Reverend Gertrude E. Franklin was born in Wardell, Missouri and received her public school education there.  She met and married Mr. Cleophus Franklin and together, they have nine children.

Rev. Franklin has always had a love for education.  Her hunger and thirst for education has resulted in a B.S. in Sociology from Roosevelt University; a Masters Degree in Human Services Administration and Supervision from Roosevelt University, and a third Masters Degree in Spiritual Counseling from JCI.  She graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary where she received a M.D. in Theology.

Rev. Franklin is a licensed social worker and served as a Counselor for the City of Chicago Department of Human Services.  She also served as a Community Organizer and Activist providing jobs for youth in a summer program, organized and implemented sports activities, and provided Christmas toys and games for needy neighborhood children.   She is a retired public school teacher and social worker for the City of Chicago.  She is a member of Who’s Who in America, and has received numerous awards for her contributions in social organizations, education, community and church and religious activities.  She is a recipient of the “Teacher of the Year” Award from the Chicago Board of Education; she is a member of Carter Temple CME Church, the NAACP, and Order of the Eastern Star Prince Hall.  She has written two books:  Cooperative Learning and Counseling for Low and Moderate Income Families, and is presently on staff at Chicago Baptist Institute as an Instructor.

Her ministry was formalized in 1981, when she was licensed and ordained to preach.  This ministry has taken her to prisons, nursing homes, and hospitals.  At Carter Temple C.M.E. Church, she is a Bible Study Coordinator, and Early Morning Prayer minister.  Her ministry expands to the visitation ministry, bereavement ministry, regular morning worship services, and the Missionary Society.  

By the grace of God who has allowed her to accomplish the impossible, Rev. Franklin will continue to give God all praise, honor and thanks, because all that she is and ever hopes to be, she owes to her Creator.