Pastor James M. Fennell

The Servant’s Story

Pastor James M. Fennell

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good 

works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

On October 7, 1928, Elder James M. Fennell was born in Holdenville, Oklahoma to the proud

parents of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Fennell. He was the youngest boy of eleven children.

During his early childhood he was raised in Bealands, Oklahoma before his parents moved the

family to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he received his formal education.

t the age of twenty-two, he moved to Detroit, Michigan. A year later he met his wife, Mona

Marie Rice. On New Year's Eve of 1950, he received the Lord as his personal Savior, under the

leadership of Elder Jonathan Greer, Sr. Thirteen days later January 13, 1951, his proclamation to friends that Mona would be his wife became a reality. He married the beautiful

and lovely Missionary Mona Marie Rice. A few days later, he received the Baptism of the Holy

Ghost.

On July 30, 1952, he was called to serve in the United States Army, six months after his

marriage. He served in Michigan and was later transferred to Fort Knox, Kentucky, until July 29,

1954. During this time, his first child Minnie was born. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the armed services, the family returned to Detroit, Michigan. They joined Bailey Temple COGIC under the leadership of the late Bishop J.S. Bailey.

They served with Bishop Bailey for ten years. During this time he served faithfully as a deacon

of the church and was also a choir member under the direction of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. During

this period three more children were born to this union; Janie and James (twins) and Larry.

After attending a Youth Congress Meeting, the family moved to Denver, Colorado in August of

1963. They placed their membership at Holy Trinity COGIC under the leadership of Bishop C.E.

Morgan for a short period of time and then under the leadership of Elder Samuel Feaster.

During this time the family was blessed with a second set of twins, Charlotte (deceased after

birth) and Charlette (Charlie). At this time Elder Fennell was also called into the Ministry.

Elder Fennell faithfully worked at C.A. Norgren and Company for over thirty years until he

retired. Sunshine, rain, or snow, whether well or sick he arrived early each morning fifteen

minutes to an hour early to start his day and to provide for his family.

He was ordained an Elder of the Churches of God in Christ in the year of 1979. He continued to

serve faithfully and diligently at Holy Trinity where he held various positions as a Deacon and

Trustee, a local President of the Y.P.W.W for twenty-five years. In the year of 1983, he was

elevated to be the Assistant Pastor of Holy Trinity. He served in this position for five years. He

also served as the President of the Young Ministers Meeting for several years.Upon leaving Holy Trinity he attended Antioch COGIC for a while and was led to start his own church for the Lord. He founded New Beginnings COGIC. In May of 1989 where he pastored for three years.

In May of 1992, he was appointed the Pastor of Holy Trinity COGIC. After rejoining the Central

District, he was appointed Chairman of the District under the Leadership of the late Superintendent Lamar Kennedy. Pastor Fennell served Holy Trinity COGIC as a dedicated and loyal servant until he turned the church over to the leadership of his grandson, Pastor Lamont Black.

Some of his favorite scriptures were Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:2, and Matthew 25:3.

Elder Fennell’s purpose in this life was to teach and preach the word of God and be used and

led by the Anointing of the Holy Ghost. It was his goal to preach the Gospel in season and out of

season so that those who are lost may be saved. His desire in the end was to hear the Lord say

“Well done thy Good and Faithful Servant, Well Done.”

Pastor James M. Fennell departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on June 28, 2024 at

Baptist East Hospital. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include three sons,

James M. Fennell of Memphis, TN., Larry L. Fennell of San Diego, CA., and Pastor Charles

Fennell (Susan) of Dallas, TX.; two daughters, Minnie L. Black of Memphis, TN., and Janie M.

Warner (David) of Memphis, TN.; one sister Gracine Wright of Kansas City, Kansas. His

grandchildren, Pastor Lamont Black (Tamara), Katura Thompson (Ben), James Fennell Jr., Larry

Fennell Jr., Jantier Fennell, Darius Fennell, Manasseh Warner, Alexis Warner, Kenya Nave

Fennell, Atira Fennell; his great granddaughters Jerariya and Javaya Smallwood, Nahriya Black;

great grandsons Kortlan Thompson, Swayay Moore; the Fair Park COGIC, El-Shaddai COGIC

and Holy Trinity COGIC Church Families and a host of relatives and friends.