Bishop Clord Jordan

Emeritus Presiding Prelate Bishop Clord Jordan lived 92 resplendent years. He was born June 29, 1933, in Longview, MS. He was the third child of seven born to the union of Sandy and Dollie Mae Jordan.

Bishop Jordan’s educational journey began in Starksville, MS, where he attended Oktibbeha County Training School. As a teenager, Clord worked at Mississippi State College (University) as a cafeteria worker, running the ice cream fountain. He openly admitted to undercharging the pretty girls while overcharging the ones that were a little harder on the eyes. It was a privilege for a young black boy to hold such a job.

In 1948, Clord moved to Chicago, IL with his parents and siblings. He began his occupational career at Turner Manufacturing Company where he was a factory worker and an entrepreneur selling handmade crafts. Clord worked for several years until he retired to focus on his ministry and his own business ventures.

In 1961, Clord reunited with his high school sweetheart, Rose Marie Jones. They united in marriage in 1962, and together they nurtured a beautiful family of eight. Rose Marie preceded him in death in 1972. January 13, 1973, Clord married Jeffie Mae Chamblis, and she inherited a family of eight.

October of 1965, Clord’s began his spiritual journey at Bethlehem Healing Temple, under the leadership of Bishop Charles E. And Mattie B. Poole. He accepted his calling to ministry in 1966, and because of his faithfulness, Bishop Poole entrusted him with the assignment to travel to Lockport, IL to assist Bishop Elsy. Clord traveled to Lockport for several years, later becoming an Elder in the Living Witnesses of the Apostolic Faith Organization (LWAF).

In 1971, Clord was appointed pastor of Bethlehem Healing Temple in Lockport, IL. Through years of faithful service and tireless ministry, he secured the building from LWAF, paid it off in full, burned the mortgage, and blessed the congregation with a new name, Bethlehem Apostolic Church.

Clord was fondly known as the “watermelon man,” a name recognized from the “hill” clear to Chicago. He faithfully labored through every season—selling watermelon and fruit in the summer, and pecans and peanuts throughout the fall and winter. His home-cooked dinners were sought after by school districts, Statesville Prison, Joliet Correctional Center, Amoco, Citgo Oil Refinery, and many medical centers.

Clord was blessed with a remarkable gift for enterprise; his wife would always say he would sell you if he could. His work opened doors for his family and enabled him to pour resources

into his ministry. His faithful members supported him, making watermelon and pecan runs to his trusted vendors, namely, John Adams, James McCullum Sr., Melvin Crittenden, and Willie Lomas. It was often said that if Chase couldn’t help you, the Bank of Clord surely would, because he turned no one away. The hilltop and surrounding areas will feel the loss of this gentle giant who was always ready with a listening ear and a grounded, encouraging word.

Clord was ordained a District Elder, and in 1993 he was elevated to the sacred office of Bishop. He was later consecrated Assistant Presiding Bishop under the late Presiding Bishop A.C. Richards. Throughout his long and faithful service in the LWAF, he also ministered as the Young Peoples Bishop and served as the Diocesan Bishop of the Central State Council of Illinois.

In 2001, a conflict unfolded within the Living Witnesses of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (LWAF). In response, the Bishops and District Elders prayerfully voted to elevate Bishop Clord Jordan from Assistant Presiding Bishop to the sacred office of Presiding Bishop.

A conflict arose concerning the ownership of Bethlehem Healing Temple. Without pastoral leadership or guidance, the congregation in result, suffered a decline in membership.

Presiding Bishop Jordan was called upon to help the ministers, board members, and congregation during this trying time, and he humbly agreed. Night after night he made the drive from

Lockport to Chicago. By court appointment, he became the pastor of Bethlehem Healing Temple, standing as their Moses in the midst of their wilderness. He provided spiritual counsel, financial help for attorneys and was present at board meetings and court hearings. Bishop Jordan also led church services and weekly Bible classes for both congregations under his care.

Following the court’s ruling, the congregation’s vote, and Bishop Jordan’s final decision, a new pastor was installed, and the church took on the name Greater Bethlehem Healing Temple. Bishop Jordan then returned to shepherd his home assembly

In 2016, after years of preaching, teaching and leading, Bishop Jordan retired from Presiding Prelate of the Living Witnesses of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. He continued pastoring in Lockport, until his 87th birthday where he retired and became overseer of Bethlehem Apostolic Church.

Bishop Jordan was a faithful servant of God and a true pillar within his community. His ministry reflected a life of dedication, compassion, and service. Through food pantries, shelter outreach, and countless acts of kindness, he embodied the love of Christ. He nurtured young leaders and offered wise counsel to those in need, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.

On November 24, 2025, wrapped in the love of family and those dear to him, Bishop Jordan transitioned from this earthly life to his heavenly home.

Bishop Jordan was preceded in death by his parents, Sandy and Dollie Jordan. His six siblings, Mary Bardwell, Josie Jordan, Etta Gardner, Barbara Hand, Shedria”Jerry” Jordan, and Grady “T” Jordan. His son, Houston Jones Collier, daughter Janell Marie Bishop, four grandsons, Juan Maurice Jordan, Houston James Collier, Huell Lamont Collier, and Melvin James Barnes and a great grandson, Larry Matthews.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories; wife, Jeffie M. Jordan, daughters, Judith Lee, Jennifer Jordan-Morris (Dexter), Juanda Crittenden (Melvin). Sons, Huell Collier (Sarah), Hiram Jordan, and Howard Jordan (Ida). 19 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. 6 Godchildren, Natasha Tyler Tims, Terry Adams, Ray Coffey Sr., Quintin Wilkerson, Anita Barnett, and Mercedes Alexander. A special niece, Erica Seltzer, a special nephew, Willie Harmon, 3 special friends, Melvin Crittenden, Willie Lomas and Troy Young, one bonus son, Darrin Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and an extended family; the Bailey’s.

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