Bishop Charles H. Matthews, Former Church of God (Cleveland) Missionary and Pastor, Dies at 84

Bishop Charles H. Matthews Sr., who served as an ordained minister with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), passed away on June 25, 2014, at the age of 84. He was a dedicated missionary and pastor, known for his service to the Church of God and its global mission efforts. Matthews spent eight years as a full-time missionary in Barbados and Kiribati (Gilbert Islands), contributing to the church’s outreach and evangelism efforts in those regions.

Throughout his ministry, Matthews pastored multiple churches across the United States, including in Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Virginia. His tenure at the Mountain View Church of God in Bryant, Alabama, from 1990 to 1995 marked a significant chapter in his pastoral career. After retiring from pastoring, he and his wife, Eloise, continued to engage in short-term mission trips to 38 countries, often spending months at a time in service to the church’s global mission.

Matthews was deeply involved in the educational and theological development of church leaders. He attended Bible Training School in Sevierville, Tennessee, and Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He earned his Master’s Degree in Theology from the Church of God Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee, further solidifying his commitment to theological education and pastoral leadership.

In addition to his ministry, Matthews enjoyed hobbies such as golfing, fishing, and following the Atlanta Braves. His life was marked by a strong sense of community and service, both within the church and beyond. He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Ruthie B. Matthews, and several siblings. Survivors include his wife, Eloise, four children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous extended family members.

Funeral services were held on June 27, 2014, at the Mountain View Church of God in Bryant, Alabama, with Reverend Brad Bridges officiating. A burial followed at Harden’s Chapel Cemetery in Lyons, Georgia. Visitation took place at Moore Funeral Home in Bryant, Alabama, and at the church on the day of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to support the Gilbert Islands Mission through the Church of God World Missions.

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