Bishops' Wives Circle COGIC
Diversified. Blooming. Fragrances
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Our History
The Bishops’ Wives organization originated with remarkable women dedicated to public service, including the Church of God In Christ founder’s wife, Mother Elsie Mason, alongside Mother O.T. Jones, Sr., and Mother A.B. McEwen. These esteemed women set a high standard of excellence, prioritizing community impact over personal gain. Their influence was far-reaching, inspiring the unmotivated, comforting the disheartened, and activating those in despair towards productive endeavors.
Leadership transitioned to Mother Deborah Mason Patterson, under whose presidency the Bishops’ Wives Circle intensified its commitment to charity and benevolence, notably establishing scholarship funds.
In 1985, Mother Mattie McGlothen officially christened the group as the "Bishops’ Wives Circle." Following Mother Patterson's passing, Mother Daisy Sherman was appointed president in May 1986 during the International Women’s Convention, having previously served for years by carrying the Circle's international banner. Mother Sherman faithfully led the Circle for 30 years until her passing in 2016.
In January 2017, at the National Leadership Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, then-General Supervisor Mother Willie Mae Rivers appointed new officers. Mother Willie Mae Sheard became the first President in the Circle's history not to be named "Mother Deborah," alongside Mother Sharon Bordeaux as Vice President, Mother Sherel Lee continuing as Executive Secretary, and Mother Yolanda Bryant continuing as Communications Secretary while also taking on the role of Financial Secretary. Mother Sheard served diligently until her passing on April 19, 2020.
From April 19 to July 1, 2020, the Bishops’ Wives Circle observed a period of mourning and remembrance for President Mother Willie Mae Sheard. On July 1, 2020, General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, after prayerful consideration, initiated a nomination process to fill the presidential vacancy. Four nominees were interviewed on September 8, 2020, by Mother Lewis and a committee of facilitators and Bishops' Wives. On September 17, 2020, Mother Yolanda Bryant of Houston, Texas, was appointed the new President. Shortly thereafter, on September 26, Mother Virginia Collins of Savannah, Georgia, was appointed Vice President. Concurrently, Mother Lewis established The Widowed Bishops’ Wives Circle, an independent extension of the organization, appointing Mother Sherel Lee of Dallas, Texas, as President and Mother Delores Williams of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Vice President. Both Circles now operate with unity as their guiding principle.
Under the current presidency, the Bishops’ Wives Circle has expanded its digital presence, launching a dedicated website and official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. A significant initiative is The Bishops’ Wives Induction Academy, designed to prepare the wives of newly appointed Bishops for their roles in ministry. Additionally, the Circle now proudly features an official seal, embodying its motto, “Diversified, Blooming, Fragrances,” and its mission statement: "We endeavor to promote love, unity, spiritual enrichment, wholesome fellowship and friendship in the sisterhood.”
As the Bishops’ Wives Circle moves forward, it embraces an all-inclusive vision, providing every Bishop’s Wife the opportunity to share her diverse gifts, flourish her talents, and emit a sweet, fragrant aroma.The Patterson/Sherman Scholarship The Bishops’ Wives Circle Scholarship, named the Deborah Mason Patterson Scholarship, was started under the direction of Mother Daisy Sherman in 1985. Mother Patterson was the wife of our first elected Presiding Bishop. In 2017, the President of the Bishops’ Wives Circle, Mother Willie Mae Sheard, along with the committee in St. Louis, Missouri, changed the name of the scholarship to The Patterson/Sherman Scholarship. By doing so, the Circle not only recognized the legacy of Mother Deborah Mason Patterson but also the dedicated service of Mother Daisy Sherman, who was the president of the Circle for more than 30 years. As Bishops’ Wives and leaders in our church, we hold the firm conviction that higher education is critical to the success of our families, churches, and nation. Under the current leadership of the Bishops’ Wives Circle, Mother Yolanda Bryant, we continue the same standard to assist deserving female students with funds that will aid in the completion of Graduate School degrees, encourage academic achievements, and help ensure career excellence throughout the Church of God in Christ.
Resources for Bishops' Wives
BWC Scholarship Program

