Bishop S.M. Crouch

The influence of this mighty man of God, Bishop Samuel M. Crouch, Sr. has been profound. His name is virtually synonymous with Emmanuel Church of God in Christ. Samuel Martin Crouch was born on October 2, 1896, in Dallas, Texas, and was reared by his grandmother. Anointed and appointed by God, he began his preaching ministry at the age of twelve after hearing the Lord call him by name: Samuel, I have need of thee! With unwavering zeal, he traveled from town to town in knee pants on his bicycle, carrying the gospel. Soon, he became affectionately known as the boy preacher.

In 1916, he married Miss Gertrude Williams of Waco, Texas. Their union was blessed with six children: George W., Ruth, Samuel Jr., Herman Harold, Lloyd, and Rose. He was installed as the first pastor in Denison, Texas, where both his shepherds heart and organizational skills flourished. Led by the Spirit and driven by his evangelistic passion, he held a powerful tent revival on Trezvant Hill in Fort Worth. His ministry was so impactful that he became pastor of the Trezvant Hill Church of God in Christ.

In 1927, at the invitation of Mother Emma Cotton and with the encouragement of Mother Rose Tucker, Elder Crouch and his family moved to Fresno, California, where he pastored a non-denominational church. He later brought that church under the doctrine of the Church of God in Christ. His ministry would go on to touch San Diego, Watts, and Vernon Avenue in Los Angeles.

In 1931, Bishop Charles Mason called Elder Crouch to Los Angeles to serve as the third pastor of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ, also known as Greater 33rd. That same year brought deep sorrow with the passing of his wife, Gertrude, leaving him a young widower with six children.

In 1933, he married Miss Lottie B. Pegues of Fort Smith, Arkansas. She embraced his children as her own, and together they lived in a home beside Emmanuel Church, later known as the S. M. Crouch Memorial Hall. With years of pastoral experience, around 1937, Elder Crouch was appointed by Bishop Mason as Overseer of California when the Jurisdiction still encompassed the entire state. He was the youngest person at the time to hold such a position.

In 1968, Bishop Crouch was appointed Second Assistant to the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, and in 1973, he was elevated to First Assistant to the Presiding Bishop. He also served as a member of the Presidium Board of the World Pentecostal Conference.

Bishop Samuel M. Crouch, Sr. was more than a pastor; he was a builder of faith, a shepherd of souls, and a visionary leader whose influence reached far beyond the walls of Emmanuel. His ministry blended deep spiritual conviction with tireless service, leaving a mark on the Church of God in Christ across California and around the world. Through his preaching, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the gospel, he helped shape Emmanuel into the beacon of hope and holiness it remains today. Bishop Crouch faithfully served until the Lord called him home on August 14, 1976. His life's work continues to inspire generations, a living testament to the power of one man fully surrendered to God's calls.