On Sunday June 27, the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman of faith was remembered and commemorated in the Wakefield section of the Bronx, a community she served for over 30 years as founder and senior pastor of The Cathedral at Greater Faith at 4214 Bishop Michel White Way (White Plains Rd/ E 234 St.)––a street now named in her honor.
Family, friends, clergy, and elected officials gathered at the beautiful and palatial church to remember the senior pastor who overcame many adversities in her life to lead those who were less fortunate or missing guidance. Her loved ones extolled her generosity during the holidays giving out food for Thanksgiving to the community and giving away toys during Christmas. Her love for others included school supply giveaways and other charitable blessings which she always gave from her heart with love for Jesus and for the community she served. Her grandchildren remembered “Nina” as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, preacher, coach, prayer warrior, comedian, mentor, counselor, and a humanitarian.
Rev. Albert Jamison said, “There are good leaders and there are great leaders. Good leaders serve others while great leaders teach others to serve.” He further stated, “Bishop White was a great leader.”
A video selection of Bishop Michel White was played wherein she preached to her congregation about purpose. Often speaking of the broken, the disabled, the disadvantaged and those who were missing something in their life, she extolled in her sermon that, “God is preparing you for victory and you were created for victory.”
On presenting a proclamation to the family of Senior Pastor White, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie reminisced, “Bishop Michel White was there for me 21 years ago when I first ran for the assembly. She believed in me and inspired me. She was a motivator, a friend, and a spiritual healer. This community is going to miss her.”
Her daughter in love, Anita White, spoke highly of her mom: she said her mother “gave unselfishly and was a true servant of God. She was the epitome of her works and mission to make God famous as she never wanted to take credit for her works but give it all to God.”
Her son, Steven White, offered his fond memories of growing up with his mom and how she gave unselfishly to care for her family and the Bronx community.
NYC Councilmembers Kevin Riley and Eric Dinowitz were instrumental in bringing the street renaming into fruition soon after being confirmed to their offices in March 2021 and by the constant pressure bought by one of the church’s faithful, Troy Morrison.
The Cathedral at Greater Faith is now presided over by Senior Pastor Bishop Robert E. Girtman.