Prince of Peace church family, United in Christ Christian Fellowship, members of the Lord’s Church, and the associates of the Bridge Network united this month for the consecration of Pastor Zachary S.  Operton. 

The sacred service of episcopal consecration on Aug. 11 at Prince of Peace Christian Fellowship, Meridian, was the beginning of a glorious moment that God promoted his faithful servant Pastor Zachary S. Operton to the most holy office of bishop, in which he would lead his people. 

Bishop Operton was consecrated into the Lord’s Church by Chief Consecrator Bishop Effel Williams Sr. The guest speaker was Apostle Brian Keith Williams of the Lord’s Church. The overall service was full of the spirit and worship. On Aug. 12, at the Hilton Garden Inn, the Bishop Bowl Banquet, an elegant black-tie affair, celebrated his faithfulness and accomplishments within the ministry. The guest speaker was Bishop Huggins of First Apostolic Church of Meridian.  

The conclusion to the joyous weekend was the 2017 Pastoral Anniversary on Aug. 13.  Bishop Operton has 34 years as a pastor and 40 years in the ministry.  The theme was “Commissioned and committed” – Mark 16:15&20.

“After 40 years I’m still pressing,” Pastor Operton said. Philippians 3:14.

Pastor Edward O. Jackson, from Birmingham, Ala. a longtime confidant and friend, blessed attendees with a word from God.  

Church history

On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, Zachary and Rosalind Operton answered the call of God to step out and organize a new ministry called Prince of Peace Christian Fellowship Church. The Opertons have been involved in ministry for more than 27 years; yet felt led to launch a new ministry. The next day, Pastor Operton informed a core group of people that the first bible study would be held at Mission Meridian; that evening about 30 people attended. When First Lady Rosalind welcomed everyone to the “first service of Prince of Peace,” thunderous applause and praise rang out. The following Sunday, April 20, more than 100 people filled Magnolia Hall worshipping and praising God for guidance. For the next two Sundays, the church worshipped at the Meridian Train Station.

On May 11, 2008, the church began worshipping at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Our ministry has grown and God had blessed us with the following ministries: A ministerial Alliance Ministry, Men of War Ministry, Daughters of the Promise Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Singles Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Worship Arts Ministry, Health and Wellness Ministry, First Impressions Ministry, Evangelism Ministry, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Event Planning Ministry, Administration Ministry, Security Ministry, Social Media Ministry, Finance Ministry, and a Sunday School Ministry!

Prince of Peace is a growing ministry, and with the guidance of our bishop, Prince of Peace has experienced a spiritual transformation that is taking worship to another dimension. We are a ministry minded body of believers whose vision is to meet the needs of our community.

About the church:

Name: Prince of Peace Christian Fellowship Church.

Pastor: Bishop Zachary S. Operton – nine years.

Denomination: Non-denomination.

Founded: 2008.

Address: 3004 7th St., Meridian, MS 39307.

Members: 150.

Service Times: Every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Weekly Programs: Impact Hour, Thursdays at 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.

Contact Info: Dwells326@aol.com or 601-282-5389.