We want to take this time to honor and remember Holy Tabernacle's founders, heritage, and visionaries. Without the Creator and originators that birthed Holy Tabernacle Ministries, there would be no legacy. The Most Honorable, Reverend Emeritus Superintendent Robert James Criss, Sr., 94, of Peoria, Illinois, transitioned from Labor to Reward peacefully, on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. Emeritus Superintendent, Pastor Robert J. Criss Sr., was one of two children born to Mr. Frank Criss and Mother Katie Criss in New Port, Arkansas. When he was 18 years old, Pastor Criss Sr. and his wife, the late Mother Georgianna Criss, relocated to Peoria, where they became members of a Peoria Church of God in Christ.

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The late Emeritus Superintendent Criss Sr. received his divine calling from God to preach the Gospel. He immediately began his journey by preaching his first sermon at the tender age of 18. In the year of 1956, he began to pastor Holy Tabernacle Ministries. Starting with five members, the church was originally located at 1107 S.W. Adams in Peoria, eventually relocating to its' current location of 3417 N. Robert J. Criss Sr. Way. Down through the years thousands have been married, saved, delivered, and healed through Emeritus Superintendent Criss' ministry.

 

Holy Tabernacles Founder's were anointed, appointed and Holy Ghost filled by the Power of God. Our Angel was grateful to God for His supreme mandate, for such an institution to be developed in Peoria, where God's divine plan for His people is not adulterated or modified.

 

The late Emeritus Superintendent Criss Sr. and the late Mother Georgianna Criss were blessed with 10 children; four sons: Gary, Larry, Robert and Timothy; and, six daughters: Linda Criss-Garner, Glenda Criss-Burrell, Robin Criss-Williams, and G. Maria Criss. Two infant daughters preceded them in death. Their beloved-late mother, the late Mother Georgianna Criss, constantly endeavored to enhance the essence of family commitment, community dedication, and ultimate devotion to the uncompromising Word of God.

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His longevity of 62 years of Pastoral Leadership, has deemed him as the Longest Serving Pastor in Illinois. In honor of his longevity of serving the Peoria community, Leroy Ave, in which the church is located, has been honorarily named, Rev. Robert J. Criss, Sr. Way.

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The late Emeritus Superintendent Criss Sr. faithfully served in the United States Army. There, he was afforded the opportunity to preach overseas in Belgium and Germany until honorably discharged. He also worked at Caterpillar, Inc. until retiring in 1978. The late Emeritus Superintendent Criss Sr was preceded in death by his parents, his spouses, Georgianna Criss and Bertha Criss, two infant daughters, and two brothers, Loyes Porter and Pastor Leonard (A.C.) Criss.

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We leave you with our beloved Emeritus Superintendent Criss Sr.'s favorite scripture. Acts 18:9-10 was his mission statement, his covenant to God, and his pledge to his followers: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee: For I have much people in this city."

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Emeritus Superintendent Pastor Robert J. Criss Sr., you will forever be remembered in our hearts. And while our lives will never be the same, we will remember everything you imparted into our spirits: "Let the Wind Blow," "Who Am I That a King Would Die for Me," "This Journey is too Great for a Weak Man," "A One Man Prayer Meeting," and “I’m On My Way To Heaven, and I’m Enjoying The Trip,” By example, you taught us. Through action, you loved us, and with correction, you perfected us! We love you and we miss you, but we will meet again! Oh what a day that will be! Rest on great warrior!

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