DR. RICHARD ALLEN WASHINGTON
Richard Allen Washington Sr is the Pastor of Historic Saint John AME Church in Columbus, Georgia. Richard is a 4th generation preacher of the gospel in his family. He has had the distinct honor of pastoring two congregations which his father did many years before him. Saint John holds a special place in Richard’s heart as he grew up in St John as a child. Pastor Washington is a contemplative, energetic, and charismatic spokesman. He is determined to push each individual toward their God gifted destiny!
Under his focused, dedicated, and visionary leadership, Saint John grew, healed, and became a church beyond the walls.
This Georgia native is a well-prepared orator for any platform and audience. Richard is a graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia with a Doctor of Ministry degree; a graduate of the Interdenominational Center, Atlanta, Georgia, with a Master of Divinity, Pastoral Care, and Counseling and Homiletics; and a graduate of the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia with Bachelors of English and Philosophy. His keynote credits include but are not limited to the University of West Georgia, the University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University, Columbus State University, East Georgia State College, Interdenominational Theological Center, Chattahoochee Valley Community College, the APERO Brown Bag Lecture Series, the Southern College Health Association Annual Meeting: Bridging The Gap Between Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health to name a few.
One of Dr. Washington's greatest personal loves is that of radio broadcasting. During his college years, he served as the voice of the campus during the Night Storm radio music show. Richard was also the radio broadcasting voice for his college basketball team in every game for 2 years. Also, Richard had a Saturday morning radio show in Athens, Georgia, as pastor of First A.M.E. Church. He discussed current events of Athens's country, city, and local communities. In addition, the 8am hour Sunday morning worship service was broadcasted each Sunday as the "Sunday Morning Words of Encouragement."
Richard is married to Mrs. Deanne Washington and the proud father of two wonderful sons, Richard Jr (RJ) and Richmond Allen. He has one daughter, Lauryn McKenzie. Richard is also a proud member of the Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees and has been inducted as a 2018 Class for the "Hall of Fame" for Turner Theological Seminary of the ITC here in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also a member of the following organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Masons, 100 Black Men, and Jack and Jill of America.
