Superintendent Gary Watkins, Sr. is the ninth of ten children born to Elder and Mrs. Charlie L. Watkins of San Diego, California. He was reared in one of the first Church of God In Christ (COGIC) churches in the city of San Diego where his father was appointed pastor in 1972. At an early age, it was evident that God had a calling on his life and would later use him to inspire others and win souls.

From a little child who played church, to assistant Pastor of St. Luke Church, to assistant Superintendent of Calvary District and eventually Superintendent of Ithiel Clemons District, it was evident it was indeed not just a game, but a calling. God saved Pastor Watkins in 1972 at the age of 9. In 1983, he was ordained as an Elder. Pastor Watkins currently serves under the leadership of Bishop George D. McKinney (General Board Member of the Church of God in Christ), Jurisdictional Bishop of Southern California Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

In February 1991, Gary Watkins, Sr. became St. Luke's Pastor, and God directed him to move the church to its present location at 3195 "L" Street in San Diego. Since the move, many souls have been added to the church.

Pastor Watkins' sermons starts slowly, steadily, like a steam locomotive lumbering out of the station. The tone and pace of his voice are measured so carefully the words seem merely able to crawl out of his mouth. Don't be deceived. He's warming up - clearing his windpipes, stretching his vocal chords, preparing his voice box to receive and deliver the plain truth, the raw Gospel, the inspired, infallible, indestructable Word of God. Pastor Watkins of the Greater St. Luke Church doesn't come to chat, he comes to preach. Pastor Gary Watkins, 41, just celebrated twenty-eight years in the ministry.

A devoted family man, Pastor Watkins is married to Sister Teresa Page Watkins. Sister T., as many fondly call her, is a lovely lady that fears God and has given her life for His purpose. She was groomed for this day by serving faithfully with her father, Superintendent Henry Page at Saint Paul Church of God in Christ, as Purity Class teacher, Financial Secretary, Choir Director, Usher, and Sunday School teacher.

Together, two preacher's kids have preacher's kids -- they are supportive parents of four sons: Gary, Jr., Charles, Michael, and Trenton. Pastor and Sister Watkins, who just recently celebrated twenty-three years of marriage, are dedicated to the work of the Lord and the welfare of the congregation.