Heritage Week Honors Dr. Cecil B. Knight

By Eric Waggoner

On October 4-8, 2005, the Church of God Theological Seminary celebrated its heritage of international education in the Church of God.  This was done by reflecting on the themes "The Place of International Education in the Church of God" and "Our Legacy of International Education."  On Thursday, Dr. Cecil B. Knight, former general overseer and President Emeritus, gave the message and was honored with the Seminary's Heritage Award presented by Dr. Steven J. Land.

Dr. Cecil B. Knight began his ministry as a teenage evangelist in 1944, the same year he enrolled at Bible Training School in Sevierville, Tennessee, forerunner of Lee University.  His first pastorate was the Church of God in Laurel, Mississippi, and he received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.  Other pastorates included Pike Avenue Church of God in Birmingham, Alabama, and Buffalo Avenue Church of God in Tampa, Florida.  He was chosen in 1956 to serve as assistant director of Youth and Christian Education, and was appointed director of the department four years later.

Dr. Knight has served as state overseer of Indiana, as the national director of Evangelism and Home Missions, and as assistant general overseer before being elected as general overseer in 1976.  During his tenure as general overseer, he accepted presidency at the Church of God Theological Seminary where he served until 1982.  He then served on the executive committee from 1982 to 1989.  In 1989, Dr. Knight again became President of the Church of God Theological Seminary until 1998.   He was then honored with his present title and status as President Emeritus at the Church of God Theological Seminary.

During his tenure as President, Dr. Knight lead the seminary in building relationships with the Church of God around the world as well as bringing many international students to the Seminary.

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General Overseer, Dr. Dennis McGuire, prayed a benediction of blessing and anointing over the Church of God Theological Seminary Chapel on Thursday, October 6, 2005.