Our Founder
Dr. Carolyn Cecile Hines is the founder of Hines Charity for Theological Education, named in honor of her father, Dr. Allen J. Hines, Founder and mother, Dr. Mary Hines Singletary, Dean of the C. H. Mason Bible College and Institute. Following in the footsteps of her parents, she earned her Bachelors of Education from Houston Christian University, and Masters and Doctorate of Education from Concordia University. She celebrates 14 years in Christian Tertiary Education and her 36th year as a public school educator having taught on all levels. She currently begins her 21st year as teacher of Performing Arts in Aldine ISD. She has been nominated for Teacher of the Year, and is known for her award winning choir performances, and outstanding seasonal and cultural programs throughout the year.
Dr. Hines has served in ministry from her youth with her parents at LaMarque Chapel COGIC, now Hines Memorial COGIC, in La Marque, Texas and Gethsemane COGIC in Houston, Texas. Both churches founded by her father. Her COGIC Jurisdictional appointments include: Evangelist Missionary, District Missionary, Sunday School Field Representative, Women's Convention Music Director, and Director of Convocation Morning Manna Services. She served within the COGIC International Sunday School Department as presenter and Regional Representative of Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
In 2004, Dr. Hines became instructor and later, Dean of the C.H. Mason Bible College & Institute, Houston and Beaumont campuses until its' close in 2018.
Dr. Hines is a gospel recording artist. She has recorded 4 solo projects, and has worked as co-producer and vocal guest on other gospel recording projects. Dr. Hines has traveled across the country as a singer, musician, clinician, special event choir trainer, and Music Director. She has been blessed with opportunities in conducting church auxiliary ministry workshops, musician professional training, as well as, conference speaker, and presenter in local and international conventions. She has traveled across the United States, Canada, Jerusalem, and Uganda spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a Christian educator, Dr. Hines conducts HCTE Leadership and Ministry Trainings, in addition to her YouTube channel discussing issues faced in the workplace. She is the chair of the A.J.Hines Institute purposed to inform, inspire, and ignite believers to do the "work of the ministry."
Dr. Hines is a member of the NAACP, American Federation of Teachers, Black Women United, and Texas Music Educators Association. Her greatest joy is being a member of Believers Chapel Church under the leadership of her son, Pastor Chad Stevenson where she serves as Sunday School Superintendent and Church Mother. Compelling all men to believe God.
The vision for HCTE was birthed October 2022 by Dr. Carolyn Cecile’ Hines after meeting with Charles Harrison Mason Bible College & Institute-Houston Alumni and others who were passionate about theological education. The vision of HCTE is to build upon the theological foundation laid by her father Dr. Allen J. Hines and mother Dr. Mary Nell Hines Singletary. The mission of HCTE is to support individuals and institutions for adult theological education that seek/provide advance training, academic, and financial support for those committed to “the work” of Christian ministry.
Our Foundation
The Early Years
Allen Joseph Hines and Mary Nell Scott Hines had no idea when they married in 1952 that their combined ministry callings, experiences and commitments would conceive ecumenical, educational and denominational legacies within the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. (COGIC). Legacies influencing countless lives more than 70 years and counting. Together they reared three daughters: Burnell Faye Hines, Allene Beatrice Hines, and Carolyn Cecile Hines.
Many have fond memories of the house on Sterlingshire. Community leaders, elected officials, COGIC ecclesia and leadership, pastors, ministers, missionaries from across denominations visited their home enjoying fellowship, seeking advice, and finding refuge to make a new start. A beautiful home filled with music, laughter, and family fun.
At the time of his death, Dr. Allen J. Hines and his dear “Mary” had been married for 32 years. Twenty-six of those years were dedicated to pastoral care and service to the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. They encouraged and provided their support and influence to help thousands of people across the United States reach their goal and fulfill their call to the work of Christ. Allen and Mary were the embodiment of their ministry affirmation, “a heart to God and a hand to man.”
While working and rearing their family, they “preached out,” organized and built two churches. They founded their first church in Houston, Texas, in 1956, named Kashmere Garden COGIC later renamed Garden of Gethsemane COGIC. In 1968 they founded their second church, La Marque Chapel COGIC in La Marque, Texas, later renamed Hines Memorial COGIC. Though both churches were unique in their locations and communities, they provided holistic ministry care and extraordinary spiritual leadership that promoted family, education, soul-winning, and supported the fight for social justice. Both believed in a holiness lifestyle and the pursuit of biblical training to win souls for Christ.
