by Jacquelyn McDonald
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Whether you knew him as Bishop, Pastor, Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) Media Host, Local Newscaster, Community Leader, Toastmaster or simply as “the Voice,” the late Bishop Loran Edward Mann left an immeasurable impact on those that encountered him. The sure evidence of that impact was the overwhelming attendance of the Pittsburgh community and beyond during his Homegoing Celebration, which spanned three days, May 24-26.
The remembrance began with a walk-through viewing on May 24, followed on May 25 by the first local memorial service, which also included his assigned Vermont Jurisdiction of the past 10 years. That service was held at 6 p.m. at the 1,200 seat Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ in East Liberty, where Bishop Mann was the pastor.
The final remembrance for Bishop Mann was held at Victory Family Church, in Cranberry Township, to accommodate the large National Church presence that was expected and to meet the CDC’s social distancing measures. Former Pentecostal Temple members and COGIC hierarchy arrived from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
BISHOP LORAN MANN, the venerable pastor and media personality, died on May 2. He was 74.
Presiding COGIC Bishop J. Drew Sheard, from Detroit, was on hand to give the final eulogy, preaching from the biblical scripture Matt 25:21 and entitled his sermon, “The Greatest Commendation.” He spoke of Bishop Mann’s talents being put to good use in the marketplace of human needs and demands. He also emphasized Bishop Mann’s servitude and personal investment and commitment to his God-given assignments.
The Homegoing Celebration culmination consisted of the Church Of God In Christ royal ceremonial, “The Sealing Of The Bier,” a regalia skillfully conducted by the National Adjutants of the Church designated by members of the COGIC General Board, the governing entity of the 6.5 million-member denomination. Bishop Loran Mann was a newly elected General Board member, a few months prior to his passing.
FIRST LADY BARBARA MANN, during the funeral for her late husband, Bishop Loran Mann, at Pentecostal Temple COGIC, May 25. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
Each gathering was unique in acknowledging Bishop Mann’s contributions to the ecumenical community. His alumni choir, which now consists of several pastors, popular psalmists and minstrels throughout the tri-state area, gathered to pay tribute in song to their beloved pastor and initial choir director. They were known as the “Sounds of Pentecost.” Bishop Mann was an accomplished musician, as is his wife, Evangelist Barbara Mann. They often sang and played the keyboards during his services.
LORAN MANN II speaks during the funeral for his father, Bishop Loran Mann, at Pentecostal Temple COGIC, May 25.
Others, like Church Mother Denise White, remarked of the spirit-filled worship services that Bishop Mann led at Pentecostal Temple. White raised the praise as she testified of how God healed her of an affliction that rendered her wheelchair-bound for 10 years. Now walking, she shared of the convalescent ministry of Bishop Mann and how he petitioned God on her behalf.
Bishop Mann’s “sons in the gospel,” of which there are many, came from far and near to tell of Bishop Mann’s biblical guidance and tutoring. His ability to articulate scripture was considered superior; and as the founder of Pittsburgh’s only 24-hour Gospel radio station, WGBN (1360 AM), several of the present and former on-air personalities shared their stories of how the Bishop mentored them in broadcasting and journalism.
Bishop Mann died on May 2 at age 74. He was the founder of Pentecostal Temple, and grew its church membership from roughly 20 to more than 1,000, and was instrumental in the completion of the church’s million-dollar sanctuary that rises above Larimer Avenue and East Liberty Boulevard.
Bishop Mann was known for his career as a young anchor/reporter on KDKA-AM (1020) in 1968, then moved to television as an anchor/reporter for WPXI (Channel 11). He spent more than 20 years there, becoming a household name in Pittsburgh. Following his retirement from WPXI, he rose up the ranks of the Church Of God In Christ, becoming Bishop of the Vermont Jurisdiction in 2011.
About Post Author
