Founder and Pastor Emeritus

Acknowledgement
Acknowledging the calling and anointing on his life, Bishop Wright accepted Christ at an early age. He began preaching at the age of 18 and received his foundational training at Hines Chapel Holiness Church under the leadership of the late District Elder David Evans. In 1981, he obeyed the call to the pastorate and relocated to Durham, NC and there, he founded Emmanuel Pentecostal Temple (now called Greater Emmanuel Temple of Grace) and in 1982 former Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., Bishop Paul A. Bowers formally installed him as Pastor.

Positions 
For more than 53 years, Bishop Wright has served diligently in numerous capacities within the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World: National Evangelist, District Elder, Suffragan Bishop and Lay Director. Also, he formally served as Young People’s President, Assistant Treasurer, Vice Chairman, Secretary of the Advisory Board, Historian and Chairman throughout the Carolina and North Carolina State Councils. In August 2009, Bishop Wright was consecrated as a Bishop and assigned to the Northern Philippines. In July 2011, he was transferred to the North Carolina State Council, the 58th Episcopal District of the P. A. W., Inc. 

Achievements
Bishop Wright is an extraordinary visionary and since its inception Greater Emmanuel has witnessed an influx of souls being baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost. Throughout the community, he has been influential in establishing faith-based initiatives and the birth of new pastors and ministries. In 2002, the paramount of his achievements, the Family Life Enrichment Center was built; a multi-million dollar complex. Greatly admired and beloved for his amiable and charismatic personality, an astute intellectual, prolific orator, teacher, author and entrepreneur, he is what some would call, “a preacher’s preacher.”  Now 52 years in ministry and 40 years pastoring, he remains indeed a pioneer of the principles of prayer, faith and apostolic doctrine. The anointing on his life is undeniable. The great faith and integrity he demonstrates is unshakable, and the love of God that he shares so freely is unforgettable!

He has written several articles for the Apostolic Way: ‘The Unchangeable Truth”, “The Audacity of Sodom and Gomorrah”, “The Conspiracy of the Trinity”, “Grace: This We Must Preach,” etc.

In April 2018 Bishop Wright lost the love of his life, Lady Leatha Mae Wright, after 48 years of marriage. Their union was blessed with five children, Tuania, Marion Jr. (LaNika), Maurice, Felicia (1977-2016) and Adrian (Wilesha) and four beautiful grandchildren, Adriana, Marion III, Payton and Monique.

Retirement
In March 2022, Bishop Wright retired as the Senior Pastor of Greater Emmanuel Temple of Grace.  Bishop Wright installed his successor, Dr. Marion Wright Jr., as Senior Pastor of Greater Emmanuel Temple of Grace in April of 2022.  A celebration of Bishop Wright’s retirement, the installation of the new Pastor, and the blessed anniversary of the GETG church was celebrated in April/ May 2022.  Bishop Wright will continue to teach and preach, as well as enjoy a much deserved retirement.