Dr. Allen Joseph Hines 1923-1984
Allen Joseph Hines is remembered as a loving husband and father, pastor and evangelist, civic and ecumenical leader, extraordinary spokesman and leader in the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. (COGIC), and founder of the Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges.
Dr. Hines was born April 26, 1923, in Lafayette, La, second of three children born to Alfred and Mary Hines. He had an older brother, Sgt. Lanzy Hines and a younger sister, Mrs. Leona Hines Jones. He was baptized into the St. James Methodist Church. The family moved to Beaumont, Texas where he completed his secondary education. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941 and served in China, Burma, and India as Sergeant of Engineering. Sgt. Hines received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1945. From there, he entered Prairie View A&M University, Prairie view, Texas, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mechanical Arts.
Dr. Hines later earned his Doctor of Divinity from Union Baptist Theological Seminary, Houston, Texas. He, then served as professor of New Testament, Christian Ethics, and Sermon Preparation. While pastoring Garden of Gethsemane COGIC and La Marque Chapel COGIC, he was elevated in leadership within Texas Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdictional COGIC in the following offices: District Superintendent, State Chairman, and Second Administrative Assistant. His commitment to the balance of ministry and education made him a vital part of boards and foundations dedicated to education and service. His board affiliations included the following:
COGIC Educational Department Program Committee Chairman
Texas Southeast Jurisdiction #1 Judiciary Board Chairman
COGIC United National Auxiliary Convention Finance
Board of Directors Secretary, C. H. Mason Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia
Member C. H. Mason Foundation, Memphis, Tennessee
Minister’s Alliance COGIC Liaison for Harris, Galveston, and Waller Counties.
Outstanding Service in Christian Education Award
Dr. Hines testified of his life changing experience on February 8, 1950, at Williams Temple COGIC, Houston, Texas. It was the night he received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and became a part of the Church Of God In Christ. He accepted his call to preach the Gospel that following May. Compelled and passionate, he traveled across Texas’ rural and urban communities, as an evangelist conducting revivals and preaching in many church meetings. He returned to Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas as Chaplain for COGIC students. His community outreach included many conferences and city positions with the City of Houston Mayor’s Office, Houston Ministers’ Alliance, and Chairman of the Prairie View A&M University Urban and Rural Ministers’ Conference (currently named Prairie View A&M University Annual Ministers’ Conference).
Many organizations and groups have shown their appreciation to Dr. Hines for his dedication and commitment to the Gospel of Christ, Christian Education, and community service. A few are listed below:
Keys to the cities of Houston, Texas, Cleveland, Ohio and Omaha, Nebraska
COGIC Incorporated Charles Harrison Mason Award
The C. H. Mason Theological Seminary Distinguished Leadership Award.
City of Houston Police Department Community Relations Award
Mayor Kathy Whitmire, City of Houston Proclamation
Prairie View A &M University Special Recruitment Award Prairie View A&M Ministers Conference
The Interdenominational Theological Center and Charles Harrison Mason Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa)
Dr. Hines’ great work in Christian education did not diminish his call to win souls for Christ. He remained faithful in ministry, church growth, and evangelism. The call on his life influenced many COGIC members and hundreds across denominational lines. It would be impossible to count the lives that were changed through the power of God on his life. Many were healed from sickness and diseases. Others were filled with the Holy Ghost and motivated to do the work of the Lord. Families were reconciled and youth pursued businesses and careers from Dr. Hines’ example, teaching, and advice.
Achievements
Dr. Hines strongly preached the need for all to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. As written in the seal of the C. H. Mason System of Bible Colleges, he impressed on everyone to make “Evangelism First.” One such effort was the Citywide Tent Crusades. The crusades were a collaborative evangelical campaign with his dear friends, Bishop Floyd E. Perry of Cleveland, Ohio and Bishop Roy L. H. Winbush of La Fayette, Louisiana. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10: 14-15).
The Founding of Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges
In 1971, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Chief Apostle of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc., commissioned Dr. Allen J. Hines to formulate a plan for a system of biblical training at the jurisdictional level to meet the needs of preachers, missionaries, teachers, and laypersons. A comprehensive catalogue was composed. The purpose, mission, course requirements and descriptions were identified. Faculty and staff projections were developed according to the prospected enrollment. A successful pilot school was organized and opened on the campus of Garden of Gethsemane COGIC, Houston, Texas. The Garden of Gethsemane Annex building was the ideal facility with classroom, office spaces, and fellowship provisions. With the support of his wife,(standing at podium), and cooperation of church supporters, community leaders and Texas COGIC Jurisdictional leaders, the pilot school was a success. In 1972, the COGIC General Assembly ratified the proposal naming the college, Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges.
