Bishop Edward Robinson, Sr.
Jurisdictional Prelate
Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Pastor of the Southside Church Of God In Christ
Jacksonville, Florida
Bishop Edward Robinson, Sr. is pastor of the Southside Church of God in Christ & Jurisdictional Prelate of the Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. and an effective and prominent leader in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Edward Robinson was born to Elder George Robinson, Sr. and Missionary Martha Robinson. He graduated from Douglas Anderson High School in 1964. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Theology - Southeastern Bible College, Orlando, Florida, furthering his studies at Luther Rice Seminary, Jacksonville, Florida; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Edward Waters College, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
The young Edward Robinson was called into the ministry in 1966 and was later appointed as Adjutant to the late Bishop Jesse Williams. In 1967, he married Cynthia B. Waters, who answered her call into the ministry shortly after their marriage. He is the proud father of two children, Tabitha and Edward II, and three grandchildren: Zion, Edrianna and Christian Robinson.
In 1974, Elder Robinson was appointed as pastor of the Cross City Church Of God In Christ, in Cross City, Florida. In 1979, Bishop Jacob Cohen installed Elder Robinson as pastor of Southside Church Of God In Christ. Bishop C. D. Kinsey continued to appraise the effectiveness of Bishop Robinson and found him to be a capable and competent leader. In 1996, he was appointed Second Assistant to Bishop Kinsey. In 1998, he was appointed Chairman of the Public Relations Department for the Jurisdiction.
Under his leadership the vision to expand the ministry of Southside Church of God in Christ included facilities that would accommodate the church’s needs. The congregation recognized the needs of the ministry and rallied behind his efforts to make the vision become a reality. “The Miracle on Emerson Street," a beautiful new worship and multipurpose facility including a daycare, playground and ample parking were completed in November 2003. Prior to that, during the latter part of 2002, Superintendent Robinson was appointed to the office of Bishop, thereby becoming the Jurisdictional Prelate of Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Bishop Robinson is an avid civic and community leader. His civic accolades include: A Proclamation from former Mayor, Tommy L. Hazouri, declaring July 29, 1989 as “Superintendent Edward Robinson, Sr. Day." He was named “Outstanding Religious Leader” by Hands on Jacksonville. He has served as Chairman of several community organizations: Local School Advisory Council (LSAC), Teen Alliance Council (TAC), United Outreach Ministry (UCOM) and held memberships with The Kiwanis Club, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, I CARE, and Toast Masters International. In the early 1980’s, the Southside COGIC formed a unique relationship with the All Saints Episcopal Church, under the leadership of the late Father John Riley and Reverend Davette Turk. The two churches formed a community partnership called “Reconcile Jacksonville”. This organization was the catalyst in the city to address and encourage racial unity. The program was created to emphasize relationship building through education and worship. He also hosted a television ministry program “Faith to Faith” a well-documented show that features a cross section of religious leaders representing the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities. Bishop Robinson has received numerous awards for his service to the community.
Most recently, Bishop Robinson’s commitment to community service is the Community Development Association of Florida. Its philosophy is rooted in creating and motivating vehicles to alleviate poverty and increase access to income opportunities for the poor, disenfranchised individuals and families. One of his primary goals has been to implement programs for senior citizens. This includes “The Village At Southside”, a senior apartment housing development/facility, of which all zoning has been approved. The “Village” will be located on the property behind the church. One of his greatest and most recent accomplishments was to lead the congregation in paying off the mortgage on the church in 2022.
