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Dr. W. F. Washington, Sr., is one of
the most respected and sought after gospel ministers among the
Afro-American churches of Christ today. His clear presentation of
the Gospel of Christ is unmatched in its plainness, persuasiveness,
and power. His voice can be heard on local and worldwide radio,
television, worldwide internet, and from pulpits all across America
and the world. He is a renowned Conflict Resolution Consultant for
churches who, from time to time, may experience church conflict.
Dr. Washington’s full time ministry
began in 1960 in Marshall, Texas while on a full paid football
scholarship at Bishop College, Dallas, Texas. He was the full time
minister of the Westside Church of Christ in Marshall for 17 years.
He has held only two local church works, Marshall, (17 years) and
New Golden Heights, (36 years). During the first four years as full
time minister at Westside, he graduated from Bishop College. As an
undergrad, he was selected as “Who’s Who in American Universities
and Colleges (1960). Upon graduation from Bishop he was immediately
hired by the President, Dr. M. K. Curry, as Asst. Dean of Men.
During his tenure at the College he served the College in the
following capacities: Director of Student Employment, Dean of Men,
Dean of Student Personnel Services, (in charge of all non-academic
activities of the College), Dean of Students, and part time
professor.
Dr. Washington earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in Social Science from Bishop College with a minor in
History and Western Civilization; thirty Masters Degree hours in
Contemporary Corrections (Criminology) from Sam Houston State
University; and a PhD in Behavioral Psychology, National Christian
University (1973). Dr. Washington was the second person to be a
recipient of the distinguished Doctorate of Humane Letters (L.H.D)
from Mississippi Valley University, Itta Bena, Mississippi. (2002).
He also received an honorary degree of Doctorate of Laws (LL.D) from
Southwestern Christian College, Terrell, Texas (2010). He also holds
the distinction of establishing nine new congregations throughout
the Afro-American brotherhood of churches of Christ.
Dr. Washington’s classic Ph.D.
Dissertation is entitled: “Do Lower Class Blacks Commit Suicide at a
Higher Rate than Whites in a Homicidal Mode through Victim
Precipitation Due to the Socialization Process and Role Engulfment?”
His dissertation was an elongation of the work of the world renowned
criminologist Marvin E. Wolfgang of the University of Pittsburg. Dr.
Washington’s interest in criminology and corrections can be seen in
the life work of his children: Willie Jr., Deputy Sheriff, Broward
Ct FL, Marquite, Deputy Prosecutor, Dallas Ct Texas, Soncyarai, DNA
Analyst, Fulton Ct GA. His wife Deloris has 30 Masters Degree hours
in Contemporary Correction from Sam Houston State University,
Huntsville, Texas.
In addition to his employment at
Westside church of Christ, Marshall, Texas, and Bishop College,
Dallas, Texas, he has enjoyed the following employment endeavors:
- High school teacher, North Dade
High School, Opa Locka, FL
- High school Asst. Track Coach,
North Dade High School
- High school teacher, Pemberton
High School, Marshall, Texas
- High School Asst. Principal,
Pemberton High school
Today, Dr. Washington is the full
time minister of the New Golden Heights Church of Christ where he
has labored and preached for 36 years. When Dr. Washington arrived
in Ft. Lauderdale in 1974, he found a struggling yet dedicated 125
members. With their help and prayers and the Mercy Grace and Favor
of God, he and his beautiful wife led them from a small back street
15th Court church house to a 1.5 million dollar new Cathedral on 10
acres located on the six lanes M .L. King Blvd. in Lauderdale Lakes,
FL. Under their leadership the “Heights” is considered one of the
largest and fastest growing African-American churches in Broward
County, Florida. Dr Washington is a respected leader among ministers
of faith, city, county, state and national elected officials. More
than once the “Heights” has been selected as the “church of the
month” by local radio stations. In 1989 the “Heights” was honored by
the State Legislature of Florida as the most “community involved”
church in Broward County. (The Golden Heights church feeds between
2000-3000 families each Thanksgiving) In the same year Dr.
Washington was selected as a “Great Personality of the South”. Dr.
Washington claims two memorable events in his secular life, other
than his marriage to Deloris and the birth of his children: his
invitation and attendance as a V.I.P. at the first inauguration of
President Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C., and his meeting with
Nelson Mandela.
His radio and television outreach
ministries began in 1974 when he began teaching every Sunday morning
on WRBD. He now can be heard on several daily radio programs and
network television (ABC) weekly.
Dr. Washington’s steadfast commitment
to evangelism and cultural empowerment is demonstrated in the
organizations he has founded and mentored. He founded the Golden
Heights Multi-Crisis Center in 1991 and founded the Golden Heights
Christian Academy in 1992. He is a prolific writer and author of
several books and publications. His most recent are: Journey to
Canaan, (how to deal with the crooks and bends on the road of life,
2003, a best seller). This award winning book was selected by the
Broward County Library Association to be placed on the shelves of
all public libraries in Broward County, FL. Church Growth, Church
Health and Church Administration, (2006). Earlier publications
include: Is God Black, (a critique of Black Israelism). When You
Have Lost a Love One, The Church On a Collision Course, and A
Powerless Church In a Crazy World, Abortion, Right or Wrong? The
Christian and Stress, The Christian and Depression.
Born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia,
the great, great grandson of slave parents. At a very young age he
traveled, lodged with, and mentored by some of God’s greatest Gospel
preachers: Ulysses Shields, John Henry Clay (his father in the
gospel), Marshall Keeble (President of the Nashville Christian
Institute), William Whitaker, James L. Cotheron, V. E. Williamson,
Willie Ray, and David Shanks. Other special mentors include R.N.
Hogan, Luke Miller, S. T. W. Gibbs, Jr., Paul Settles, Alonzo Rose,
J. S. Winston and John O. Williams.
Dr. Washington is married to Deloris
Dixon of Hallsville, Texas. They have four children: Willie, Jr.,
Antonio (deceased), Marquite’, and Soncyarai; four grandchildren;
Arielle, Gabrielle, Nevaeh and Nehemiah; one daughter-in law,
Niermala; and two sons-in-law, Orpheus and Daryl.
Dr. Washington’s stated purpose in
life is, “to glorify God and His son Jesus Christ in the fulfillment
of His mission on earth. To continue steadfastly in the Apostles’
doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayer. Confidently
awaiting the glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus
Christ.” (WFW)
Memberships
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
- American Criminal Justice Society
- Life Member, NAACP
- Chairman, Golden Heights Community
Service Organization
- Great Personalities of the South
- Who’s Who in Black America?
- American Personnel Association
- Psychology Today
- American Association of Christian
School
- National M. L. King, Jr., Memorial
Committee
- Bishop College National Alumni
Association
- U.S. President Clergy Committee
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