The Vision Becomes Reality
Over the next six years, with the loving support, trust, and loyalty of his beautiful “Mary” Dr. Hines traveled 150,000 air miles across the United States meeting with COGIC Jurisdictional leaders establishing the college system. Directors were selected and trained in the college system’s protocol and operation procedures. (See stars indicating states where the system was established on map below) Despite opposition and unforeseen challenges, the favor of the Lord and support of his congregations empowered Dr. Hines to establish 87 bible colleges within the Church Of God In Christ.
A National Board of Regents was formed along with a National Executive Secretary, Evangelist Charlotte Mc Intyre, and other assistants to manage the business of the system and maintain continuity throughout the denomination. The first National Commencement was held November 1979 during the 71st International Convocation in Memphis, Tennessee. More than 300 graduates participated in this historical ceremony from across the United States. It was a tremendous day of celebration for the C. H. Mason System of Bible College family, Dr. Hines, Bishop J.O. Patterson, the General Board, and the leadership of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. During the 1980 COGIC International Holy Convocation held in Memphis, Tennessee, the Board of Regents voted to upgrade the system by offering the following academic programs: Bible Certificate, Graduate Bible Certificate, Associate of Arts in Biblical Education, and Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology. There were many exciting days as the system grew. Under Dr. Hines’ leadership, annual conferences were held along with leadership meetings and fellowships during the International Holy Convocations. At home, a satellite campus was opened in Beaumont, Texas extending the opportunity for others who were unable to travel to Houston, Texas.
The Vision Continues
Dr. Allen J. Hines died on April 19, 1984. Thousands mourned and offered prayers for his family. Through the help of the Lord and support from his constituents and co-laborers, his wife, Dr. Mary Hines Singletary continued this great work. This was possible because of the support of local bishops loyal to Dr. A. J. Hines and the CHMSBC vision. Bishop Robert E. Woodard Sr., Bishop Prince Bryant, Bishop Robert E. Woodard, Jr., and Bishop Rufus Kyles, Jr. ensured that the college remained open. Through Dr. Mary Hines Singletary’s exceptional leadership, the college was accredited and certified through the state of Texas. She developed two additional satellite campuses in Jasper, Texas and Hungerford, Texas. The college was later renamed C. H. Mason Bible College and Institute (CHMBC&I). The Institute program offered continuing education courses and training opportunities. Their youngest daughter, Dr. Carolyn Cecile Hines joined her as a college professor and later served as Assistant Dean.
In addition to Commencements, and occasional workshops, CHMBC&I presented evening sessions during Texas Southeast First Jurisdictional (TSE1st) Worker’s Meeting. The college also hosted Morning Manna services during TSE1st July Convocations. The college’s fiscal calendar included Founder’s Day Celebration, R.E. Woodard and A. J. Hines Institute, Black History Recognition, quarterly Chapel Services, and the CHMBC&I Annual Christmas Banquet. In 2018 the Houston Campus closed with a remarkable history of 46 years of exceptional service. A lovely bond of fellowship continues between all who were connected to the college and those who were blessed to know and learn from Dr. Allen J. Hines and Dr. Mary Hines Singletary. Precious memories of their unfailing commitment will live on through the thousands of lives they touched and prepared for the “work of the ministry.”
Map of Dr. Hines’ Extensive Travels
Dr. Mary Hines Singletary 1932-2022
Dr. Mary Hines Singletary is esteemed as a loving mother, thoughtful pastor’s wife, distinguished educator, and an extraordinary builder and leader. “Mary Nell,” as she was affectionally called, was born, April 12, 1932, in Crowley, Louisiana the eldest of four children born to Pastor Ernest Scott and Mrs. Beatrice Daigle Scott. Mary was the lead and mediator for her three brothers: Attorney Ernest J. Scott , Pastor Willie Scott, and Pastor Jewell D. Scott. It was clear to all who met her that she was chosen to have influence in the world. She testified joyfully of the Sunday night in July 1945 when she was sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost while attending a revival service at Duncan Memorial COGIC, Houston, Texas. The following year, at the age of 14, she was appointed as the Sunday School secretary and served faithfully until her father’s pastoral ministry at Mt. Rose COGIC. Mary’s gifts were nurtured as a pianist, choir director, singer, Sunday School teacher and orator.
