My Chief Presider

Bishop William Lee Bonner

      As a young girl growing up under Bishop Bonner I remember sitting in the congregation at a young age and being mesmerized as he spoke words of encouragement out of his mouth. To me he was my father figure, strong, full of excitement, determined, giving, caring and so much more. Although he was an older pastor he managed to keep my attention even at a very young age.

     Bishop Bonner always spoke positive; he made you feel like you could accomplish anything even if it were boy problems. I remember around the age of 16 years old my mom took me to see Bishop Bonner because I was having boy drama. I remember sitting in front of Bishop Bonner and he was so gentle and kind, soft spoken and concerned. The last words that Bishop Bonner told me before we left the office was daughter you haven’t done anything wrong and don’t worry about it. Saying that to me helped me to believe that I had done nothing wrong.    

     In 1972 when it was time for me to go away to college and my dad had not prepared for my education it was Bishop Bonner who put up the money to give me my first start towards my educational goals. Bishop Bonner presides over 600 churches worldwide, he is our leader, our presider, our father in the gospel, but most important to me is he took time while in North Carolina to stop my house to say Praise The Lord. For the rest of my life I will never forget seeing Bishop Bonner sitting in my chairs at my home. This week he turns 92 years old and still remains the same, down to earth, willing to help while having an open line of communication with anyone he meets.