Bishop Otto Richardson Jr.

Bishop Otto Richardson, Jr. was born in Burnt Corn, Alabama on December 28, 1943. He was the third of 14 children born to the late Otto, Sr. and Emma Richardson and received his early education in the Conecuh County School System. After the family migrated to Baltimore, Maryland in 1963, he was delighted to meet Dorothy Ritchey on March 5, 1966, and later were married. From this union they were blessed with two children, Darryl and Monique. Mother Dorothy was the devoted wife that Bishop needed during his early years of ministry and throughout their fifty-four (54) years of marriage. She was called from labor to reward on December 31, 2020. Bishop Richardson was employed as a longshoreman at the Port of Baltimore for more than thirty-three (33) years and was able to retire in 2006. Feeling the drawing of the Lord Jesus Christ, Bishop Richardson walked away from membership in one of Baltimore, Maryland’s most prestigious Baptist Churches. He was unsure of where the Lord was sending him. Obeying the leading of the Lord, Bishop Richardson was baptized in Jesus’ Name in October 1974 and received the infilling of the Holy Ghost. He began to evangelize throughout Baltimore and to visit John Hopkins Hospital to pray for the sick. On one such visit he met, Elder Neal Reaves. Elder who introduced him to Bishop Alfred Wallace, Pastor of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ Bishop Richardson continued to Evangelize under the leadership of Bishop Wallace and was later elevated to Assistant Pastor. After Serving in this ministry for 13 years, God elevated him to a Pastoral ministry. In January 1987, he started True Gospel Apostolic Faith Church at 1412 Gorsuch Avenue in the basement of his sister's home (Evangelist Hattie Richardson). A man of vision, he sought to find another location for worship services. On February 1, 1987, Pastor Otto Richardson, Jr. and his small band of saints began worship services at 631 N. Pulaski Street. As membership grew, Pastor Richardson sought to purchase their first edifice located at 1508 N. Fulton Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland. On July 11, 1995, Bishop Richardson’s vision led him to purchase a larger and current edifice at 2715 Grindon Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland. In July 2004, he was elevated to Jurisdictional Bishop at the National Convention of the PCAFI. On Tuesday, August 7, 2012, Jurisdictional Bishop Richardson was ordained an Episcopal Bishop at the National Convocation of the PCAFI. In 2012, Bishop Richardson was honored to be appointed Diocesan Bishop of the newly formed North Carolina Council of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. By the grace of God, Bishop Richardson continued to dedicate his life to the work of the Lord. Bishop Otto Richardson was a prolific preacher, gifted teacher, and unwavering servant of God whose life was firmly anchored in the Word of God. His profound love for Scripture was evident in both his preaching and daily conversations, as he consistently pointed people back to God’s Word as the source of wisdom, direction, and every answer needed for life. He ministered with remarkable power, conviction, and anointing, challenging hearts to examine themselves, embrace repentance, and ultimately accept the saving message of Jesus Christ. Through his passionate proclamation of the Gospel, countless lives were transformed, strengthened, and drawn closer to God. His influence extended far beyond the pulpit, leaving an indelible mark throughout Baltimore and beyond, where he was widely recognized as one of the city’s spiritual fathers. In recognition of his extraordinary apostolic leadership, faithful service, and lasting impact, Bishop Richardson was recently honored with the Apostolic Icon Award. In 1991 Pastor Richardson sought the Lord for organizational membership, which led him to the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (PCAFI). The Lord continued to bless Pastor Richardson and the congregation. At the recommendation of Bishop John T. Leslie, Jr., on August 3, 1994, Pastor Richardson was elevated to District Elder status at the National Convention of the PCAFI . The Bible declares in Genesis 2:18, “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; therefore, I will make him a help meet for him”. Therefore, in his later years, the Lord united Lady Bettie and Bishop Richardson in holy matrimony. While surrounded by a multitude of family and friends and a great crowd of witnesses, this couple was joined together at True Gospel Apostolic Faith Church on October 11, 2025. According to the divine purpose of the Almighty, this happy couple enjoyed each other’s companionship. This couple saw the benefit of Mark 10:8, “And they twain shall be one flesh so then they are no more twain but one flesh”. Bettie was the love of his later years until Bishop was promoted to glory. . Bishop Richardson’s legacy is rich, and his family has been blessed down through the years. He is preceded in death by his parents Otto and Emma Richardson, sisters Margaree (Eugene) and Hattie, and brothers Willie (Michelle) and Jerry (Marva). He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Bettie; children, Monique (James) Camper and Darryl; grandchildren, Maurice and Maurquise Moody; great-grandchildren, Noah and Nia Moody; nine siblings, Roosevelt (Bertha), James (Nathelia), Helen (Gerald) Merriweather, Robert, Ernest, Barbara (Charles) Bennett, Alfonzer (Darlene), George (Lanai) and Loretta (Charles-deceased); a host of nieces and nephews; and dear cousin, Minner Green. Bishop’s love for family includes a host of extended family and countless numbers of spiritual brothers and sisters as well as sons and daughters

Tributes

Bishop Otto Richardson Jr.

December 28, 1943 - June 4, 2026