Bishop Marion E. Wright, Sr., D.D.

Diocesan Bishop

Bishop Marion E. Wright Sr. is a native of St. Andrews, SC. Born to the late Cousby and Mary Louise Wright. A preeminent scholar, he has earned a bachelor's of Arts Degree from South Carolina State University; a Master's of Theology from Eastern Bible College and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Religous Education from Lighthouse Christian Seminary.

Acknowledging the calling and anointing on his life, he accepted Christ at an early age 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 pastorate and relocated to Durham, NC. There he founded Emmanuel Pentecostal Temple (now called Greater Emmanuel Temple) and in 1982 former Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., Bishop Paul A. Bowers formally installed him as Pastor.

For more than forty-five years, Bishop Wright has served diligently in numerous capacities within the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World as a National Evangelist, District Elder, Suffragan Bishop and Lay Director and formely served as Young People's President, Assistant Treasurer, Vice Chairman, Secretary of the Advisory Board, Historian and Chairman throughout the North and South Carolina State Councils. In August 2009, Bishop Wright was ordained the Diocesan Bishop over the Northern Phillipines District of the 51st Episcopal District. In July 2011, he was appointed as the Diocesan of the North Carolina State Council of 58th Episcopal District of the P.A. of W. Inc. under the former Presiding Prelate, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.

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 they have 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 with accommodating gym, weight room, banquet hall, classrooms, computer lab, hair salon and office space.

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." After 30 years in ministry, 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!

Married for 48 years to the Late First Lady Leatha Wright until her demise in April 2018. Their union was blessed with five children and four beautiful grandchildren.