:: Tennessee Central Jurisdiction C.O.G.I.C. ::

Biographical Summary of the Jurisdictional Prelate
Bishop W. L. Porter

Bishop W. L. Porter is a true Servant of God. He gives of himself unselfishly, without reservation, and is loyal to those he serves. He exemplified these characteristics during more than forty years of dedicated and faithful service to the leaders and great saints of the Church of God in Christ and to his fellowman. His touch has been so effective and far-reaching that he has been given the name that God chooses for those He uses to do His will - Servant.
He was introduced to the Executive Leadership of the church (COGIC) by Bishop L. H. Ford in 1953, when he served as his assistant in the department of Public Relations. It was during that time he became acquainted with and served the Founding Father of the National Church, Bishop C. H. Mason.

After the demise of Bishop Mason in 1961, Bishop Porter assisted Bishop A. B. McEwen, Sr., Chairman of the Executive Committee, Senior Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr. and the interim leadership of the Church in holding together our people and our great heritage. He was available then when there was a need, and that same spirit and allegiance exists today.

The year 1968 brought with it our first elected Presiding Bishop, J. O. Patterson, Sr. Continuing in his role as loyal servant, Bishop Porter assisted Bishop Patterson with the many duties he was to perform as head of our growing church, which has now become international.

In 1981, Bishop Porter was appointed Jurisdictional Bishop of Central Jurisdiction of Tennessee. Then, he was assigned approximately thirty churches. Within seventeen years, the Jurisdiction grew to over sixty churches. Bishop Porter developed an Extension Program that assisted pastors in Central Tennessee Jurisdiction in securing approximately $2 million in financing for church mortgages. With the approval of each of the presiding bishops, he helped bishops and pastors across the country obtain loans and guarantees of more than $5 million.

In 1989, God saw fit to call Bishop Patterson from labor to reward. As usual, Bishop Porter was on hand assisting the leadership of the Church through another transition. Because of his proven record of service and loyalty, he was again called upon by the leader of the church, Bishop L. H. Ford to assist with the church's administrative affairs. He worked with Bishop Ford untiringly and helped him to attain an unprecedented record of new construction in our church.

Bishop W. L. Porter continues to give wisdom and direction as the Prelate of the Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Tennessee and as Senior Advisor to Pastor Brandon B. Porter.