Oregon Faith News Note,
Bishop Otis Clark is 107 years old is still traveling the country preaching from coast to coast. Clark was born in 1903, four years before it became a state. His life has given rise a book called “His story, History and His Secret”.Clark told the News Tribune in Washington, “I tell them to stay on God’s side and be winners. You’re satisfied. You’re not afraid of nothing.” and “I want all the folks to be saved and be on God’s side”
Below is his biography…
Bishop Otis G. Clark was born on February 13, 1903, in Meridian, Oklahoma before
Oklahoma was even a state. At the time it was Indian Territory. Evangelist Clark is 107
years old. At the age of eighteen. Otis was caught in the “1921 Tulsa Race Riot” in the
Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the time Greenwood was a mecca for African-
Americans who owned their own successful businesses due to the oil boom. This riot
was one of the worse race riots on American soil caused by jealously. As a young man
fleeing for his life he hoboed on a train to California looking for his biological father and left
Tulsa for many years.
Clark was heavily involved with the original Azusa Street Mission members. The Azusa
Street Revival began in 1906 and was led by William J. Seymour in Los Angeles,
California. Before the Azusa Street Mission building was torn down, Clark was given the
Power of Attorney by Bishop Driscoll over the Azusa Street Mission. He still has the
original document. Samuel M. Crouch of Los Angeles, California officially ordained Clark
as a preacher – this took place at 33rd and Compton Street in Los Angeles. He also had
the honor of serving Charles H. Mason, whom he affectionately called “Dad.” Bishop
Mason is the founder of the Church of God in Christ.
While living in California, Clark had the opportunity to rub shoulders with many rich and
famous actors. He knew a young man named Steppin’ Fetchit. Steppin’ Fetchit chose
Clark to be a friend and buddy. Clark also had the opportunity to serve Clark Gable, Joan
Crawford and Charley Chaplin, some of America’s most famous movie stars. Clark and
his wife lived in Joan Crawford’s home. He was the butler and she was the cook.
The years of 1929-1932 represented dark and desperate days for America, known as The
Great Depression. In the midst of the chaos of this time – God blessed Clark. During The
Great Depression 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, he has served as an International Minister for over 80 years, longer
than the average life expectancy. Clark is presently going strong at the young age of 107
as he continues to preach and write about the oracles of God.
Otis Clark’s biography was released for his 105th birthday. To read more about his life –
order your copy today!
Interesting Facts:
* Evangelist Clark is older than the state of Oklahoma, which was incorporated in
1907.
* He knew original members of the Azusa Street Mission, which was started by
William J. Seymour in 1906 and was given the power of attorney of the original
Azusa Street Mission.
* He is a 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Survivor. This took place on America’s Black Wall
street, the Greenwood district of Tulsa, OK.
* He threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Boston Red Sox the year they won the
World Series
* He traveled on a mission trip to Africa. The first when he was 103 yrs old and the
second when he was 104 yrs old and went to the West Indies at 107
* He is the world’s oldest traveling minister
* He attended the second World’s Fair in 1933 in Chicago, IL…and guess what they
previewed?…The TELEVISION!
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