Bishop James Wallace Gaiters, Sr.

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Bishop James W. Gaiters, Sr. was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio.  After graduation, he moved to Columbus, Ohio to pursue a career in computer programming and became a member of the Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, then pastored by Bishop Karl F. Smith.

He received the call to the ministry in 1965, and  began to make full proof of his ministry by serving in every capacity around the church, visiting the sick and shut-in in their homes and hospitals, and by developing a street ministry.

In 1969, Bishop Gaiters was asked to return to Zanesville to pastor the Apostolic Church of Christ which had been founded by his grandmother.   While in Muskingum County, while active in community ministerial associations and various civic boards, he served as general contractor and led the small congregation in the construction of a new church building.

In October, 1989, he  left his 20 years pastorate behind to answer another call to become assistant pastor to his father-in-law, District Elder Ernest Hardy, at the Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Columbus, Ohio. He served there faithfully until October, 1992. In March, 1993, with approval from the Ohio District Council, he founded Grace Apostolic Church.

During his 40 years of ministry, Bishop Gaiters has been an active part of the Ohio District Council (P.A.ofW, Inc.). He served 16 years as Administrator of the ODC Campgrounds, Zanesville, Ohio, member of the Camp Adminstration Board from 1981-1990, 18 years as a member of the ODC Nursing Home Board, and member of the Bishop’s Cabinet and Advisory Board, serving as District Elder until his elevation to the bishopric.

Bishop Gaiters became a member of the International Missions Board of the PAW in 1979, serving as secretary from 1987-1995,and as Bishop of Missions from 1997-2007.