“The Most Influential African American of Lake County”

Biography

Pastor Eugene Roberson was born in Tutwiler, Mississippi, to the late John and Lula Roberson.  He is the fourth of ten children.  He was educated in the Clarksdale, Mississippi, school system and received a B.A. in Social Studies from Jackson State University.

Heading the call of the Master, Pastor Roberson entered into the ministry in 1979.  He later elevated to Deacon, Assistant to the late Pastor Peter Goudeaux, Jr., and was ultimately named Shepherd of First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in May of 1994. Since that time, Corinthian has experienced tremendous growth, both in number and spirituality.  New membership  averages  approximately  125  per  year  and hundreds have been baptized.  Two weekly bible studies and two Sunday worship services give Pastor Roberson’s  flock an opportunity to know Jesus and his teachings. Numerous new ministries have been designed to empower the membership spiritually and educationally.  Pastor Roberson is a leader, preacher, teacher, mentor, and advisor.  His rapport with young people and African American males, has created a new generation of members at Corinthian.  

Pastor Roberson’s leadership has resulted in the accomplishment of the following significant works:

Moving First Corinthian Forward:  Restructured the New Saints Orientation Class, Computerized Finance Reporting System, Introduced the Youth Church Ministry, Deacon Family Plan, and the New Offering Envelope System; Installed State-of-the-Art Sound System, Installed elevator to assist the handicapped and elderly, and purchased new church vans and robes for the Inspirational Choir.

Aesthetic Building Improvements Through 1999 Include:  Resurfacing and pavement of lots at both Greenfield Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue locations; roofing repairs, sidewalk repairs, installation of new carpet, security lighting, and continued building upgrades.

Honors & Awards Include:   First African American in Lake County to open a Session of Congress, Most Influential African American of Lake County, House of Representatives Resolution(s), College of Lake County Harambee Award of Excellence, National Association of University Women Award, Angel Drill Team Award, Key to the City of North Chicago, Key to the City of Florence, Alabama, and Community Achievement Award.

Community Involvement Include:  Former People’s Voice Chairman of the Board, Former Lake County Housing Authority Board Member, North Shore Baptist Minister’s Alliance Past Vice President, New Era District Moderator Serving North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion; New Era District First Vice Chair, Chicago; Invited speaker at various North Chicago Schools, North Chicago School Board, North Chicago City Council Meetings.  Under his pastorate, First Corinthian has been able to reach out to North Chicago residents through the annual Christmas holiday food basket give-a-way distributed to needy families throughout Lake County, as well as assisting families in crisis situations.  First Corinthian also runs a Soup Kitchen on Saturdays, which provides nourishment for the body and the soul. 

A Pastor’s Vision…God’s Divine Plan:  Of all Pastor Eugene Roberson’s accomplishments, his most notable is heeding to the will of God’s Divine Plan by reorganizing the Building Committee in 1996. Under Pastor Roberson’s guidance, this Committee was ultimately charged with presenting a building proposal to the church for approval.  In 1997, the initial building proposal was presented to the church.  After several proposals and much prayer, several architects and more prayer, many challenges and constant prayer, the expansion project was awarded to Sutter Day Architects, Inc., of Libertyville, IL.  A loan was secured from NorStates Bank (formally The Bank of Waukegan) in the amount of $1.6 million dollars to complete the $2.2 million dollar construction project. Also included in the project was complete renovation of the purchased property formerly known as Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church.  On Sunday, April 30, 2000, a historical Ground Breaking Ceremony, which included men, women, and children of Corinthian was held.  The Corinthian Family relocated to North Chicago Community High School during the renovation.  Worship service continued as we took the “church” to the high school auditorium. 

In October, 2001, Pastor Eugene Roberson’s vision for God’s church became a reality as Corinthian members, family, and friends marched from North Chicago Community High School to our new edifice!  The Dedication Ceremony marked a new journey for the Corinthian family.

Pastor Eugene Roberson’s goal of paying off our mortgage within ten years was fulfilled as a Deed Burning Ceremony was held Sunday, April 10, 2011.

Pastor Roberson retired from teaching in 2002 after 30 years of service.  He  is married to the love of his life, Sis. Geraldine Herron Roberson.  He is the father of three children, Kristian, LaTonya, Eugene II, and grandfather of eight.

Biography
 Geraldine Roberson has been involved in Christian ministry at an early age, and has served alongside her husband, Eugene Roberson for over twenty-five years.  As an insightful speaker, she draws heavily from her education, (was in education for over thirty years, just retired, June, 2005) she is a soft-spoken woman.