Bishop Lee Hugh Bynes

After a life filled with service, love, and unwavering faith, Bishop Lee Hugh Bynes, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and pastor was called to eternal rest. Lee Hugh Bynes was born in Pineola, Georgia to Clifford and Rita Bynes. Alongside his sister, Catherine, and Uncle, Benjamin Broxton, he was raised in a Christian home by Mary, his grandmother - molded by the teachings and values of the New Zion Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, under the leadership of Rev. Melvin Jones.

He attended the Woodsville Public School System, where the foundation for a life of learning and dedication was laid. After high school, Lee joined the U.S. Army answering the call to serve his country. He dedicated four years to active service traveling overseas to Germany, Korea, and subsequently served in the U.S. Army Reserve for two additional years. 

The course of his life was changed forever on one hot summer day in 1956, on Bay St. in Savannah, Georgia. That day, he laid eyes on Mildred Ransom, the woman who would become his beloved wife and lifelong partner. A year later, on July 27th, 1957, they wed at the old Richland County Courthouse in South Carolina, beginning a journey of love and faith that would span nearly 70 years.

Settling in Harlem, he began working with his Uncle on moving trucks before establishing a home in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Lee Bynes briefly worked at Francis Delafield Hospital before starting his long and distinguished career at Kings County Hospital, as a certified Culinary Arts Specialist.

In 1963, Lee Hugh’s spiritual journey deepened when he joined the Redemption Church of Christ of the Bibleway Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the leadership of the late Bishop Arthur L. Pearson. His commitment to his faith led him to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost during an extended revival led by Elder Byrd. His dedication to the church was evident as he served humbly as a brother. He was elevated to the role of deacon, and in time felt the call to ministry. A man with a thirst for knowledge and a deep desire to serve God, Lee Hugh pursued theological education at the Abyssinian Baptist Church Bible School, the Greater Bibleway Total Truth Bible School under Apostle H.L. Rogers, and the United Holy Bible Institute of America under Dr. Powell’s leadership. His unique approach to sharing God’s word touched many lives, and he was awarded numerous certificates in Biblical Studies.

In 1989, Lee Hugh was ordained a licensed minister at Redemption Church, and his passion for ministry continued to grow. In 1992, he was ordained an Elder at the Holy Convocation of the Bibleway Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ Worldwide. His dedication to God's mission was unwavering, and he committed himself to strengthening and transforming lives through the power of the word of God. In December 1994, following a divine calling, Elder Bynes founded the Bibleway House of Prayer. The ministry, which began in the living room of their home on 9104 Avenue A, Brooklyn, NY, quickly grew, many souls were saved, and hearts restored leading to the establishment of a new place of worship at 175 Shepherd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Despite the challenges, Pastor Bynes' faith never wavered, and with the support of his congregation, the once dilapidated building was transformed into a beautiful house of worship. Pastor Bynes was a father figure and mentor to his church community. His service in ministry was marked by a deep commitment to his congregation, always leading with grace, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to the Word of God for decades. His sermons inspired many, and his quiet acts of kindness often spoke even louder than his words. He was beloved by his church members, who found solace, guidance, and strength in his presence. Pastor Bynes’ leadership was further recognized when he was appointed District Elder in the New York State Diocese in 1999 and later Overseer in 2008. With great trust and love, Overseer Bynes passed the sacred mantle of pastoral leadership to his son-in-law, The late Elder Eric Lee, who not only stood by his side in faith but also carried forward his vision and dedication to the ministry.  District Elder Lee, a devoted successor, embraced this role with grace and a shared passion for serving God’s people. Overseer Bynes’ dedication culminated in his ordination as a Bishop Emeritus in the Lord’s Church at the Holy Convocation of the International Bibleway Church of Jesus Christ on July 4, 2015.

Bishop Bynes was a man of many talents and passions. He was a lover of music and an original member of the gospel group, The Gospel Travelers, where his love for gospel music flourished. His home was often filled with the sounds of soulful melodies, and his joy in music extended to his church, where he inspired many through song. Additionally, Bishop Bynes had a passion for baking. One of his favorite things was making his famous fruit cakes during Christmas —a tradition that his family looked forward to each year. An entrepreneur at heart, Bishop Bynes owned his own floor cleaning business, which helped support his growing family.  His work ethic and determination were a testament to his desire to provide for his loved ones and ensure their well-being. He lived by the mantra that "A man that don’t work, don’t eat," as taught in 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Yet, it was his love for his family that truly defined him. Bishop Bynes ultimately retired, moving to Bamberg, SC, where he became a member of Light of the World Baptist Church led by Overseer CA Murray.

Bishop Lee Hugh Bynes dedicated his life to his family and his faith. For 67 beautiful years, he shared an unshakable bond with his loving wife, Mother Mildred Bynes. Their marriage was an illustration of true love, partnership, and faith, filled with joy, mutual respect, and steadfast commitment. Together, they built a family that was the center of Bishop Bynes’ world—a family that continues to carry on his legacy of love and faith.

He was preceded in death by two of his children: Meredith and David, and son-in-law, Eric.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred; beloved sister and brother: Catherine and Benjamin; his devoted children, who knew him not just as a father but as a guiding light and source of endless wisdom—Jeffrey, Kim, Keisha, Remell, Malika, Lee Andrew (Ashley), Anthony, and Paul. His memory also lives on through his adoring grandchildren: Aaron, Kiera, Emmanuel, Kaela (Hezekiah), Darius, Eric Joshua, Zanirah, Vernon, Aiden, Savannah, Zyon, Zxeena, Adonis, and Ahmad; his great-grandchildren: Kristy, Kailey, Susanna, and Aaron III, who cherished every moment spent with him; sister-in-law: Bernice Brown; brother-in-law: Joe Joyner; Godchildren: Jeffrey, Tanya, Toinethia and Dannine; special daughters: Bridgette, Harriet, Wendy, Brittney, Sheila and Sheryl; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family. Bishop Bynes’ home was a sanctuary where his family always felt safe, supported, and deeply loved. Beyond his family, Bishop Bynes’ legacy is one of unconditional love, service, and faith. His life was a living attestation of what it means to be dedicated to one’s family, one’s faith, and one’s community. Though no longer with us in body, the love and faith he so generously shared will continue to shine through the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

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