DETROIT (WXYZ) — Detroit Bishop Veodis Gaines, 72, of Greater Metropolitan Church has died from the Coronavirus, according to his congregation.
"A man of hospitality. A great servant," said Church of God in Christ leader, Bishop J Drew Sheard. "He would feed the hungry."
Sheard said at least 10 church leaders in the Church of God in Christ have lost their lives due to COVID-19. It's unclear when or where the virus spread.
"There have been countless [members] who have been impacted," Sheard said. "When I say impacted... I mean tested positive."
His mother and father tested positive for the virus. His father was released from the hospital but his mother is in intensive care.
Parishioners at the historic Hartford Memorial Baptist have also been struck by the Coronavirus.
Reverend Charles C. Adams said at least 10 of his members have tested positive for COVID-19. So far, six other members have died.
He said one member who died was set to start working for the county government.
"When she didn't show up for the swearing in, a family member went over to the house and found her deceased," said Adams. "The family thinks it was coronavirus."
Both churches are closed ahead of Palm Sunday and services have been moved to online.
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