Bishop David Thurman Schultz

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1889 ~ 1972

 Bishop David T. Schultz was born on April 29, 1889 in Mayfield, Kentucky. He spent his early years in this small community. The names of his parents are unknown. In 1898 when David was merely nine years of age, he sadly lost his mother. His father then relocated to east St. Louis, Missouri; this is also where his half brother, C.L. was born.

David spent most of his teens, and early adulthood acquiring an interest in classical music. When not playing the piano, he would shine shoes, and wait tables at some of the upscale restaurants in the St. Louis area. David then relocated to the city of Newton, Kansas, and began playing classical piano at the local show clubs.

In the early 1920's he moved to Wichita, Kansas. It was there that he would meet the lovely Grace Helen Starkey. Grace was born in 1892, in the city of Emporia, Kansas. She attended the Church of God in Christ of Emporia. In 1918 David and Grace were united in marriage in the city of Newton, Kansas. Two daughters were born to this union, Davine A. in 1925, and Grace C. in 1927. The girls were afforded the blessings of being raised with the strong and godly influence of their parents.

In 1921, David and Grace both received the revelation of baptism in Jesus' Name, and were thus baptized. They had received the Holy Ghost some years earlier. In 1922, Brother Schultz was called into the minietry. He devoted the majority of his time to prayer, and much studying of the Scriptures. He bagan his pastoral ministry in the city of Casper, Wyoming. However, the good times would not last long, due to persecution from the local people. The persecution would lead to the burning down of the church. Elder Schultz was led to go other cities, and begin works including Joplin, and Kansas City, Missouri.

In December of 1925, Elder Schultz was asked by Bishop G.T. Haywood to assume the pastorate of Bethel Temple Church located in Louisville, Kentucky. Elder Schultz, and his family arrived in Louisville with great anticipation. The church experienced major growth under his leadership. In 1935, Elder Schultz was nominated and elected into the office of Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

Bishop Schultz was at home in the pulpit. His persona would captivate those that were afforded the privilege of hearing him speak. He was not a "Hooper" as it was called in those days, but ministered on the lines of Bishop William Crossley, and Bishop Karl F. Smith. His messages were not lengthy, but struck at the core of those who sat in amazement of his words.

Bishop Schultz preached his last message on Sunday, August 6, 1972. Bethel Temple was filled to its capacity. He took his text from the book of Nehemiah 8:10, "Then he said unto them, go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto the Lord; neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

On August 11, 1972, while preparing to leave home on a Friday for church, he complained that his stomach did not feel well, and that he would just lay down and rest. Mother Schultz went on to church, and after being there a while she was overcome with the need to return home, and check on the Bishop. Upon arriving back home, she would find him departed into his rest. Bishop Shultz was eighty-three years of age. Bishop Schultz' legacy and faithful character lives on in the hearts of many today. One does not go very long in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World without hearing the name, Bishop David T. Shultz mentioned.