Elder Chester H. Wortham, Jr. holds the office of an Elder and is the Assistant Pastor for Higher Dimensions Christian Center (HDCC), President of the Board of Trustees, and Vice-President of the Board of Presbytery in Baltimore, Maryland under the leadership of Bishop E. McDonald Wortham, Senior Pastor. Before becoming an Elder, he served as a Deacon and a Minister. Along with his role as Assistant Pastor, he is an anointed preacher and teacher. Elder Wortham has taught Bible Study and the Adult Sunday School class for over 35 years.

 

Professionally, Chester Wortham, Jr. retired after serving in the medical field for 41 years. He is the former Director of Special Services at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. His area of responsibility included Supervision of the Materials Management, Mail System, Reprographics and Print Management Services, and the Patient Transport Departments. Skilled in the field of Human Resources, Chester served on the Negotiations Committee for Labor Contracts as well as the Chair for Fact-Finding in Conflict Resolution. In partnership with Baltimore City’s Department of Social Services and The Johns Hopkins Hopkins Hospital, he developed the Impact Training project that prepared over 250 state aide recipients to receive jobs at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Governor of Maryland, Martin O’Malley, recognized the project.

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He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Management from the University of Phoenix. Previously, he served on staff at the Community College of Baltimore, Essex Branch, as an adjunct professor, where he taught several seminars, including Customer Service for Maryland State Supervisors and Managers. Chester is the recipient of the Johns Hopkins President’s Achievement Award, a prominently displayed plaque under the Johns Hopkins Dome commemorates his success. Receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force, Chester served as a non-commissioned officer in the Security Police as a Staff Sargeant.

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He is a devoted husband of 48 years to his wife, Dr. Deborah L. Wortham, and father to Dr. Shelley Connell and Min. Chester, III. His five grandchildren, Jordynn, Chester, IV, Sheldon, II, Zachary, and Ethan, fondly call him “Poppy!” Elder Wortham and his wife served as overseers of the Aspiring Ministers Institute and Marriage and Family Ministries. They continue to conduct pre-marital counseling and Marriage Conferences. Together, they led a delegation on a mission trip to Israel, where they baptized over 50 souls in the Jordan River. Evidenced by his overwhelming commitment to his family and the ministry, the ministry selected him “Man of the Year.”

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Elder Wortham has mentored men for most of his 45 years in ministry. He has conducted seminars around the country, ministering to the brotherhood and families. Elder Chester ministered in the Maryland State Prison System for over 20 years, teaching hundreds of men how to walk with the Lord. Additionally, he served diligently at the Helping Up Mission for more than a decade. He believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ and is committed to effectively spreading the gospel of Christ.

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In every situation, Elder Wortham believes, “God is in Control!”