We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He was born Paul Sylvester Morton in 1950 in Windsor, Canada. Not too long later, Morton got a call that his 50-year-old son had been shot. The only thing that could keep Bishop James Morton out of his pulpit on any Sunday was if he were sick enough to be hospitalized. His younger brother Bishop Paul Morton is a high-profile minister and gospel recording artist in Atlanta. McClary said before the coronavirus pandemic, the two Sunday services at New Beginning attracted 9,000 people. The church now has three church locations, offering eight worship services per week, with five services on Sunday. When James was eight, his father heard him singing, You Cant Beat God Giving. The next Sunday, James was leading his fathers congregation in the song, eventually becoming the churchs music director. With his fathers help, Morton honed his musical abilities on the piano and organ and later formed a vocal group that became well known across Michigan, singing in churches and at weddings, said Paul Morton. "I have NEVER professed to be perfect! He would fly me out constantly between New York and Cincinnati. People came from all over the metropolitan area to hear Rev. Paul was a loving husband and father; his family meant everything to him. I was always doing the Lord's work." So I want a public apology. He was my bright light. James answered the call to preach the Gospel in 1968, and on Fathers Day, June 16thof that same year, he preached his first sermon at the Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, in Detroit, Michigan. In July 1994, he and other key church leaders - more than 25,000 attended the first conference - launched a new fellowship of churches whose purpose was to lead believers, primarily Baptist believers, into the fullness of the Holy Spirit, yet remain on the same foundation of Jesus Christ. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. Bishop Morton is the son of a preacher man and was raised in the Pentecostal church. You know we would spend more time together, he would have me come to the house for like a week. James Cleveland. Based on what they heard or what someone else has said. Morton wanted to meet the needs of the people, McClary said. He was the proud father of James Morton, II., Kimberly Morton Powell, and Jason Morton, as well as a loving grandfather to a host of grandchildren whom he adored. Many pastors are working through trials like this. Bishop Morton now serves as Senior Pastor of the baby church, G.S.S. For 30 years, Morton, the popular pastor and musician from a distinguished family of ministers, led his congregation at New Beginning in various missions for the poor and homeless. The ministry later bought other corporate properties and several other community businesses. For a little more than nine months, weekly worship services for New Beginning were held in the Decatur High School gym. CBN's ministry is made possible by the support of our CBN Partners. James answered the call to preach the Gospel in 1968, and on Fathers Day, June 16 of that same year, he preached his first sermon at the Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, in Detroit, Michigan. Never forgetting his musical roots, Bishop Morton continued to share his musical talents, lending his vocal gift on collaborations with Aretha Franklin, Bishop Carlton Pearson and the Azusa Mass Choir, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop William Murphy, III., the late Reverend James Cleveland, and a multiplicity of others. And the LORD knows me by my name and my good works," Couzens continued in the post shared by Reid. nita7232012. Morton, 77, died Saturday after a week at a hospital where he had been tested for symptoms related to the coronavirus. While a cause of death remains unknown, Morton, who started preaching at 22 in Detroits Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, reportedly suffered a heart attack in August and had a heart valve replaced. He was known locally and nationally for not only his preaching but also his singing talents, forming collaborations with gospel greats including the late Aretha Franklin. The news outlet was founded in April, 1995. It is rapidly becoming a national model of collaboration in addressing issues that divide communities. I have met all of his armor bearers. A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. Nothing. Bishop Morton Sr. also led the establishment of five churches across the region in Windsor, Chatham, Harrow, Buxton and Amherstburg, that his son also presided over as minister through the years. . Bishop Paul Morton. According to The AJC, in August 1993, Morton left Thankful Baptist, taking 1,000 members with him, and established New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church in the Decatur High School gymnasium. I spoke with Bishop Couzens about his actions as they were not in alignment with the level of character I expect of pastors, especially one that is my spiritual son. James Harold Morton was born May 8, 1946, to Bishop C.L. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. His desire to serve the Lord was realized at an early age, when at 8 years old his father overheard him singing the song. Agree to the our terms and policy agreement. His musical prowess became widely known throughout the Greater Michigan area, opening doors for him to serve as the music director for the late Reverend C.L. by investing in programs and by partnering with outside agencies to bring about a change.. He didn't want me doing this. Bible teacher Jen Wilkin addresses criticism of her views on sending children to public schools, Teen, 21-year-old man indicted for murder of Memphis pastor, Deion Sanders' prayers are constitutionally protected, lawyer tells University of Colorado, Revival at Kentucky college faces hurdles from school leadership, moves worship off-campus. Morton, 77, died Saturday after a week at a hospital where he had been tested for symptoms related to the coronavirus. "Pride goes before a fall." Morton Sr., who founded the church in the 700 block of McDougall Avenue in the 1930s. No one is sure of the cause of death, but Bryant said Morton had a heart attack and heart valve replacement last August. God had a special calling on his life that extended far beyond the Canadian borders. For a little more than nine months worship services for New Beginning were held in the Decatur High School gym where the presence of the Lord would meet them each week, and the Lord would continually add to the congregation. I'm here fighting for you as you stand with me . He took over from his father and he just loved keeping it going.. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Bishop Paul S. Morton looks toward a legacy that includes over 38 years of preaching, over 30 years of singing and recording music and a lifetime called by God. Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. Paul Sylvester Morton is an American Baptist pastor. His father died when he was 12, but Morton remembers the many blessings from his father's life. "If he would have told me the truth, I would have been mad, I would have cussed him out from here to next week, but it would not have made it to social media. The Morton Family and the New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church will celebrate Bishop Mortons life and legacy with a public viewing on Friday, Feb. 24, noon to 9 p.m., and a viewing on Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at noon. He is predeceased by his son Clarence III. What she didn't know, she said, was that Couzens and Tara still lived in the same house and still had a sexual relationship despite being divorced. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Morton's apology came after Andrea Garrison, a 29-year-old New York City model who said she had a long-term sexual relationship with Couzens and planned to move in with him as recently as last month, publicly demanded that Couzens apologize to her for allegedly getting engaged to another woman and lying about the nature of their affair. But its not like I dont know where he is he is with his maker. They are the only two to ever serve as pastors of the church. She told Reid that she would have privately moved on with her life after discovering Couzens' alleged deception but she felt forced to respond after he publicly dismissed their relationship and painted her as a liar in a Facebook post that has since been deleted. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. And I don't want just a public apology for me. All went well until 1997 when Morton initiated an investment plan for the congregation. "At 41 years old I have come to understand [that] ultimately people are going to believe what they want to believe. But the story may not be quite as cut and dry as it seems. He reached a point where he was overwhelmed - his mind raced, he couldn't sleep, he couldn't rest, and he couldn't take it anymore. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. He was my best friend, and Ill miss him.. Bishop Paul S. Morton is uniquely anointed for the body of Christ with aclear and distinct voice in the 21st Century, releasing into the atmospherethe truth of Gods word, and bringing about salvation, healing,deliverance and restoration for the continued up-building of GodsKingdom. Services continued after that, streaming on social media and airing on television when people started staying at home. Working with a new fellowship, Morton signed on to work with some individuals he did not know well. He and his wife co-author book number eight, Becoming A Couple of Destiny. He has also been a recipient of the Ohio Humanitarian Award presented by former Governor George Voinovich, a member of the Governor's Task Force on welfare reform, and a community liaison concerning non-violence. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Bishop Paul S. Morton Family Morton is the son of C.L. There are many leaders dealing with issues of the mind. 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