Pompano Beach, Fla. – The House of God Church, Florida East Coast Diocese recently honored Bishop Dr. Semmie Z. Taylor with an Emeritus Celebration recognizing his 92 years of life, faith, and service.

A distinguished faith leader, activist, and former chair of the Delray Beach Housing Authority, Bishop Taylor courageously led the first labor strike of sanitation workers in Delray Beach.

The celebration held in Pompano Beach on Saturday brought together clergy, civic leaders, family, and community members to honor Taylor.

His activism included leading a historic protest for Black golfers’ rights, advocating for school integration, and serving as vice president of the Boca Raton NAACP, despite threats from the Ku Klux Klan.

House of God Chief Overseer Bishop Dr. Clary Butler, Sr., described Taylor as a “walking spiritual encyclopedia,” praising his fearless leadership and enduring legacy.

During his remarks, Butler said, “Bishop Taylor always stood out and was never afraid to attack a problem head-on. The life he has lived will speak for him for years to come.”

Born on Jan. 1, 1933, in Boca Raton, Florida, Taylor has been married to Doris Taylor for nearly 74 years. He has pastored multiple congregations across Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, serving nationally and internationally as a Chief Helper, a Supreme Executive Council member, and a General Trustee of the House of God Church.

His commitment to helping others was not just a calling, but his life’s work. His global activism extended to Haiti, where he promoted sustainable farming, business development, and self-sufficiency to uplift communities.

Taylor said hearing how his ministry impacted many people’s lives was touching. A speaker recalled that he took a flight from Nashville, where he was conducting a revival, to officiate a funeral in South Florida and took a flight back to Nashville on the same day.

“They brought back memories that I had forgotten about,” recalled Taylor. “The idea that they remembered those things that impacted their personal lives is important. It motivates you to reach out and work harder for people to qualify for eternal life.”

Among his many accolades, Taylor was an honoree at the 20th Annual African Diaspora Celebration in 2023. His list of civic leadership is long and includes serving as president of the Christian Movement for Civic Action.