Superintendent Robert Lee Hamilton, Sr.

Superintendent Robert Lee Hamilton, Sr., 84, transitioned on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany. 

On Sunday, March 7, 2021, Dr. Robert L. Hamilton, Sr., transitioned from his home here on earth to be with his Lord and Savior. He departed this life as he desired, preaching and teaching The Gospel of Christ in his pulpit. He was called home to receive his reward by his Heavenly Father who welcomed him home as His good and faithful servant with a job "Well Done."

Dr. Hamilton was born on Friday, July 10, 1936 in Waterford, MS, to the late Jacob and Susie Hamilton. He was the fourth born of eight children. He received his formal education in the Olive Branch School District. He later moved to Memphis, TN, where he completed his professional education. 

At the age of sixteen (16), he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Dr. Hamilton immediately became involved in the church ministry assisting and working with the late Pastor Esgo Garner of St. Luke C.O.G.I.C., in Olive Branch, MS. Later under the direction of the late Supt. Walter Shannon, he quickly became an Elder in the church, which lead him into his role as an Evangelist throughout the United States. He and his brother, the late Pastor Sylvester Hamilton, they were nationally known and acquired the name of "Thunder and Lighting" and many souls were healed and saved under their ministry.

At the age of nineteen, he met the former Miss. Betty J. Whitfield. This was the beginning of a strong and inseparable union that would last for over 62 years. They were joined in marriage on September 7, 1958. Through the union, six children were born. His doting and caring nature towards his wife was always admired by others.

In October 1975, with his wife and children by his side, he was appointed Pastor of Golden Gate C.O.G.I.C., on Baker Street in New Albany, MS, by the late Bishop T.T. Scott of the Northern Mississippi Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church Of God In Christ. With the membership of only six women and a few children, he grew to over a thousand members. This unprecedented growth led him to personally build and become a founder of Golden  Gate Cathedral C.O.G.I.C., located at 315 Golden Gate Ave. Furthermore, with the help of some of his members he built Golden Gate Cathedral from the ground up. His hands-on approach to pastoring, ministering and work ethic was like none other.

Pastor Hamilton had a gift for growing ministries, so after serving for several years in the Northern Mississippi Jurisdiction, Pastor Hamilton decided with his membership to join Tennessee West Fellowship under the late Bishop Lee Ward as Administrative Assistant to help grow the Jurisdiction. After serving under Bishop Ward for three years, in 2016, he joined the Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under Bishop David A. Hall. Pastor Hamilton was then appointed Superintendent of The Glorious Gate District.

Supt. Hamilton was a visionary leader, teacher, builder, manager, and a spiritual advisor. He preached and shared The Word of God to everyone he met. He was guided by The Holy Spirit and made a difference in the lives of his members and anyone around him. His visionary gift and commitment to saving souls led him to develop programs in the community to help people in need as well as programs to provide spiritual guidance to the incarcerated population.

Supt. Hamilton was a staple to the city of New Albany and throughout The State of Mississippi. He was respected and admired by both city and state officials. Such respect earned him the prestigious honor of his very own day. February 22nd was proclaimed, Dr. Robert L. Hamilton, Sr. Day in The State of Mississippi, by Governor Kirk Fordice.

Local Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 4p.m., at Golden Gate Cathedral Church Of God In Christ in New Albany. Viewing will be from 2p.m., until time of the service.

Official Services will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 5p.m., at Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ on 229 South Danny Thomas Blvd in Memphis, TN. Burial will take place on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 12 Noon at Memorial Park Southwoods in Memphis, TN. Serenity-Simmons Funeral Home of New Albany is in charge of the arrangements

(At the family’s request and for everyone’s safety: MASK WILL BE REQUIRED, ENTERING THE CHURCH AND TEMPERATURES WILL BE CHECKED.)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Superintendent Robert Lee Hamilton, Sr., please visit our floral store.