Mary excelled academically and socially, graduating with honors in 1949 from Phyliss Wheatly High School, Houston, Texas. She was hailed one of the “Top Ten Beauty Queens of her class as the Queen of the Baseball team. She was an active student as a member of the Senior Honor Society, Senior Y-Teens, El Club Espanol, and The Sweetheart Club for four consecutive years.
In 1972, while rearing three daughters and supporting her husband to establish two churches, Mary graduated with honors from Texas Southern University (TSU) earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and History. She began her educational career as an English teacher in the opening of Forest Brook Senior High School. In 1982, Mary earned her certificate in Guidance Counseling and Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Mid-Management Certification from TSU. From there, she earned her Doctor of Divinity from Union Baptist Bible College and Seminary in 1986. Her numerous contributions to public education include but not limited to those listed below:
Member Southern Accreditation Association Interim Steering and Evaluation Staff (Three consecutive terms)
Who’s Who of American Women. Marquis Who’s Who Inc., 14th, 15th Editions.
Contributor to Comprehensive Plans for Student Referral Center Publication
The Effects of Individual Programmatic Instruction on the Slow learner in Reading
State Advisor of Texas Future Teachers of America Association (Two consecutive terms)
Texas Southern University’s T. F. Freeman Minister’s Summit Award
University of Houston outstanding Service Recognition Mary retired from public education after 29 years of distinguished service as a Secondary Guidance Counselor in the North Forest Independent School District, Houston, Texas, as a High School English teacher, Sponsor of the Future Teachers of America and Honor Society, Head of the English Department, and Head Counselor of Smiley High School.
Public Education
Theological Education
Her love and shared passion for Christian Education fueled her commitment to her husband and the work of the C. H. Mason System of Bible Colleges. In 1974, Mary became the Academic Dean of the C. H. Mason System of Bible Colleges-Houston. She led the college for ten consecutive years until the death of her beloved husband, Dr. Allen J. Hines in 1984. At the request of Bishop R.E. Woodard, Jr., Mary resumed her position as Academic Dean in 1998 assisted by her youngest daughter, Cecile’ Hines, until the close of the college in 2017.
During this time, she served in the following positions: National C. H. Mason System of Bible Colleges’ Executive Secretary, Saints Academy Foundation Secretary Treasurer, and Deputy Commissioner for the COGIC International Commission of Education. Mary’s pursuit in theological education produced several milestones for the C.H. Mason System of Bible Colleges. The most notable are listed below:
COGIC Life Achievement Award in Education
Satellite Campuses in Hungerford, Texas, Beaumont, Texas, and Jasper, Texas
Accreditation by American Accreditation Association of Bible Colleges
Certification by The Association of Christian Schools International
Formal Commencements and Chapel Services
Annual Christmas Banquet
R.E. Woodard - A.J. Hines Institute (Formerly named Wilkie J. Law institute)
Annual Black History Celebration honoring Founder, Dr. A. J. Hines
C. H. Mason Bible College Hour during the Texas Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Annual Minister’s and Workers’ Meeting
C. H. Mason Bible College National Annual Summer Conference Curricula and Planning Staff
C.H. Mason Bible College Alumni Organization
Prairie View A & M University interdenominational Minister’s Conference “Administrator Credibility Recognition” (10 consecutive years)
Mary’s stellar leadership, extraordinary organization skills, and God-given wisdom was recognized and appreciated across denominational line
The Church Of God In Christ
Mary’s commitment to holy living, competencies, and dedication to the Church Of God In Christ did not go unnoticed. In addition to her service in COGIC national service, she was elevated to COGIC leadership in local, district, and jurisdictional positions within Texas Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
District Level
Baytown District Young People’s Willing Workers (YPWW) Chairlady
South Houston District-District Missionary
Baytown District Choir President
Galveston District Choir President
On January 27, 2021, after a lifetime of service to her family, church, community, and the fields of public and theological education, Dr. Mary Hines Singletary took her rest. Thousands joined her family in treasuring the memories and tremendous legacy of Dr. Mary Nell Hines Singletary
Jurisdictional Level
Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor Texas Southeast First Department of Women
State Women’s Convention Dean of Institute
Jurisdictional YPWW Chairlady
Women’s Department Finance Chairperson
Co-Program Chairperson
Marshall – Women’s Department
Dean-Women’s Department
Licensing and Credentialing Examination Board
In 1986, Mary married Charlie Singletary whom she loved dearly. Bro. Singletary supported all her endeavors until his death in 2005.
