Bishop Philip J. Speights

To view Bishop Speights souvenir journal, please click the "Program" link below:
Program

Bishop Philip J. Speights
October 22, 1927 – October 19, 2025
"Servant of God, Well Done! The Battle's Fought,
The Race is Won, And Thou Art Crowned at Last"

BISHOP PHILIP SPEIGHTS, a distinguished figure in the religious community, has led a life marked by dedication and spiritual service. Born in Tallahassee, Florida, on October 22, 1927, to Harry and Katherine Speights, he was blessed with Divine favor to offer his service for the greater good and to return all honor and glory to God. His journey began with his serving in the military from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War which laid the foundation for his powerful sense of discipline and commitment.

In 1960, a pivotal moment occurred when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, an event that profoundly shaped the rest of his life. His passion for gospel music led him to join the choir at Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ in New York City, where he nurtured his love for worship through song as well as through his radio broadcast at WWRL in New York City.

His spiritual journey took a significant turn in 1969 when he was ordained Bishop, further solidifying his leadership role in the Christian community. His commitment to serving those in need was evident in his 25-year tenure as a Chaplain at Rikers Island (the prison island for the Department of Corrections in Bronx, New York). He dedicated 19 years as a volunteer there and six as a paid employee of the Department of Justice.

Bishop Speights' quest for knowledge and spiritual growth led him to train with the renowned Evangelist Billy Graham and to participate with his evangelistic team for four years across New York City and Virginia. This experience broadened his perspective and enhanced his ministry skills.

The Bishop's academic achievements are as impressive as his spiritual journey because he exemplified a lifelong pursuit of learning. He earned a Bachelor's in Religious Education from the American Divinity School in New York City in 1971, and a Master's in Theology from Berean Christian College and Seminary in 1974. He was honored with a Doctorate of Divinity from Baltimore College of the Bible in 1975 and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Religion in 1977. This man of knowledge, wisdom, perseverance, and excellence was made stronger by faith and wiser by godly experience.

Bishop Speights' calling to ministry became evident when he founded Crusaders for Christ, later renamed Christians Temple Church of Faith and Works in Tallahassee, Florida. This church became a beacon of hope and faith, renowned for numerous miracles, signs, and wonders. It was a place of spiritual transformation, where many left their crutches and wheelchairs behind, symbols of the healing they experienced.

Bishop Philip Speights' life is a testament to his unwavering faith, academic prowess, and commitment to serving God and his community. However, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, and three days before his 98th birthday, he completed his earthly journey. He transitioned from his labor and was welcomed into the kingdom to receive his crown of righteousness from the Righteous Judge. Servant of God, well done!

Bishop Philip J. Speights' legacy is one of a well-lived life, full of purpose, generosity, and endless love. It will continue to inspire and influence many others in the path of faith and service. While he is gone from his loved ones' presence, his precious memory will always be embedded in their hearts. Those who expect to see him again one day are his devoted wife of sixteen years: Pastor Violet B. Speights of Tallahassee, FL; sons: Don (Debra) Speights, Gregory (Dr. Joedrecka) Speights, and Stephen Speights, all of Tallahassee, FL, and Jonathan (Kenisha) Speights of Atlanta, GA; daughters: Sandra Kinchen of Brooklyn, NY, Barbara (Thomas) Bos and Doretha Owens, all of Charlotte, NC; step children: Sidney (Angela) Larramore of Ocoee, FL and Chantiel (Sharvis) Whitted of Deland, FL; brother: Harry Speights of Tallahassee, FL; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; many sorrowing nieces and nephews; along with numerous other loving relatives, comforting friends, compassionate individuals whose lives he impacted, as well as his uplifting church family.

Family members who preceded Bishop Philip J. Speights in death were his parents: Harry and Katherine Speights; son: Philip "Phil" Speights, Jr.; stepson: Leonard W. Larramore; sisters: Rosa Baker, Laura Johnson, Molly Austin, Pollie Speights, and Parrie Randall; along with brothers: Henry Speights and Edward Speights.