backbone and strongest supporters of our local churches. He never backed away from opposition, either in the natural or the spiritual and there was never a fight that he did not win. He was father to Bishops, Pastors, Evangelists and Supervisors of Women. He did not seek the accolades of people or the fame associated with titles and offices. He was humble and meek man that did not bite his tongue for no one. His God-given counsel has saved many marriages from divorce, many churches from dying and propelled many into their God-given Destiny. He is Faithful and Fearless. He is and always will be one of the greatest Generals of the Gospel. He is now one of the Chief Commanders and Rulers in the Heavenly Army of the Lord. Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for the Angel of this House. Well done Overseer Giddins, Well done!!! Survived by 2 daughters; Brenda Riley-Moragne, Charlette Purnell (Von Sr.); 1 son, Charles Giddins, Jr. II (Priscilla), two sisters; Vivian Thomas and Joyce Mims, 12 grandchildren; Ken Riley, Jr. (Troi), Kevin Riley (Tammy), Carla Miller (Daniel), Kimberley Artis, Danielle Gray-Johnson (Edward), Von Purnell Jr., Damon Giddins (Ramona), India Maiysha, Charis Peebles (Anthony), Ashley Giddins, Charles Giddins, Jr. III, Tsela Giddins; 19 great grandchildren, Kenesha Riley, Darryl Johnson, Kaleah Riley, Kenneth Riley Jr.3rd, Kendall Riley, Latisha Wilson, Diarra Miller, Kenyen Riley, Damir Riley, Kya Riley, Brian Artis, Jr., Aiden Riley, Stacey Johnson, LeAsia Jones, Alexis Jones, McKale Peebles, Shafiyah Giddins, Kynles Giddins, Adysen Peebles, two God-sons Cardell Turner and Tyrone Walton, one God-daughter Adele Boone and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, that includes the Turner, Boone, Lindsey, Goodman, Hackett, Verdell, Coston, Jones and Carr Families along with the entire Victory Temple, Mt Zion and First Garden District Church families.