Rupert Richards

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7–8

With deep sorrow and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Bishop Rupert L. Richards.

Born on May 18, 1936, in Blackwoods, Jamaica, to Edward & Amy Richards (née Drummond), Bishop Richards was the seventh of eight children. A man of unwavering faith and steadfast purpose, he dedicated his life to serving God, his family, and his community with humility and love.

A graduate of Bethel Bible College (1959) and a skilled tailor by trade, Bishop Richards answered God’s call to ministry and received his Ministerial credentials in 1969 in Jamaica, West Indies. Before and during the early years of his marriage to Elta (née Meredith), he faithfully planted and shepherded several churches across Jamaica, including Bryans Hill, Crooked River. Frankfield, and Palmers Cross, serving with compassion and devotion.

He married his beloved wife, Elta, in 1966, and together they built a legacy of faith, raising five children: Veon (Deane), Oral (Faithia), Dwight (Laurie), Meggon (Rohan), and Alynthia (Stephen), all of whom continue to serve faithfully in ministry. They also lovingly cared for their niece Veno (Ozzie), who became part of the Richards household from the early years of their marriage and remained a cherished daughter of the family.

In 1971, Bishop Richards emigrated to Montreal, Canada, where he continued his pastoral journey. He became an Ordained Minister in 1975 and an Ordained Bishop in 1980. A founding member of the Church of God at the St. Urbain Church, he later attended and served in ministry at Vezina Church of God (now O’Brien Church of God) before being led to plant a new congregation in Châteauguay, Quebec. After that church was formally organized, he was asked to return to St. Urbain Church of God (later Grand Blvd Church of God) as pastor. Under his leadership, Grand Blvd became the largest English-speaking Church of God in Montreal, a thriving congregation that continues to impact lives today as the Resurrection Centre. Bishop Richards also served as District Pastor of the English-speaking Churches in Montreal (1986-1991).

In 1991, Bishop Richards and his family moved to the Greater Toronto Area, where he faithfully planted a church in Scarborough before establishing the South Brampton Church of God (now Liberty Hall Deliverance Centre). Alongside his devoted wife, he pastored faithfully until their retirement in 2014. His ministry was marked by compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to building God’s kingdom, guided always by his steadfast faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Evangelist Elta Richards (2017), and leaves behind a lasting legacy through his six children, 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Bishop Richards’ life stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and service. His influence will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the churches he helped establish.

We ask that you keep the Richards family and the church community in your prayers during this time of mourning.

Details regarding the Homegoing Services will be shared in due course.

Those wishing to honour Bishop Richards’ legacy with monetary gifts may contribute to the Liberty Hall Deliverance Centre Building Fund, the last church he founded, in support of the ongoing work of the ministry he so faithfully served. Contributions to this cause are deeply appreciated. Please visit Liberty Hall Deliverance Centre.