The faith community continues to mourn the passing of Suffragan Bishop Gentry W. Richardson, Sr., the longtime leader of Bethlehem Temple Church in Los Angeles.
Bishop Richardson, who died on July 15, was well known in South L.A. for his 40-year tenure as assistant pastor of Bethlehem Temple and more than 17 years as the pastor. Throughout his long ministry, Richardson developed several ministries that positive impacted the congregation and the community-at-large.
Church members and ecumenical leaders joined Bishop Richardson’s family in honoring his legacy at a celebration of his life on July 28, at Peace Apostolic Church in Carson.
A native of Pennsylvania, Bishop Richardson was born June 1, 1930 to John and Mildred Richardson. Two years later, his family moved to Los Angeles where he attended local schools and graduated from Jefferson High. Following a stint in the U.S. Army, Richardson accepted his call to the ministry and was ordained in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) denomination.
Bishop Richardson served PAW as District Elder and Suffragan Bishop. At Bethlehem Temple, he implemented a youth department, deaf ministry, outreach programs, building renovations and the 5-Star Child Care Center.
Known for his love of God’s Word, Bishop Richardson was a masterful Sunday School teacher and superintendent. After earning his Doctor of Divinity degree from Pentecostal Bible College in 1988, he taught more than 20 years at Aenon Bible College and was later awarded an honorary doctorate from the institution.
His awards and commendations include the designation of the intersection of 52nd and Wadsworth Streets as Bishop Gentry W. Richardson, Sr. Square by the L.A. City Council in 2017.
“Dr. Richardson was an inspiration to everyone met. He was a legend in his time, an example of gentility and a tower of strength,” said Dr. Genevieve A. Shepherd, an L.A. educator and member of Bethlehem Temple.
Bishop Richardson was preceded in death by his first wife of 61 years, Lady Mary Richardson. He retired as pastor in 2013 and Bethlehem Temple unanimously selected his son, Elder Gentry Richardson, Jr., as pastor.
In 2014, Bishop Richardson found love again and wed Ruth Aaron-Richardson, who faithfully ministered to his needs as his health declined.
Cherishing Bishop Richardson’s life are his wife, Ruth; children, David (Shanti), Dolores, Gentry Jr. (Denise), Stevie (Tysha), Mark, Nathan and Sherrie; 27 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
