George Washington Ayers

Dr. Bishop George Washington Ayers TH.M., L.L., M.A., PH., D. November 24, 1927 ~ March 4, 2015 Resident of Mobile, Alabama Bishop George Washington Ayers, The Defender of the Apostolic Faith, was born November 24, 1927 in Maben, Alabama to Lester and Rosie Ayers. He was preceded in death by four sisters: Octavia "Penny" Harris, Lillie C. "Sister" Lewis, Carrie "Lou" Neely and Calanthee "Bay Bay" Harris and two brothers: Felix A. "Hawk" Ayers and John Henry "Jolly" Ayers, Sr. On February 3, 1946, he married Verley Mildred Smith who has been his partner and supporter in life. Everything that he accomplished was aided and bolstered through the prayers of this "Jewel of Faith". His beautiful and vivacious wife preceded him in death by ten months and one day. Their union was truly an "Apostolic Love Story" that spanned almost seven decades (sixty eight years). Bishop served in the United States Army during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart while wounded on the Island of Guam. An army Jeep flipped and landed on top of his body. Military doctors pronounced him dead. While laying on a gurney in the morgue a staffer saw his body flinch. Doctors also declared that he would never walk again, but on his way back to the United States he walked off the ship by his own strength. He leaves to cherish his memory: A devoted and loving daughter and son, La Tanja Ayers-Davis and Overseer Reginald Davis, three caring grandchildren Ephraim Lamar, George Washington and Octavia Faith; one brother: Eddie Ayers (Delores), Richmond, CA; three sisters in law: Pauline Anderson, Birmingham, AL,Marilyn Anderson, Richmond, CA and Mary Cooley Ayers, Modesto, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, god-children, god-grandchildren and friends. Profile in Leadership Bishop Ayers was the pastor of Phillips Temple A.O.H. Church of God (The Mother Church) in Mobile, AL., Faith Tabernacle A.O.H. Church of God in Richmond, CA. and Cathedral of the Cross/New Jerusalem A.O.H. Church of God in Birmingham, AL. Bishop Ayers presided over the Western, North Alabama & Tennessee, and South Alabama Dioceses. Bishop Ayers was called into the ministry in 1950. He pastored an A.O.H. Church in Tuskegee, Alabama for four years and later the Pratt City A.O.H. Church for three. In an act of faith, he and his wife journeyed west to the state of California in 1956 and established the first A.O.H. Church in the state. The first church was established in Marin City and the second in San Jose. There are currently Churches in Sacramento, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Compton, CA and Washington State. The Marin City Church was later relocated to Richmond, and presently named Faith Tabernacle A.O.H. Church of God. Within one year of arriving in Marin City he was elected to City Council and served one term, before moving to Richmond. He worked untiringly in the city of Richmond; with the help and support of notables such as Councilman (now) Congressman George Miller, the Richmond Chief of Police, the Mayor George Livingston of Richmond, and the Richmond Ministerial Alliance where Rev JL Johnson served as President and Bishop Ayers served as the Vice-President. Bishop Ayers founded the Western Regional Bible College, Western Regional Christian Academy Grades K - 12 and the Faith Tabernacle Child Care and Learning Center, therefore, contributing and giving back to the community by providing employment for the Richmond Community. Many members of the Faith Tabernacle Church served as teachers and administrative staff for these businesses. Bishop was a proud and studios apostolic preacher. He lived and breathed the Apostle's Doctrine. He preached and taught it with fervor, excitement and excellence. His message always was; that Jesus is God & that the baptism in Jesus' name is absolutely essential for every believer. This Jesus preacher led many souls to the Lord over the span of his 65 years of ministry. He convinced many and through his teachings we now convince others of this truth. His family affectionately deemed him the "Apostolic Eagle". He soared in his pursuit to fill all the world with this doctrine. He united with the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, Inc. under the leadership of his spiritual father the late Bishop Jasper Roby at the 17th Street AOH Church of God. Achievements: In 1945, he graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1953, he received his BA Degree in Business, (receiving the Alumni Merit Award with honors) from Booker T. Washington Business College, Birmingham, Alabama. In 1956, He was appointed an Overseer and became a member of the Executive Board of the AOH Church of God. He served on this board for 59 years. In 1957, he received his TH.B. Degree, from Bethel School of Theology, Detroit, Michigan. In 1965 He was consecrated to the office of Bishop in the A.O.H. Church of God. Until his passing, he was the only living Bishop that was consecrated by the founder, Bishop William Thomas Phillips. In 1974, he founded the Western Regional Bible College and Academics Studies. He received a Master of Theology Degree, from Maranatha Bible College in Union, South Carolina in 1977. He was awarded his Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Letters Degrees from the International Bible Institute and Seminary, Orlando, Florida. In 1990, He received the Doctorate of Theology TH.D and in 1994, he earned his Ph.D. in Theology. In continuing with the vision of the late Bishop William Thomas Phillips, Bishop Ayers spearheaded the renovation and modification of the Saints Home (Mobile). At its maximum capacity the home cared for the needs of 10 saints who had served in the church. There is a Saints Home currently under construction next door to the New Jerusalem AOH Campus in Birmingham. In the year 2000, he was elected the International Presiding Prelate of the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, Inc. by the National Executive Board. He was the "Third in Succession" to this apostolic office. In 2011, in another act of faith Bishop Ayers put forth plans to purchase the $24 million (238,000 square foot) Cathedral of the Cross. This place of worship houses a 5,100 seat sanctuary, a 200 seat chapel, a 350 seat theater, a full court gymnasium and much more. The Cathedral of the Cross is now the International Headquarters of the AOH Church of God. The Lord blessed this to be a debt free effort. Celebration of Life and Homegoing Services are as follows: West Coast Celebration to be held Tuesday March 17, 2015 at 12 O'clock Noon at Faith Tabernacle AOH Church of God Richmond, California. South Alabama Memorial to be held Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 7 O'clock Post Meridiem at Phillips Temple AOH Church of God Mobile, Alabama. International Celebration Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 12 O'clock Noon at Cathedral of the Cross AHO Church of God Birmingham, Alabama