Apostle G. H. Washington

Apostle G. H. Washington was the first born of Mable Gould and Keaver Washington arriving in this world on November 4, 1929, in Oviedo, Florida. He attended Oviedo Elementary School and graduated from Hungerford Boarding School in Eatonville, Florida where he played all sports. He often spoke of himself playing basketball for the school wearing jersey #10. He met Mary Lee Baker at a basketball game during a conversation about gum. The encounter led to Holy Matrimony on June 16, 1950 and out of this union six children were born. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish. He would often take his family fishing on Sunday nights after church. He and his wife made a great pair. Some evenings while fishing he would build a fire to cook the fish while his wife and children fished. He and his wife also had a Boy Scout troop with numerous boys involved. His love for reading gained him the nickname “Booky”, as a teenager he was very interested in the Bible and studied that as well. Apostle Washington came into the full knowledge of Christ under the Pastoralship of Elder Willie C. Smith, Sr. However, God required more of him than just his Soul. He excelled spiritually as a warrior for Christ and was soon an ordained Deacon in the Church of God By Faith. He along with his fellow brother in Christ, the late Deacon J. C. Frazier, was a spiritual force in their community. To whom much is given, much is required and God required him to preach the gospel! He became an Ordained minister on Christmas Day 1965. Under his anointing the sick has been healed, souls saved and demons casted out. Apostle Washington was also very involved in the communities of which he lived. He walked the streets of both Orlando and Apopka spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and encouraging people to “Crack-a-Bible” during the time when drugs seemed to be the norm. He started an outreach program REACH (Revival Everyday Answers Christian Hope) and had noon day prayer every weekday which was open to the public. Apostle Washington was involved in the plethora of community organizations including being a former member of both the Ministerial Alliance and ACTION, Inc. The Apostle also served on the board of Home and Partnership as well as Habitat for Humanity. He had been invited to take part in many political activities including walking through the community with the then Governor Lawton Chiles to point out where more help was needed in the community and offering the opening prayer in Tallahassee for the opening of the State Legislative session. God allowed, (what the Apostle would call himself) “a poor black preacher from Oviedo”, to be and speak in the presence of what Earth would term “great men of political power”. Because of his diligent commitment to the community the street where he resided until his demise was renamed G. H. Washington Street in his honor. In 1974 the Temple of Faith was born under the leadership of the Apostle and the orchestrating of God. Through sacrifice of self and family, sweat and tears the church transformed from an idea to a powerful reality where the presence of God dwells. Numerous miracles have been witnessed by his parishioners through him allowing God to have full control in the services. His message to the people concerning the goodness of God has reached many people nationwide and earned him a position as International Bishop for the Bahamas Islands. He remained the pastor of the Temple of Faith until his transition of life occurred. In conclusion and the facts of this story is that Apostle G. H. Washington was saved, sanctified, Holy-Ghost filled, fire baptized, and lived the life he preached. He had his ticket signed and sealed! Apostle Washington was preceded in death by his companion, Mary Lee Baker of 54 years, both parents, Mable Gould and Keaver Washington, one sister, Margaret Hamilton and one brother, Aaron Washington. He leaves to cherish his memories: four sons, Kenneth A. Washington of Brandon, Florida, Herbert L. Washington (Stormy) of Orlando, Florida, Gregory D. Washington of Lockport, Illinois, Eric L. Washington of Crawfordville, Florida; two daughters, Mary J. Baker (Eric) of Tampa, Florida and Alma Washington of Mt. Dora, Florida; two sisters, Elizabeth Jenerette (Doug), of Oviedo, Florida, Delcy Stinson (Roger), of Orlando, Florida; brother, Dillard Gould (Twana) of Orange Park, Florida; many grandchildren two of which he was affectionately known as “Poppie” along with a host of great-grands; nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends including his Temple of Faith Church Family. *** A public visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Temple of Faith, Apopka, Florida.*** *** Friends will have an opportunity to reflect on the life of Bishop G.H. Washington following the visitation service from 7:00pm - 7:45pm***

Tributes

Apostle G. H. Washington

November 4, 1929 - May 6, 2014