On October 1, 1872, future Church of God General Overseer…

On October 1, 1872, future Church of God General Overseer Samuel William Latimer was born in Newman, Georgia. Already serving as editor and publisher of Church of God publications, Latimer moderated the 1928 General Assembly because General Overseer Lee was ill. Opening the Assembly on Monday, October 22, Latimer addressed attendees, “It is with much regret to us that our precious Brother Lee is unable to fill his place. It brings a shadow over us at this moment when we feel that on the bed of affliction lies the most precious man in the Church of God, but someone must take his place until God raises him up. I am going to have hope until he is gone.” Recognizing that General Overseer Lee was near death, the General Assembly elected Latimer as assistant general overseer. Lee went to be with the Lord and Latimer was elevated to the office of general overseer the day following the close of the Assembly. Seen here with his wife, Margaret, he served until 1935.