Bishop William Dean, Jr. has been the faithful and committed pastor of St. Paul Church of God in Christ since 1986. He has over 40 years of pastoral experience, including preaching, teaching, leadership training, and counseling. Not only does Pastor Dean preach salvation of the soul and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, but he believes in ministering to the total man. It is his philosophy that a church’s ministry should not be confined to its four walls and he has always made strides to connect with the community. He has served the community in many ways, including visits to the nursing homes, the hospitals, giving to families in need, creating scholarships, and founding charities aimed at supporting, encouraging, and educating youth.

Over the years, Bishop Dean has served in several capacities in the Northern Mississippi Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; including Administrative Assistant to the late Jurisdictional Bishop T.T. Scott, Superintendent of District Number Six, Chairman of the Ordination Board, Assistant Dean and Instructor in the C.H. Mason Bible College, Jurisdictional Secretary, Organizer and Chairman of the United State Auxiliaries Convention, and State President of the Youth Department. He is recognized throughout the country as a phenomenal preacher and teacher of the gospel. Countless pastors refer to him as their “father in the gospel.” He is known for being genuine and kind, always having a smile, and always telling you the truth. In December 2020, he was elevated to Bishop of the Northern Mississippi Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

Bishop Dean counts it a great honor to pastor St. Paul, the Mother Church of the Churches of God in Christ. He was raised in the Church of God in Christ, taught at Saints Academy, and even served as President of Saints Academy. He is well-versed in the history of the Church of God in Christ and loves sharing it with all who come to Lexington and St. Paul to view the church grounds.

Bishop Dean is well-educated, holding several degrees in Education and Administration. Even while pastoring, he worked as a high school teacher and Superintendent of Schools until his retirement from public education. A few years later, he came out of retirement for a brief period to serve as President of Saints Academy upon its reopening. Currently, he is a member of the Holmes County School Board. In 2013, a new elementary school was built and named in his honor: William Dean Jr. Elementary School. Although Bishop Dean has received many awards and accolades for his service in the educational realm, he feels that none compare to the honor of pastoring St. Paul Church of God in Christ.

Bishop Dean was married to the late Dr. Margie M. Dean for 52 years, until her demise in 2015. God blessed them with four children and seven grandchildren. In December 2020, God smiled upon Bishop Dean and blessed him with new help-meet, Missionary JoeAnn Dean.

Bishop William Dean, Jr.

Born: November 30th in Canton, MS

Received the following Degrees and Certifications:

  • High School Diploma at McEvans High School in Shaw, MS
  • B.S. Degree in Science at Mississippi Valley State University
  • M.S. Degree in Biology at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Specialist Degree in Science at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg
  • Administration Certification at Mississippi State University
  • Certificates of Study at Jackson State University and Florida State University

Served in the field of Education for a total of 34 years including:

  • Math and Science Teacher for a total of 10 years at Saints Academy and Kosciusko School District
  • Science and Math Coordinator – Holmes County School District
  • Director of Instruction – Holmes County School District
  • First Black Elected Superintendent of Education for Holmes County School District and Mississippi, and re-elected for 4 consecutive terms, totaling 18½ years as Superintendent
  • Assisted with the reopening of Saints Academy and served as President for one year

Served in the following Educational Organizations:

  • Board Member of Saints Academy
  • Board Member of Holmes Junior College
  • Board Member of Holmes County School System
  • Member of National Association for School Superintendents
  • Member of National Association for Science Teachers
  • Member of National Council of Black Churches
  • Member of American Association of Retired Personnel

Served in the Church Of God In Christ in the Northern Mississippi Jurisdiction as:

  • District Six President of YPWW
  • State President of YPWW
  • Jurisdictional Secretary
  • Organizer and Chairman of the United State Auxiliaries Convention (USAC)
  • Chairman of Board of Ordination
  • Dean of the C.H. Mason Bible College
  • Pastor for over 44 years including Sallis (Sallis, MS), St. Matthew (Lexington, MS), St. Peter (Shaw, MS), and St. Paul (Lexington, MS)

Presently Serves as:

  • Pastor of St. Paul COGIC (the “Mother Church”) for the past 30 years
  • Bishop of the Northern Mississippi Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
  • District Superintendent of District Number Six
  • Chairman of the Board of Ordination
  • Assistant Dean and Instructor of the C.H. Mason Bible College

Family:

  • Married: to late Dr. Margie McGowan Dean (52 years); currently married to Missionary JoeAnn Garnett-Redmond-Dean
  • Four Children: William Kenneth (Lucille) Dean, Keith Terrell (Ann) Dean, Kimberly Michele (Brian) Dorsey and April LaNette Dean
  • Two Step Children: Clemon Redmond, III and Miracle Lafaye (Jamaris) Redmond-Moore
  • Seven Grandchildren: Elijah Kenneth, William Elisha, Emmanuel John, Destiny, Aaron Michael, Christian Emmanuel, and William Terrell (adopted by late Dr. Margie Dean and Elder William Dean after the demise of his mother (their daughter, April))
  • One Step-Grandchild: Jamaris Deon Moore, Jr.