Otis G.
Clark, 105
Otis G. Clark was born
on February 13, 1903, in Oklahoma. At the
time, Oklahoma was still Indian Territory
and it did not become a state until 1907.
At the age of 18, Otis was caught
in the "1921 Tulsa Race Riot" in the
Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Greenwood, at the time, was a mecca for
African-Americans who, due to the oil boom,
owned their own successful businesses. Otis
fled Tulsa, riding the rails to California,
seeking his biological father.
The Lord saved Otis at the young
age of 25. He converted to Christianity,
becoming Evangelist Clark while jailed for
selling liquor during Prohibition. He had
heard about the holiness movement while
attending a revival at the Second Baptist
Church in Los Angeles. Mother Lillian Coffey
was the State Mother for the Church of God
in Christ, and Otis had the privilege of
being her driver. After attending revivals
with Mother Coffey, Otis received the
Baptism of the Holy Spirit and was forever
changed. He also had the honor of serving
his mentor, Bishop Charles H. Mason, whom he
affectionately called “Dad.” Bishop Mason
is the leader and founder of the Church of
God in Christ.
Otis was deeply involved with the
original Azusa Street Mission, which was
started by William J. Seymour in California.
Before the Azusa Street Mission was torn
down, Otis was given its Power of Attorney
by Bishop Driscoll. He still has this
original document. In 1942, Bishop Samuel M.
Crouch of Los Angeles officially ordained
Otis as an evangelist and preacher.
While living in California, Otis
had the opportunity to rub shoulders with
many of the rich and famous actors at the
time. He knew a young man named Steppin’
Fetchit, who chose Otis to be a friend and
buddy. Otis also had the opportunity to
serve Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Charlie
Chaplin, some of America’s most famous movie
stars. Otis and his wife lived in Joan
Crawford's home: He was the butler and she
was the cook.
The years between 1929 and 1932
represented dark and desperate days for
America, called The Great Depression. In the
midst of the chaos of this time, God blessed
Otis. He was well provided for with ample
food and clothing. Not once did he stand in
a bread or soup line.
To the glory of God, Otis has
served as an International Evangelist for 80
years, longer than the average life
expectancy. Otis is presently going strong
at the young age of 105, as he continues to
preach and write about the oracles of God.
He lives independently, takes no
medications, eats what he wishes and has his
own car. He made his first mission to Africa
at the age of 103. At age 104, he made his
second mission to Africa. |