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Apostle James Tilghman Jr.
Apostle James Tilghman Jr., a native of Princess Anne, Maryland, is the devoted son of Shirley M. Tilghman and the late James Tilghman Sr. He is the third of five children. His Christian journey began at Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church under the spiritual guidance of Bishop Weldon Johnson of New Life Ministries Church, Cambridge, MD.
Apostle Tilghman graduated in 1980 from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and minor in Computer Science and Accounting. In 1977, he encountered the late Chief Apostle Julia Williams during a summer revival with the late Apostle Anthony D. Hutt in Baltimore, Maryland. Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, he joined the Holy Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, where he faithfully served and assisted Chief Apostle Williams in establishing three additional churches.
In 1981, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop and diligently served in that capacity for over 30 years. In August 2008, Apostle Tilghman was affirmed to the sacred office of Apostle. With more than 45 years of ministry experience, he has traveled internationally, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in countries such as the Bahamas, Germany, and France.
Apostle Tilghman is a beacon of light and a guiding example to both congregants and leaders. He is deeply committed to mentoring senior church leaders across the country, helping to strengthen and grow ministry leadership.
He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Holy Temple Holiness Church in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, he is the General Overseer and Presiding Prelate of the Holy Temple Holiness Churches of Deliverance, Inc., which encompasses ministries throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Despite his extensive ministry work, Apostle Tilghman’s greatest joy comes from his family. He has been blessed to share over 45 years of marriage with Elect Lady, Senior Pastor Greta Tilghman, who faithfully serves alongside him in ministry. He is the devoted and proud father of Dr. Jaqueta (Ph.D.)., Shantise, Malika, Lynia, and Lyndora. Apostle Tilghman is also a loving grandfather to more than nine grandchildren.
His life is a testament to faith, service, and unwavering commitment to God’s people.