On Sunday, San Francisco Temple Complex Christian Assembly was filled with over 2,500 family, friends and church members, past and present, who paid final respects to the late Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels Jr. at his homegoing celebration.
On Monday, a second service that drew another enormous crowd of some 2,000 was held, primarily for church dignitaries, though many parishioners and supporters returned for the second service as well.
The large church was at full capacity for both services. Mourners also filled the clinic across the street, the fellowship hall, the gymnasium and two overflow rooms.
People came from near and far to give their testimonials about what McDaniels had done for them and their faith. Many more watched the services by live stream on the church website.
On Tuesday, the bishop’s funeral procession spanned a quarter of a mile down West Florissant Avenue.
McDaniels passed October 24, 2010 at the age of 88. He was founder and pastor of San Francisco Temple Complex, with a congregation in St. Louis of some 2,000, and presiding prelate of Christian Assembly Fellowship, Inc.
People who attend San Francisco Temple regularly knew McDaniels’ common sayings to his congregation, which the audience chanted at his homegoing.
“Holiness or hell,” they chanted, as McDaniels used to say in his sermons.
Bishop McDaniels also was known for his arm hugs to the entire congregation. He would stretch out his arms and tell the congregation to do the same thing. Then all at the same time, everyone would close their arms and say, “Mmmm.”
McDaniels was survived by his wife Marie, their son L. C. and their daughters Jean, Lois, Patricia and Yvonne. He was preceded in death by their daughter Lillian.
“I’m thankful God has comforted your family,” Bishop George D. McKinney said to the family during the eulogy on Sunday. “Bishop McDaniels lived a full and blessed life and touched lots of families.
McKinney is founder and pastor of St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church of God in Christ in San Diego. He serves as jurisdictional prelate of Southern California Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ and serves on COGIC’s General Board.
“Enjoy being blessed while you live. We’re all blessed,” McKinney said in the eulogy.
“God intends for us to be useful in proclaiming the word and truth. Many neglected lives were rescued and troubled homes were saved. Thank God for Bishop McDaniels.”
Numerous pastors from local churches spoke on McDaniels being more than a bishop, more like a father, referring to him as “Daddy” and McDaniels’ wife Marie as “Mother.”
“We will miss his powerful voice and mission,” said Evangelist Vera Ward as she shared condolences from local organizations and affiliates.
Pastor Joe N. Davis Sr. of Upper Room Fire Christian Assembly spoke on how McDaniels taught him to live for God, even when he was down and out. Davis said he visited San Francisco Temple when ensared in drugs and crime, then changed his ways after McDaniels uplifted him.
“Lord, they got something I need when I visited San Francisco Temple,” Davis said.
“He taught me how to be a real man. I’ve never been the same since.”
Pastor James Ward of Renaissance Temple Christian Assembly explained how much McDaniels influenced his life.
“Bishop left a legacy, and his voice will continue on,” Ward said.
“His influence on me has been overwhelming. He was my spiritual father and like a natural father.”
Pastor Nathaniel Johnson of Covenant Christian Assembly spoke on how close his relationship was with Bishop McDaniels.
“He was more than a pastor to me, and I thank him. He stood beside me,” Johnson said.
Pastor Eugene Garrison of Bethel Temple Christian Assembly knew bishop for 50-plus years, and they worked at the post office together.
“I never heard a man speak like this man,” Garrison said. “He sat down and talked about Jesus, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Pastor Joseph Merritt of Glory Temple Christian Assembly said he was grateful to know McDaniels.
“I’m so grateful to have bishop in my life, and he is the only pastor I’ve had. I’m honored to be part of bishop’s life.”
