Memorial

Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr. was born January 2, 1924 in Memphis Tennessee. He entered into eternal peach with the Lord on October 2, 2017 at 5:35 a.m. in the home of his son, Pastor Hurley Bassett Jr. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mother Charlotte Marie Bassett of 60-years and daughter Dr. Patricia Ann Bassett. Surviving are seven children; Harold Bassett of Denver Colorado, Pastor Hurley Bassett Jr. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lovie Jean Bassett of Nashville, Tennessee, Sy Bassett of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, James Bassett of Kansas City Missouri, Roland Bassett of Houston, Texas and Dr. Carolyn Rucker of Atlanta, Georgia and 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

After serving in the army during WWII, Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr. and Mother Bassett moved to Davenport, Iowa from Memphis Tennessee in June of 1948 where they dedicated their lives to Christ under the leadership of their pastor; Bishop M.W. Goodman. They moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1954 and established New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in 1958 on the corner of 10th avenue and 6th street S.E. Once New Jerusalem was established, it signaled the flourishing of other Church of God in Christ in Cedar Rapids. For a brief period of time, he was also the shepherd of Shilliam Church of God in Christ in Waterloo, Iowa. In May of 1968, the Lord blessed them to purchase a church from Hus Memorial Presbyterian at 631- 9th avenue S.E. in Cedar Rapids to further the gospel through their ministry. The City of Cedar Rapids recently designated this property as an historical site which is significant to the history of Cedar Rapids.

In 1972 he was appointed Jurisdictional Bishop of the Iowa Jurisdiction and shortly after, he became the pastor of East University Church of God in Christ in Des Moines, Iowa while continuing to pastor New Jerusalem in Cedar Rapids. Prior to being appointed Jurisdictional Bishop of Iowa, he held numerous positions which include, State YPWW President, State Finance Chairman, Secretary and District Superintendent. Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr. went on to be the longest serving Jurisdictional Prelate Iowa has ever had.  After 42-years of distinguished service as Jurisdictional Bishop, he was Emeritized in 2014. Bishop Bassett was widely considered as one of the greatest gospel preachers in the Church of God in Christ.  Bishop Bassett touched the lives of so many and will be sorely missed. 

Service – Friday October 13, 2017 Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr. will lay in repose at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ from noon until 5:00pm. The local church and Jurisdictional wake will be from 5:30pm until 7:00pm at the same location. Home-going celebration will be on Saturday October 14, 2017 at 11:30 A.M. at the River of Life Church at 3801 Blairs Ferry Rd. N.E Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel Funeral in Cedar Rapids at 1221 1st avenue SW. Flowers and Cards may be sent in care of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ.