- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: July 23, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON
of florida
in the house of representatives
Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor and congratulate Bishop Walter H. Richardson, a man of God, a well-respected spiritual leader and a beloved husband and father, who is celebrating 49 years as Pastor of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness), in Miami-Dade County.
County. Under Bishop Richardson's leadership, the church has grown to include congregations in Belle Glade, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia. Bishop Richardson is also highly recognized for the work he does in the community through the church's non-profit organization ButlfNot, Incorporated.
Bishop Richardson was called to the ministry at an early age. Under the tutelage of his uncle, the late Elder Thomas J. Richardson, the founding pastor of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness), and Elder Richardson's wife, the late Evangelist M.E. Richardson, a young Bishop Richardson would embody the skills to carry on the legacy begun by his uncle and aunt to lead one of the South Florida's most influential congregations.
The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness). He was named pastor of the church in May of 1965 and elevated to the position of Elder in 1967. He was ordained and installed as the first Bishop of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) in 1996.
Bishop Richardson is the husband of Missionary E.C. Betty Forbes Richardson, the father of Dr. Walter T. Richardson and Elder Alfred J. Richardson, and the stepfather of Clifford J. Forbes and Dobrie Forbes.
Please join me in honoring Bishop Walter H. Richardson for his commitment to spreading the Word of God and for his commitment to his congregation, his family, friends, and to our community.