If you know anything about gospel and radio here in Cincinnati, then there’s no way you haven’t heard the legendary name Bishop Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII spoken or repeated on-air over the years. Today, that name is synonymous with gospel music, intense spirit-filled worship and some of the most influential Biblical teachings of our time as we celebrate the life, legacy and loving ministry of one of Cincinnati’s own pioneering pastor of Bibleway Church of God in Christ (COGIC).
Our friend and leader, Bishop Swanson was well-known as “the little preacher with the big smile” for having impacted many lives and setting trends that will last years beyond the legacy he established. His last breath of hope took place here in Cincinnati at the Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash with his youngest daughter Raphaela “Rae” Swanson by his side. Today, the Bibleway COGIC family, the city and the nation have lost a great man of God who changed many lives with his timely and encouraging words of wisdom.
“I don’t care who you are, whether you live in an exclusive neighborhood, in a nice house or in the ghetto. I don’t care if you live in a garbage can. Wherever you live and whomever you are, I love you. You can say, ‘Little Abraham loves me and he thinks I’m somebody.’ You are somebody because God don’t make no junk. Stand your ground, keep the faith and hold on until reinforcement comes. I’m signing off, but I’ll see you in the morning.”
For more than 40 years in the field of radio broadcasting, at 6:00AM every morning Bishop Swanson signed off the air in that same way on WCIN 1480AM. He left us on Tuesday, July 6th at that exact hour signing off his final farewell. Now we each must remain faithful to the kingdom in order to see him in the morning.
Bishop Swanson is proceeded in death by his loving and supportive wife, the First Lady and Mother of Bibleway COGIC, Mary L. Swanson, who passed away in 2007. Bishop Swanson is also proceeded in death by his brother, Ezekial. Bishop Swanson leaves behind to grieve his sister, Gloria Roberson; brother, John James, and his three children: Patricia Lee, Raphaela “Rae” and Wayne Tyrone Swanson; nine beloved grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren plus a multitude of great–great-grandchildren. He will forever be remembered and honored by a host of additional family members, a lifetime of friends and supporters from the City of Cincinnati and abroad.
Check out this un-official photo gallery we’ve put together to give you a glimpse into the life of a leader we’ve all come to know and love in the Queen City. Tell us what you think of the photos and feel free to share them with your friends, family and other associates of the Bibleway COGIC ministry.
Here’s what some of our friends from across the city as well as from Facebook and abroad have to say in response to the notice of Bishop Swanson’s passing. Be sure you leave your words of encouragement in a post in the comments section below as we lift the entire Swanson family and the Bibleway Church of God in Christ (COGIC) family up in prayer. If Bishop Swanson touched your life in any way, we want you to be the first to tell us here at TheBuzzCincy.com the online home for 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz – Cincinnati’s community and inspiration station.
Don W. –
“We are praying for Bishop Swanson’s family, Bibleway COGIC and the church community. Thank you Bishop Swanson. You were a pioneer and trailblazer in Cincinnati, Ohio and beyond. We say thank you for your labor of love unto the Lord.“
LeTecia C. –
“Honoring Bishop Swanson, a true man of God and a pioneer of gospel radio announcing. WCIN 1480AM for 40 years!”
Carl W. –
“Elder Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson, XII, well done thy good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord!”
LaTascha H. –
“Just like he so eloquently did for nearly 40+ years on 1480 WCIN at 6:00AM this morning, my pastor Abraham I.J. Swanson, XII, signed off his final time to be at rest. Please keep the Bibleway COGIC family in your prayers. Love you! Miss you already Bishop.”
Terra C. –
“God bless the life and ministry of Bishop Swanson. We love you and thank God for you.”
Marcus B. –
“Let’s pray for the Bibleway family in the passing of my pastor, Bishop Abraham Swanson XII. Superstar! He was a great man of God and will always be my pastor. I love you Bishop.”
Gregory L. –
“Praying for the family of Bishop Swanson.”
Read up on Bishop Swanson via our previous death notice provided below. *Please note official funeral arrangements are still pending. Body and burial will be handled by Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home. Additional details to be confirmed soon and we will provide them here for each of you supporters out there as soon as they become available. Stay tuned to TheBuzzCincy.com as well as BiblewayCOGIC.com to receive updates.
Bishop Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII
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