BISHOP NORMAN L. WAGNER

Bishop Norman Leonard Wagner was born Jan. 14, 1942. He was a native of Youngstown, Ohio and pastor of Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church at Youngstown, where he served for nearly 39 years. During his early ministry he served as Youth Leader in his home church (Mt. Calvary) and Assistant Pastor. In 1969, he began traveling extensively as a national evangelist. His highly anointed and dynamic preaching and singing quickly made him one of the most sought-after revivalist and speaker.

In 1971, he was called to pastor Mt. Calvary. Under his pastorate the church established Calvary Christian Academy, a nation-wide weekly television program Tel-A-World Ministries, "The Power of Pentecost" program aired on the Praise the Lord and Armed Forces networks, Saints Saving and Trust Credit Union, and Calvary Towers Senior Citizen Complex. Bishop Wagner is known for his exemplary organization and leadership abilities. He founded the Pentecost in Perspective International, an annual leadership conference which has been responsible for sharing his leadership insight with many ministers, pastors and wives, evangelists and teachers from all parts of the International Body.

Bishop Wagner also served as President of the IPYPU from 1973 to 1976. His accomplishments were numerous. He attended Youngstown State University and has received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Aenon Bible College and Bethel Theological Seminary. He has been listed in the "Who's Who" in Religion. He has written several books, pamphlets and articles, and is a frequent guest lecturer at Youngstown State University. He was elected to the office of Assistant General Secretary of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World during the 71st Annual Convention of the P.A.W. He remained in that position until he was elevated to the office of Bishop.

Bishop Wagner was the Diocesan Bishop of the 31st Episcopal Council, the European Council of Nations. In 1998 he was elevated to the office of Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, of which he served two consecutive terms. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Diocesan of the 13th Episcopal District of Texas.

Bishop Wagner led nationally. He was a White House guest twice and was named one of the country's 100 outstanding black clergymen. A singer, composer and arranger, he was nominated twice with his choir for the Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

Bishop Wagner translated into eternal Glory on January 30th, 2010, in Youngstown. He was survived by his lovely wife, Rita Helen Wallace, daughters Christian Joy Wagner of Canfield and Camille Antoinette Barnes of Austintown Township, along with granddaughter British Milan Wagner of Canfield and two brothers and a sister.