Bishop Harold R. Strange

Bishop Harold R. Strange was a captivating teacher, and a dynamic preacher who loved God and loved people.

Harold was born on July 31, 1937 to Blair “Blackie” and Edith Strange. As a young man, Harold led a life filled with alcohol and violence. His family and friends thought boxing would be a way to positively channel his wild behavior. While he rapidly succeeded in the sport (even winning the Golden Gloves), it did nothing to change his behavior. At the age of seventeen he found himself in a jail cell waiting to see if he would be charged with manslaughter after a brutal street fight. It was at this point that his life began to change. A minister visiting the jail started handing out Bibles to the inmates, and while most laughed and refused, Harold reached through the prison bars with an open hand and heart for the Word of God. When the charges were dropped, his mother took him to an interdenominational church in Canton, Ohio. When the altar call was given, young Harold Strange walked down the aisle and repented of his sins. From that moment on, the brass knuckles, alcohol, switchblades, and promising boxing career were of no interest to him.

In the same church where the Lord first convicted him, he was healed of rheumatic fever and an enlarged heart. After this, he was told about how his cousin Bonnie had been healed of a blind eye during an Apostolic tent meeting. Harold was soon invited to Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle in Massillon, where he quickly received the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, and was baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus. In his past, his friends had often carried Harold home, as he was unable to walk because of the effects of alcohol, but that night he was carried home drunk in the Holy Ghost, unable to walk or speak in English the entire night, he was so overcome by the power of God.

He quickly enrolled in and graduated from Young Men’s Bible Institute (later known as Ohio Bible College), working during the day as a welder or in an ice factory and attending classes at night. Within four years, he went from a jail cell to traveling as an evangelist, preaching the Gospel. His wonderful testimony, combined with a unique and powerful anointing, led him to quickly become a sought-after speaker for revivals, camp meetings, conferences, and crusades.

The late Apostle Billy Cole said of Harold Strange, “He is the best-kept secret in Pentecost.” Many have referred to him as a “prince of preachers” because of his gift for painting word pictures and for his sensitivity to the Spirit of God, which made for a powerful combination. He was used mightily in the Gifts of the Spirit and was a true prophet of God.

While holding a revival in Frankfort, Indiana, Harold met Sue Reef. They were married and had twin boys (Tim and Tom). They had six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy and he could often be seen talking to and laughing with the youngest members of his family, as he loved children. The ministry of Harold and Sue Strange proved to be a powerful combination. They pastored the congregation of Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle for 42 years with excellence and passion. Under their leadership, the church grew and flourished.

Bishop Harold Strange exemplified selflessness and humility. His love for others was shown through his genuine concern and compassion for everyone he met. His life centered around serving his Savior, Jesus Christ. His extravagant worship, sensitivity to the Spirit of God, prophetic ministry, and dynamic preaching will live on through the ministry of those he poured himself into.

It is not possible to express the impact of the life and ministry of this great man of God on these pages, so we will sum it up with these words from the scripture: “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day….”

Bishop, we love you.