Corlis L. Dees Sr. was born March 16, 1920 in Lucky, Louisiana and later moved to New London, Texas. While a child in New London, his praying grandmother introduced him to Jesus Christ. Under the ministry of Rev. L.J. Hosch, God baptized Corlis with the Holy Spirit, forever changing his destiny.
At the age of 17, Corlis began a life of ministry that spanned over 65 years. Reverend C. L. Dees was mentored by Rev. Zula Mott, who would later become his mother-in-law. He participated in evangelistic endeavors and traveled with such notable circuit preachers as the Rev. Eckels, Rev. W. E. Gamblin, Rev. Herman Campbell, and Rev. O. F. Fauss. At 20 years of age Brother Dees was asked to serve as Assistant Pastor to Elder O. F. Fauss, who became his beloved mentor.
On September 20, 1942 he was married to the love of his life, the beautiful and talented Lena Marvelle Mott. After their honeymoon, Corlis and Marvelle traveled throughout the United States ministering until 1943, at which time they accepted the opportunity to pastor a small congregation in Conroe, Texas. After solidifying the saints in Conroe, the Dees’ resumed their nation-wide evangelistic ministry until 1946, when they accepted the apostolic call to plant a church in Liberty, Texas.
From 1946 to 1959, Pastor Dees labored in Liberty as well as Cleveland, Texas where he built two new congregations, and oversaw the construction of two church buildings. While in this era of building, the Dees’ were blessed with the birth of their two sons Corlis II and Reginald, which completed the family unit God intended for them to have. Being a father to his two sons was the delight of his life.
In 1959, Brother Dees was elected Pastor of Irvington Pentecostal Church (a.k.a. Christian World Center) located at 305 Weiss Street. After assuming the pastorate of Irvington, God’s leading would bring more Kingdom opportunities and responsibilities to Pastor Dees when he became district presbyter of Section I, of the Texas District U.P.C.I. Brother Dees served in this capacity for 18 years.
During his pastorate, Brother C. L. Dees pioneered many innovative ministry concepts that brought new opportunities to impact his world for Christ. Through his leadership, the first UPC African-American, Latino, and Asian churches were established in Houston, Texas. Pastor Dees championed the formation of Singles Ministry, both in Houston as well as the nation. He initiated Metro Evangelism. During his tenure at Irvington Pentecostal Church, he founded and was president of Irvington Christian Academy. Irvington Christian Academy became the model parochial school and was recognized by Newsweek and Time magazines.
Pastor Dees’ influence reached beyond national boundaries; it was experienced throughout the world. He was a recognized lobbyist at the Texas State Capital for the Pentecostal faith and for Christian education and private schools. He was a founding instructor for the Texas Bible College in Houston, Texas. He served on the National Home Mission’s Commission for the United Pentecostal Church International. He served as a Presiding Officer of Judicial Procedure for the United Pentecostal Church, International. He served as teacher and speaker for multiple Sunday school conferences, camp meetings, minister’s conferences and national conventions. Together with his wife Marvelle, they traveled the continents ministering in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South America and Canada.
With all these responsibilities, Pastor Dees authored several books and manuscripts on subjects including Fundamental Doctrine Courses; Evangelism, and Church Leadership. Pastor Dees held a Master’s Degree in Christian Psychology and a Doctorate in Theology.
Pastor Dees served as counsel to city, state and national leaders. Various denominational leaders as well as Rabbi Segal of the Jewish Synagogue frequently consulted him. The multiple daughter churches are too numerous to count. The last total was over 46. The ministries that have been birthed by Pastor are too numerous to name; which include pastors, evangelists, teachers, apostles and prophets, as well as missionaries the world over. His pastorate of Irvington Pentecostal Church continued until 1997, when he retired. Pastor W.E. Hutchins II, his son in the gospel, later installed Rev. C. L. Dees as Pastor Emeritus of the Church of Champions in northwest Houston.
Pastor Dees' famous words, "Love is the greatest force in the universe!" There was never a man who had a greater understanding of God’s Love – he preached it and lived it! A synopsis of his philosophy is best described by his own words, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What we perceive is what we eventually become. Every person's perception is unique. You are unique. There is no one else in the Universe that is like you. You are the only one in the world with your fingerprints. Your voice pattern is different from any other living being. Your DNA arrangement is solely yours. You are made in God's image and likeness. Yet, none of you are the same. We are the outgrowth of Deity. God is still creating unique creature images every day. He will never run out of new DNA arrangements. That's what make Him the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. And to think, His love is equally inexhaustible. Love is the strongest force in the Universe. God has never made or designed anything He could not Love."
