Bishop Ernestine Cleveland Reems was a remarkable pastor, community leader, and social advocate whose life and ministry left a profound impact on her congregation and the wider East Oakland community. Born in 1932 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, she experienced hardship early in life but turned these challenges into a lifelong mission of service and faith. Her journey as a preacher, community builder, author, and visionary leader spanned decades, transforming not only the lives of her congregants but also the physical and social landscape of a struggling neighborhood. Known affectionately as Mom Reems, she dedicated her life to uplifting the vulnerable, empowering women, and building programs that offered hope, education, and shelter for those most in need.
Early Life and Calling
Ernestine Cleveland Reems grew up in a large family as the third of nine children. Her early years were marked by faith and adversity, including a prolonged battle with tuberculosis during her teenage years. It was during this period that she felt a deep spiritual calling, which shaped her future as a servant of God. Her father, Bishop Elmer Elijah Cleveland, was a traveling evangelist whose influence and dedication to ministry laid a strong spiritual foundation for her own calling. After overcoming illness and embracing her faith, she began traveling and preaching alongside her brother, Reverend Elmer Cleveland Jr., eventually marrying Paul Reems in 1958.
Ministry Education and Early Preaching
Pastor Reems attended Patton Bible College in Oakland, California, where she deepened her theological understanding and expanded her ministerial skills. As a woman in ministry during a time when female pastors were less common, she faced barriers but remained steadfast in her calling. Her early experiences preaching across the United States helped her hone a dynamic and charismatic preaching style that resonated with diverse audiences. She was known for her powerful sermons, which often blended scriptural insight with realworld relevance and spiritual encouragement.
Founding Center of Hope Community Church
In 1968, Pastor Ernestine Reems founded the Center of Hope Community Church in East Oakland, California. What began as a small gathering of just four members in a former shoe store quickly grew into a thriving congregation with over 1,500 members. Under her leadership, the church became a spiritual home for many and a powerful force for community transformation. The church’s mission extended far beyond weekly worship, incorporating outreach programs that addressed pressing social needs in the neighborhood.
Community Building and Social Programs
Pastor Reems’ vision for community upliftment translated into numerous impactful initiatives over the years
- The Hope School of Excellence, a charter school with preschool through 8th grade, offering quality education in an underserved area.
- A food and clothing bank that provided nourishing meals and essential items to lowincome families every week.
- Project REDY (Reems Enrichment Development for Youth), a program dedicated to youth development and enrichment.
- Affordable and transitional housing developments such as E.E. Cleveland Manor for seniors and disabled residents, a transitional home for single homeless women and children, and E.C. Reems Gardens, a 150unit affordable housing complex.
These community services not only addressed immediate needs but also strengthened the social fabric of East Oakland, offering stability, growth opportunities, and dignity for families who might otherwise have been overlooked.
Leadership, Influence, and Recognition
Bishop Ernestine Reems was a trailblazer for women in ministry. She organized the E.C. Reems Women’s International Ministries in 1988 to inspire and empower women to take active leadership roles in church and community. Through conferences and regional gatherings, the ministry encouraged women to embrace spiritual growth, professional development, and leadership training.
National and Community Honors
Her work earned recognition on both local and national stages. In congressional tributes, she was honored for her lifetime of ministry and community service, which included reducing crime, opening housing facilities, and providing extensive social support programs. Awards and accolades noted her tireless compassion, innovative spirit, and leadership in urban ministry.
Writing and Spoken Legacy
Apart from her pastoral duties, Ernestine Reems was an author whose writing reflected her deep spiritual convictions and life lessons. Her books, including titles like Through the Storm, offered readers guidance on facing challenges with faith, resilience, and hope. Her spoken messages resonated with congregants and audiences beyond the church walls, making her a soughtafter speaker at conferences, retreats, and religious gatherings.
Family and Ministry Continuity
Bishop Reems was not only a pastor to many but also a devoted mother and grandmother. Her two sons, Brondon and Brian Reems, followed in her footsteps in ministry and community leadership. In 2004, her eldest son Brondon, along with his wife, Maria Reems, became copastors of the Center of Hope Community Church, ensuring that her legacy continued. The Reems family remained deeply involved in the life of the church and its outreach programs, maintaining the mission of hope and service that their mother championed.
Bishop Ernestine Reems’ Broader Impact
The influence of Pastor Reems extended beyond her home community. She ministered to soldiers overseas, including a notable invitation to preach to United States Army troops in West Germany, where her ministry was recognized with honors. Her ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds and her commitment to making the gospel relevant to everyday life made her ministry impactful across generations.
Community and Social Advocacy
Through EC Reems Community Services, an organization that continues her mission after her passing, the extended legacy of her faithbased community work endures. This nonprofit addresses a range of community needs, including job training, mental health support, youth programs, and family services in East Oakland. The organization embodies her belief in addressing the root causes of social issues with compassion, practical solutions, and empowerment.
Passing and Legacy
Bishop Ernestine Cleveland Reems passed away in late December 2021, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and transformation. Her life’s work was remembered by community proclamations and celebrations that honored her enduring impact on Oakland and beyond. Her ministry changed countless lives, provided opportunities, and brought spiritual, educational, and material support to those she served. Her leadership demonstrated that deep faith coupled with practical action could make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Bishop Ernestine Cleveland Reems’ life and ministry were marked by compassion, resilience, and a relentless commitment to uplift others. As a founder of the Center of Hope Community Church, a community pioneer, and an inspirational leader, she made a lasting impact on her community through innovative programs, housing initiatives, education, and faithbased outreach. Her work empowered women, supported families, and offered hope to countless individuals in need. Though she is no longer present in person, her legacy lives on through the ministries she created, the leaders she mentored, and the lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.