Dr. Bishop William Joseph Garrett

William Joseph Garrett (also known as Bill) was born October 19, 1928 near the small community of Sulphur Springs, Texas. He was the third child, and only son born to Charley and Lorene Garrett. His family called him Billy. In 1943, the family moved to Orange, Texas where his father went to work in a local shipyard. As a 14 year old boy, he entered high school. It was while attending Luther Stark High School in Orange, that he met the girl that would eventually become his sweetheart, and later his wife of 56 years. Her name was Mickey Chatellier. Billy excelled in football at Luther Stark High School. He eventually was named as the captain, and became a start tackle for the "Orange Tigers." His talents earned him a scholarship to play football at Stephan F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. However, upon graduating, he chose to join the United States Marine Corp. On September 17, 1948 William (Bill) and Mickey were married. In 1950, after a friend's invitation, they began attending the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church located at 801 Border Street in Orange, Texas. The pastor was Rev. J.H. Stanton. On May 7th, 1950 Mickey received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. On the following night (May 8th) William (Bill) received the Holy Ghost at a cottage prayer meeting. Within a few days, they were both baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Soon afterward, Bill received his call to preach the gospel. He developed a great love for the Word of God, which developed into good study ethics. Many nights he would fall asleep with the Bible laying open across his chest. In 1951 Bill began his ministry, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1952, he received a general license through the UPCI. In 1953, he was officially ordained by the UPCI. After four years of evangelizing, in 1955, he took the pastorate of his first church in Boling, Texas. In 1956, he took the pastorate of his second church in Del Rio, Texas. On Mother's Day in 1957, he became the pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in Joplin, MO. He held the position of Pastor for 52 years, and pastor emeritus for 3 years. A total of 55 years as pastor in Joplin. In 1968, became a charter member in the development of the the organization, called, The Apostolic Ministers Fellowship. He went on to serve in many positions, with the AMF, including, director on the Missions Board, Assistant General Chairman, and two terms as the General Chairman. Bishop Garrett traveled the United States extensively, preaching in over 150 conventions, camp meetings, and anniversaries. On October 28, 2008, he received the Doctor of Theology from the International Circle of faith Seminary. Chancellor, Dr. Bernie L. Wade conferred this degree upon him. As he approached his 84th birthday, Bishop Garrett became very ill. He was stricken with kidney cancer. His illness was short, and on August 16th, 2012 this great warrior of the Apostolic faith, faced his final curtain. After serving his generation well, he fell on sleep. Bishop William Joseph Garrett was Inducted into the Apostolic Ministerial Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2001.