History

The core concern of the Founding Father of the Church of God in Christ [COGIC], the late Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, was that those drawn to the confession of faith that he expounded would become fully instructed in the faith and go on to lead lives as productive and creative Christians.

This underlying concern was deeply rooted in the teaching of Jesus, who taught that those whose lives have been touched, converted, and transformed by His Life would go on to change others’ lives. Bishop Mason’s passion was biblical theology, which developed out of years of personally searching the Holy Bible and seeking the will of God for his life. History verifies that his long search ended in Los Angeles, California, in 1907. It was the year that he received the Third Work of Grace, the Holy Ghost, and spoke in Tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.

Bishop Mason was not only a student of the Bible, but he was also a student of secular education. Bishop Mason’s academic pursuits led him to the Arkansas Bible College, from which he departed and founded a new educational venture at Lexington, Mississippi: Saints Industrial Academy, Saints Junior College.

To enhance his new educational endeavor, in 1970, another giant step was taken. The Charles Harrison Mason Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, was formed. Later that year, under the direction of the late, Bishop J.O. Patterson, a plan was developed for academic enhancement at the jurisdictional level. From this effort came the Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges.

In 1985, under the direction of the late Bishop J.C. Gilkey, Sr., Kansas Southwest Jurisdictional Prelate, the Kansas Southwest Bible College was established for the training of interested students to enhance their theological knowledge and spiritual development, and for the ministers and missionaries who were in the process of obtaining their Ordination and Licensure credentials. Elder Henry Mason was the first appointed Dean, followed by Elder Martin Gettis for a brief period. In 1993, Elder Luther J. Gilkey succeeded him and served until his retirement in 2018. Dr. Mary Ruth Turner succeeded Elder Gilkey as Dean and remains Dean to this day.

In 2015, the late Bishop Mark L. Gilkey was moved by God to revive the concept of biblical and theological education. His goal was to provide an opportunity for each member of the Body of Christ, regardless of their secular educational level, to receive adequate training and exposure to a more active, unified ministry. In 2015, the Kansas Southwest Jurisdictional Bible College name was changed to Kansas Southwest Jurisdictional (KSWJ) Bible Institute to reflect our National Affiliation with the Charles Harrison Mason Jurisdictional Bible Institutes (CHMJI) and its standardized goals and guidelines.

The 2016-2017 academic year was monumental. Upon completion of course requirements under the late Bishop Mark L. Gilkey's pilot program, a record twenty-six students received Certificates of Completion. This historic event captured the enthusiasm and success of the newly restructured Bible Institute. In July 2017, the Institute’s first formal cap-and-gown graduation ceremony, along with ordination and licensure services, was held during the Kansas Southwest Jurisdictional Holy Convocation. This remarkable occasion coincided with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Kansas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

Although KSWJ Bible Institute’s on-site classroom instruction at St. Mark Cathedral COGIC, Wichita, Kansas, was closed due to COVID-19 in 2020 and remains closed to this day, the Institute’s educational opportunities have continued to flourish through our virtual learning capabilities.

In 2025, Bishop Herman Hicks was appointed as the Kansas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdictional Prelate and as the President of the KSWJ Bible Institute. Bishop Hicks is deeply committed to honoring and building upon the legacy established by previous leaders of the KSWJ Bible Institute. His dedication to furthering the Institute’s mission is evident in every aspect of his leadership, as he seeks to preserve the foundational values and vision that have guided the Institute while inspiring its continued growth and impact.

Since 2020, over 100 students—including those from other jurisdictions—have received individual course certifications or been awarded Certificates of Completion by the KSWJ Ordination and Licensing Program.

As we enter the next season of the KSWJ Bible Institute, we remain committed to continuing the legacy of our Founding Father, Bishop C.H. Mason: that people are fully instructed in the faith and go on to lead productive, creative Christian lives.