Carlton D’Metrius Pearson, the son of a Pentecostal minister, began preaching at the age of 12 in California. He founded the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Centre Incorporated in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1977, later renaming it the Higher Dimensions Family Church.
This church grew over time to become one of the most prominent congregations in Tulsa. Regretfully, it was discovered in September 2023 that Pearson had bladder-lining cancer. At seventy, he passed away on November 19, 2023.
Who was Carlton Pearson?
Carlton D’Metrius Pearson, born on March 19, 1953, in San Diego, California, was a distinguished American minister and gospel music artist. His early journey in ministry unfolded at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, where he was mentored by the renowned Oral Roberts and actively participated in the World Action Singers, eventually becoming an associate evangelist with the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association.
He was duly licensed and ordained in the Church of God in Christ. In 1981, Pearson embarked on a remarkable venture by establishing the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center, which later evolved into the Higher Dimensions Family Church.
This institution gained significant prominence and emerged as one of the largest churches in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pearson’s influence soared during the 1990s, with his church boasting an impressive average attendance of over 6,000 congregants.
Despite the difficulties, Pearson persisted in his ministry career. He became senior minister of Christ Universal Temple, a well-known Chicago, Illinois, New Thought congregation. In addition to leading a new Higher Dimensions fellowship in Chicago, he was the affiliate minister of All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa.
Carlton Pearson’s Early Life
Notably, Pearson, alongside Dr. Frederick K. C. Price, achieved a rare distinction as one of only two African-American ministers hosting a weekly national television preaching show. Their broadcasts reached a vast audience, numbering from hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers weekly.
Additionally, Pearson is credited as one of the trailblazing black ministers who organized major conferences in arenas and stadiums across the United States during this period. However, Pearson’s trajectory in ministry took a notable turn due to his outspoken belief in universal reconciliation.
His divergence from traditional doctrines led to a decline in influence within the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops, culminating in his declaration as a heretic by his peers in 2004.
Carlton Pearson illness and health: What sickness was he battling with?
Carlton Pearson had prostate cancer, which he had been diagnosed with in 2001. He was initially declared cancer-free, but the cancer returned and became more aggressive in recent years. Pearson’s family announced in March 2023 that he would be receiving palliative care as his cancer progressed. He died on November 19, 2023, as a result of disease complications.
Pearson’s battle with cancer was both personal and public. He opened up about his illness and his faith journey, inspiring many with his strength and resilience. His death was a tragedy for the community and those who followed in his footsteps. He is remembered as a charismatic and compassionate figure who advocated for love and acceptance while challenging traditional religious beliefs.
