Samuel Martin Crouch, Sr. was born on October 2, 1896 in Dallas Texas and was reared by this grandmother. He accepted Christ at an early age. He never doubted the voice of God that said, "I have need of thee."

He began his first pastorate in Dennison, Texas. From there he conducted a large tent revival in Forth Worth on Trezvant Hill, prior to becoming pastor of the Trezvant Hill Church of God in Christ.

After marrying Miss Gertrude Williams, Crouch brought his wife and six children to California in 1927. He ministered to the people in Northern California. He later came to Los Angeles where he began pastoring at 33rd & Compton in 1931.

It was in 1931 that same year, he was appointed Overseer of California. At that time, he was the youngest person to be appointed to such a position. Also during this same year, his wife Gertrude died. He remarried in 1933 to Miss Lottie B. Pegues.

The First Jurisdiction experienced tremendous growth during the tenure of Bishop Crouch. Various groups were organized including regions and districts, which still exists today.

Bishop Crouch received many honors and achievements. Some of them were: Pioneer in the radio ministry prior to 1927, International president of the Department of Home and Foreign Missions, and also serving as Second and then First Assistant to the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

In 1962, the First Jurisdiction purchased a State Temple, which was located at 2300 S. Central Avenue. It was named after our leader, "Crouch Temple."