Bishop W.H. White, longtime Kansas City pastor, dies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A long-time Kansas City pastor has died.

Family said Bishop W.H. White, the 54-year pastor of Emmanuel Church had the longest uninterrupted run of pastoring in the state of Missouri.

The family released the following statement about his passing:

"The family of Bishop W.H. White, Sr. truly appreciates the outpour of love, prayers and support during this time.  The impact has no doubt been immediately felt by the family, the Emmanuel Church congregation, the greater Kansas City community, and countless individuals nationwide whose lives he touched through his charismatic leadership and ministry.

Bishop White truly lived by his motto, 'Let the works I've done speak for me' and he was constantly encouraging people with the words, 'Don't give up…you can make it!'

Please continue to uplift the family in your prayers during this time.  The details of Bishop W.H. White Sr.'s homegoing services will be forthcoming."

White was known for building within the church. According to his family, he built the church building in 1963. He then raised $1.5 million to add an education building in 1983. Family members said he was always thinking about helping people and said that civil rights shouldn’t be relegated to an era.

Condolences can be sent to Bishop W.H. White Sr. and Family at P.O. Box 304, Blue Springs, Mo. 64013.