Pastor’s Bio

Pastor Eugene Roberson

On May 20, 2012, Elizabeth Avenue was dedicated and renamed Pastor Eugene Roberson Drive in honor Pastor Eugene Roberson’s contributions to First Corinthian, the City of North Chicago and Lake County.

 

On May 17, 2014, Corinthian family, friends, and community paid tribute to Pastor Eugene Roberson’s milestone 20 years of faithful service at an “Evening of Recognition” gala attended by the most highly profiled elected officials in the region.

 

A resident of Gurnee, IL, Pastor Eugene Roberson retired from teaching 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 many.

 

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.

 

Named “Elite & Distinguished” Top Pastor at the 2018 Rhythm of Gospel Awards held in Greenville, South Carolina, Pastor Roberson’s honors, awards and appointments, include but are not limited to the following: 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.

 

Pastor Roberson is the Acting President of the North Shore Baptist Ministers’ Alliance.  He is a member of the Lake County Commission on Government Reform and Accountability, as well as the Workforce Development Board whose purpose is to ensure the integration of services to prepare individuals to meet the needs of business and industry.  He is the Chairman of the New Era District of Chicago and the New Era District Moderator serving North Chicago, Waukegan, and Zion.  He is the former People’s Voice publication Chairman of the Board and a former Lake County Housing Authority Board Member.  Under his pastorate, various outreach initiatives have been established including back-to-school backpack give-a-way, annual Christmas holiday food basket give-a-way, weekly Soup Kitchen, as well as assisting families in crisis situations.  A sought after speaker, Pastor Roberson has been asked to speak at various North Chicago Schools, North Chicago School Board, and North Chicago City Council meetings.

 

A Pastor’s Vision…God’s Divine Plan:  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 their new $2.2 million dollar edifice!  Pastor Eugene Roberson’s goal of paying the church mortgage within ten years was fulfilled as a Deed Burning Ceremony was held Sunday, April 10, 2011.

 

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. The desire to know Jesus and his teachings has resulted in two weekly bible studies and two Sunday worship services. 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 First Corinthian.