Pastor Christopher J. Wathen

Psalms 37:23-27 NKJV. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Christopher Joseph Wathen ( AKA Papa Chris) He was a born-again Christian, baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was a man of distinction. One who feared the Lord and skewed evil. He was a man whose delight was in the law of the Lord and in His law did he meditate day and night. He was like a tree that was planted by the rivers of water and brought forth fruit in his season. He was born January 4, 1947 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan to the union of Joseph Lawrence Wathen and Hattie Mae Wathen. He was the first born of three children. Chris was raised in the A.M.E. churches (Ebenezer, St. Stephens, and People’s Community) before transitioning through the baptismal waters at Greater Grace Temple. As a Minister under Bishop David Ellis, Pastor Chris, in 1980, organized and participated in the Washington for Jesus Project with Dr. Ann Walker, through this project, Youth Leaders were organized. He received the call for ministry and held ministerial positions at Greater Grace Temple under the leadership of the late Bishop David L. Ellis, Sr. Then Elder Chris led the charge for the 24 hour chain prayer for the new Pastor Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III. While serving he became an ordained minister through the Pentecostal Assemblies of the world. Christopher and May were united in holy matrimony on February 6, 1971 at Greater Grace Temple. The Wathen’s began a joining of backgrounds as they developed a loving marriage. 6 years after their beginnings, they were blessed with their first born, Tanisha Michelle, Christopher Joseph II, and Elizabeth Marie closed the biological child bearing season. Kenaye Ashley was an added baby blessed to our loving family. The Wathen’s now have 5 grandchildren. Following the passing of Bishop David L. Ellis, Elder Wathen was called to the Pastorate and the Wathen’s relocated to Saginaw, Mi, where they continued to minister to couples, singles, families, and those addicted to drugs. To date, the Wathen’s have 50+ years of combined experiences working in the Education System with Preschool through adult students. He pastored Bethlehem Temple and became employed by the Saginaw Public School System. He also was the GED preparation instructor for Michigan works and in Saginaw Valley resource center in those positions to develop curricular and resources to support hands-on learning and facilitated academic support through problem-solving and integrated academic components through coaching and co-teaching. While employed by the Saginaw Public School System he served the educational community as a math teacher and behavior interventionist. He retired from it in May 2023. He also served the Educational Community as an Adjunct Professor at Saginaw Valley State University. He was an Executive Director of The Restoration Community Outreach, was a senior pastor and ordained founder of Bethesda ministries and Rehma ministries. Under those ministries, he brought the spiritual component to the therapeutic community of the Odyssey House. He worked with a collaboration of Pastors Called the Church of Saginaw and was the Educational Specialist for the Boy Scouts of America while working with Americorps. He later became a Youth Leader at New Beginnings Deliverance Ministry, Pastored by Roy and Evelyn Baldwin where he was instrumental in helping to start the One Week One Street Community Development Project. He later went on to support the New Identity International Ministries, Pastored by Obed Thompson, Jr. where he worked to build and support the Impact Youth Center. On Tuesday December 10, 2024, Pastor Chris made his transition from labor to reward while at home in the loving arms of his family. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Mother May D. Wathen, his brother Lanford Wathen, three daughters Tanisha Heard, Elizabeth Wathen, Kenaye Carter, 5 grandchildren Canaan Wathen, Markel Heard. Markwe’ Heard, Samara Castellano, Christian Jones, and two Nephews Tony Tanner and Stephen Shimoniak, and a host of other friends, family and loved ones. His parents and sister all preceded him in death. Celebration of Life Service to be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at Christ Image Community Church, 5501 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Eugene Burton, Host and Pastor Obed Thompson, officiate.

Pastor Christopher J. Wathen

January 4, 1947 - December 10, 2024