Nathan Samuel Halton

Nathan Samuel Halton, born on December 17, 1953, in Detroit, MI, to the late Bishop Stanley and Mary Lou Halton and eldest son of 12 children. On Saturday May 27, 2006 at 8:54am as the peace of God rested in his room, while his wife and daughters worshiped at his side, the angels of God were dispatched, and with a smile on his face, he was released from this life to forever live in God's presence.

At the age of 11, Bishop preached his first trial sermon:"Connection with God". By the age of 16, the transforming power of Jesus Christ, and exposure to a variety of ministry opportunities began to shape his life and prepare him for a full-time ministry. Inheriting a deeply-rooted Pentecostal faith, Bishop Halton was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost on January 29, 1957.

A graduate of Empire State College with a bachelor's degree in business administration, Bishop Halton assumed the responsibilities of P.C.A.F. Regional Chairman of the Youth Department.

In September, 1974, Bishop walked down the center aisle of Christ Temple church(Cleveland) and noticed Antoinette Marie Churchwell, who was visiting their assembly. He immediately heard the voice of the Lord telling him that she was indeed the one ordained to be his wife. They were married January 25, 1975. To this union were born four daughters, Leah, Rachel, Natina and Mary. Later with great love and affection(through adoption), the family welcomed Tiffany Teresa.

Three years later, through the inspiration of a vision, the Lord directed Bishop to Buffalo, New York. God confirmed his word through a dream given to his wife.

Commanded by divine destiny, in December of 1981, the Lord laid it upon Bishop's heart to open up the doors of his home for prayer and bible study. As the ministry progressed, prophecy was manifested and Greater Faith Bible Tabernacle Church Inc. was established. The ministry grew along with the needs of the community and through the sagacious leadership of the Lord's anointed; other ministries were birthed, including both corporate and personal ministries, the Breath of Life Ministries, Breath of Life Day Care Centers, Faith Bible Tabernacle Housing Corporation, Breath of Life Media, and other subsidiaries. Bishop Halton's primary focus and passion for ministry was to support, aid and strengthen the structure of families throughout Western New York and beyond.

Although he loved his work within the Buffalo community, his greatest passion and devotion was to the children he fathered in the Gospel; his church family. His earnest desire for his sons and daughters in the congregation were that all would prosper and be in good health and to maximize their potential, becoming all that God predestined them to be.

Bishop battled his illness with grace and dignity; despite the battle that raged within he faced every challenge with courage and faithful resolve, compromising his own health and recovery, after the death of his father, the late Bishop Stanley Halton (Cleveland)Bishop worked to preserve the stability of his dad's church, and care of his beloved mother. He was a champion of champions and a leader's leader.

Bishop Nathan Halton leaves to cherish his memory: his first lady and only true love of 31 years, Antoinette Marie, five daughters,Leah Marie, of Washington, DC, Rachel Lynette Ellis(Benjamin) of Charlotte, NC, Natina Elizabeth and Mary Loretta of Buffalo, an Tiffany Tereasa Cook of Charlotte, NC. Bishop Halton had two grandsons, Christian Samuel and Caleb Justin. He also had one godchild Shirley(Danny) and children and his granddaughter in love, Kourtney L.Davis(Tooch)

He leaves to forever embrace his memory; his beloved mother and friend Lady Mary Lou Halton. Three sisters Nita(Vaughn)Hunt of Euclid, Ohio, Priscilla Halton and Joy Halton of Cleveland, eight brothers, Paul(Krystal)of Buffalo, Peter Halton of San Diego,CA, Timothy(Barbara)Halton, Daniel Halton, Stephen(Sheila)Halton, Gabriel (Tracey)Halton and Benjamin(Jocelyn)Halton, all of Cleveland and a host of loving nieces and nephews and other relatives,Bishops, Ministers, neighbors, friends and church family members.

Preceding him in death was his father Bishop Stanley Halton and on brother, Gerald Halton.