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Evangel University to observe Black History Week with guest speaker Bishop Edward Peecher
January 28, 2010
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292
Springfield, Mo — Evangel University will be observing Black History Week with guest speaker Bishop Edward Peecher, founder of Chicago Embassy Church.
Bishop Peecher will be speaking on Tuesday, Feb. 2, and Thursday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. in Evangel’s chapel auditorium.
There is no charge for admission, and the public is invited to attend.
About the speaker:
Edward Peecher was born and raised on Chicago’s south side, in the Ida B. Wells housing projects and in the Englewood community. Moved by the civil rights struggle in the ’60s, Peecher joined the Black Panther Party. Disillusioned after his friend Jake Winters was killed in a shootout with the Chicago police, he disconnected from the revolution and went to work for AT&T.
Then in 1973, at age 23, Ed met the true revolutionary, Jesus Christ, and has committed his life to Christ and His Kingdom since that time.
Peecher completed his biblical studies at Moody Bible Institute evening school while he progressed through the ranks at AT&T. Gaining one promotion after the other, he eventually became an account executive responsible for selling large communications systems to Fortune 500 companies and government entities. He was one of the few African Americans to hold that position. Peecher started a Bible study in the headquarters building of AT&T, and as this Bible study grew, so did his call to be a pastor.
In 1984 Peecher resigned from AT&T and became the founding pastor of New Heritage Christian Center, populated by many members from the downtown Bible study. He joined the Assemblies of God and in 1992 became the first African American to be elected Presbyter. In 2006 New Heritage Cathedral changed its name to Chicago Embassy Church.
Peecher has served as the president of the National Black Fellowship of the Assemblies of God, on the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary Board for 16 years, on the board of Teen Challenge Illinois, for 18 years and is currently chairman of the board for Koinonia House National Ministry, a national post prison ministry.
In his local community, he has been asked to serve on the board for the newly formed Washington Park Consortium, charged with improving the quality of life for the residents of the community and partnering with the University of Chicago, several banks, several churches and city and private agencies.
From his church, Peecher has planted three churches and launched several men and women into full-time ministry. His focus in teaching and preaching is to equip people to be change agents for a generation and culture.
Peecher and his wife, Katie, have been married since 1972. They have three children and five grandchildren.
For additional information, contact Campus Pastor John F. Plake at 417-865-2815, ext. 7396.