Pastor Jesse E. Copeland was born in Troupe, Texas on September 27, 1902, to Sally and Sam Copeland.

After the family moved to Dallas, Texas he received the Lord as his personal Savior in 1914. In 1944, Pastor Copeland moved to Los Angeles, California, and served as a local minister at Emmanuel Church of God In Christ, under, the pastorate of Bishop Samuel Crouch. In 1949, Pastor Copeland and his wife moved to Sacramento, and using his own funds, he purchased the property located at 1969 Burnett Way. He founded the Progressive Church of God In Christ in the winter of 1949 with the membership consisting of three families.

Pastor Copeland received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity from the Saint Justine's Theological Seminary. On January 24, 1959, Pastor Copeland was appointed to the position of Superintendent of the Sacramento District He continued to maintain that position until his death.

The membership continued to grow and soon out grew the church located at 1969 Burnett Way. During the early 1980s, Pastor Copeland received the vision to build God a larger house of worship. Progressive Church of God in Christ moved to its current edifice located at 2251 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, California in February 1992. Pastor Copeland was called home to be with the Lord after a lifetime of dedication and service on December 18, 2004. Although Pastor Copeland has gone home his vision and spiritual legacy continues on.