Pictured: Bishop Timothy Smith is superintendent of the Walter E. Donaldson District in the Eastern
Missouri Western Illinois Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ, Inc. Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten,
Sr. is prelate.
The Walter E. Donaldson District can be described as one of the fastest growing and progressive districts in the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois Jurisdiction. The district was named after the late pastor Walter E. Donaldson, founder of Little Bethel COGIC. Elder Walter E. Donaldson was born in the state of Illinois, Wednesday, February 11, 1914. In order to better provide for his family, Elder Donaldson enlisted in the United States Army. He later became a U.S. Army Private—fighting in World War II.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Elder Donaldson relocated to St. Louis, Mo. At some point Elder Donaldson was called by God to preach. At a certain point, the Lord placed it upon Elder Donaldson’s heart to pastor. Not long after, he founded Little Bethel Church of God in Christ. With the help of his wife Mother Chadie B. Donaldson, the Lord blessed him to preach the unadulterated word of God— winning many souls to Christ while building an effective ministry. His wife served in a number of roles including—but not limited to—district missionary, church mother and purity class teacher. On Friday, August 14, 1975 the Lord called Pastor Donaldson home to glory at the age of 61 years old. Eleven years later, on June 29, 1986, the Lord called Mother Donaldson home at the age of 63 years old. They were truly pioneers and examples of holy women and men of God who held a standard and did not back down. We praise God for them.
The Walter E. Donaldson District has a real mission and the goal is church growth. It is understood that in order for districts to grow we must grow our local churches. With that being said, as superintendent of this great district, I have developed a plan designed to meet the needs of the pastor, so the pastor can meet the needs of the people. I have instituted a mentoring program for new pastors. This program is designed to provide support to every pastor in the Walter E. Donaldson District, at every stage of ministry. My aim is to help each pastor and provide them with a solid foundation to help build his ministry—as he faces the challenge of being a new pastor. I offer ongoing mentor support through a monthly pastoral encouragement group. Each month, I meet with my pastors in a central location to assist them in their ministry. My desire is to encourage them in their personal walks with the Lord, as well as discuss personal challenges, congregational needs and overall ministerial progress. In addition, I routinely visit and encourage pastors in their churches. I believe this experience allows me to identify areas for growth and to affirm the work that the pastors are doing. Furthermore, I provide my pastors with resources to further assist with their ministries. My desire is to shape the heart of this great district. I have created numerous highly successful programs and services including a fellowship program, District Good Friday Fellowship Service, District Watch Meet Fellowship Service, District Youth Scholarship Pageant Program, District Family and Marriage Conference and District Men’s Conference. I believe in every pastor in our district and I support them accordingly.
In addition to supporting all pastors in my district, my vision is to purchase a “District Building.” This building will be available to all churches in my district. The premise is to help new churches jumpstart their ministry while providing them a place to worship. This will also ease their financial burdens and allow them to save towards the purchase of their own building. I believe God is going to bring it to pass.
Evangelist Deborah Quarells is first lady of Thermostat Church of God in Christ and Bethel COGIC, under the leadership of her pastor and husband, Elder Charles Quarells, Sr. At the recommendation of Bishop Timothy Smith, superintendent of the Walter E. Donaldson District, she was appointed District Missionary by Mother Rosetta Watts, supervisor of women for the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois Jurisdiction.
Worshipper, servant and visionary are characteristics that best describe her. Evangelist Quarells is a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and laborer in the Kingdom of God. Chosen, anointed and appointed to serve in His vineyard through evangelizing and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Evangelist Quarells’ greatest love is for her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Evangelist Quarells is one of eight children born to the late Rev. Harold and Shirley Samuel. She later moved to St. Louis, Missouri and became a member of Greater House of Prayer COGIC, under the pastorate of the late Administrative Assistant Emeritus, James Grayson. Ein 1984, Evangelist Quarells accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord of her life and received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Evangelist Quarells serves as a licensed, evangelist/missionary in the EMWI Jurisdiction. She has committed and dedicated her life to the work of the Lord. She has provided leadership and support in serving in the following local offices: President, Women’s Department, President of the Hospitality Unit, Vice President of Sunshine Band, Choir Member, Assistant Cotillion Coordinator, and President of the Marriage Ministry. She also has served on the following committees and boards: Missions, Finance, Food Pantry, Pastor Aide, Intercessory Prayer and Mother’s Board. On the district level, Evangelist Quarells oversees the women’s department – as district missionary. She has established the “Women of Excellence” ministry, designed to equip, teach and empower women to make full proof of their ministry, thus becoming women of excellence. On the jurisdictional level, Evangelist Quarells serves on the program committee and auxiliaries and units coordinator for the EMWI Department of Women.
Evangelist Quarells currently attends Saint Louis University – pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she plans to enroll in graduate school to pursue her Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA).
A woman of faith, consecration, and prayer, Evangelist Quarells is a woman anointed by God and is fully committed to the work, which by the grace of God, is assigned to her hands. She is dedicated to prayer, teaching and the study of God's Word. Her heart for evangelism and for reaching the lost and hurting has inspired her to teach others the Word of God, so that they would go forth and win souls!
Evangelist Quarells is married to Pastor Charles Quarells, Sr. God has blessed this union with four lovely children: Charles Quarells Jr., Syrenthia Sanders (Pastor Timothy Sr.), Minister Timothy Quarells (Tiffany), Rebecca Quarells.