PDF file

2025 BWC Scholarship Application

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Qualifications: Applicant must be a female graduate student, currently in school or has been accepted into the Graduate program. Applicant must be an active member of the Church of God in Christ and is in good standing within her local church and Jurisdiction.
BWC Educational Portal
We are excited to invite you to access the BWC Educational Portal, a valuable resource designed specifically for you as leaders within the Church of God in Christ. This platform offers a variety of classes and materials aimed at enhancing your understanding of your vital roles and responsibilities.
As Bishops' Wives, you play a crucial part in the spiritual and community life of the Church. The educational opportunities available through the BWC Educational Portal will empower you with knowledge, skills, and insights that can enrich your ministry and leadership journey.
We encourage you to explore the diverse range of courses, engage with fellow leaders, and take advantage of this unique opportunity for growth and development. Your participation will not only benefit you personally but will also strengthen your ministry and the community you serve. Please contact our Education Ambassadors for access to the portal.
WBWC (Widowed Bishops' Wives Circle)
We invite you to engage with the Widowed Bishops' Wives Circle, an independent extension of our organization. Their dedicated Facebook page serves as a welcoming platform for connection, fellowship, and mutual support. Please join their community to share experiences, offer encouragement, and stay informed on their activities. Click the Facebook link below to engage within this community.
Meet the Ambassadors
Our dedicated Bishops' Wives Ambassadors are vital to fostering connection and support within our global Bishops' wives community. Each ambassador serves as a conduit to acheiving the goals and mission of our president and are committed to upholding our mission of unity, spiritual enrichment, and fellowship.
Mother Yolanda Bryant
BWC President
Mother Virginia Collins
Assistant BWC President
Lady Bonita Shelby
Education Ambassador
Lady Jacqueline Smith
Induction Training Academy Dean
Lady Reatha Bell
Induction Training Academy Assistant Dean
Lady Mollie Whitehead
Induction Training Academy Advisor
Lady Renita Richardson
Induction Training Academy Secretary
Lady Salana Walker
Assistant Media Ambassador
Lady Mary Portis Hall
Videography Ambassador
Lady Johnnie Jenkins
Financial Ambassador
Lady Dorothy Duncan
Assistant Financial Ambassador
Lady Felicia Sanders
Assistant Financial Ambassador
Lady Audra Gilbert
Assistant Financial Ambassador
Lady Mauline Williams
Communications Email Ambassador
Lady Connie Brown
Chaplain Ambassador
Lady JoeAnn Meadows
Scholarship Ambassador
Lady Lee Tates
Personal Executive Ambassador
Dr. Chandra Whittley
Medical Ambassador
Lady Ra’Shelle Lee
Media Ambassador
Lady Salana Walker
Assistant Media Ambassador
Lady Mary Portis Hall
Videography Ambassador
Lady Mary L. Hall
Communications Distribution Ambassador
Lady Regina Glimp
Resolutions Scribe Ambassador
Lady Bonita Hackworth
Resolutions Distributions Ambassador
Lady Mary L. Knight
Attendance Ambassador
Lady Cecilia Nauden
Birthday Ambassador
Lady Beverly Powell
Pearls of Love Shower Ambassador
Lady Latonya Stephens
Willie Mae Sheard International Outreach Ambassador
Upcoming Events in 2025
Connect with Us Online
Stay updated and engage with the Bishops' Wives Circle community across our social media platforms. We share news, event highlights, and inspirational content to keep you connected.
BWC Instagram Page
Join our thriving community for daily updates, event highlights, and engaging discussions. Connect with fellow Bishops' Wives and share your journey.

Instagram

Bishops’ Wives Circle (@bishopswives)

Instagram photos and videos

Widowed Bishops' Wives Facebook Page
Join our thriving community for daily updates, event highlights, and engaging discussions. Connect with Widowed Bishops' Wives and share your journey.

www.facebook.com

COGIC Widowed Bishops' Wives Circle

COGIC Widowed Bishops' Wives Circle. 717 likes. Our Mission is to provide a secure and honored sisterhood community for women who have lost their hu

BWC Facebook Page
Explore our visual stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and uplifting photos. Immerse yourself in the beauty and fellowship of our Circle.

Facebook

Bishops' Wives Circle

Bishops' Wives Circle. 366 likes · 1 talking about this. Diversified Blooming Fragrances

Psalm 133:1-Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren (and sisters) to dwell together in unity!