Bishop Grace Ruth Batten is a native of Delaware. She was born the thirteenth child to the late Elder Jacob and Virginia Brittingham, Sr. Bishop Batten grew up in Milton, Delaware. Her public education began at the Milton Public School 196-c. She entered and graduated from the William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown, DE. She graduated from the Delaware Technical and Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Degree. She is a graduate of the Wilmington College/University receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree.
Batten’s Christian Education began with the teachings of her parents around the table where she learned Bible Verses and Scripture Passages. She went from home Bible Schooling to Sunday School. She holds a certificate from Emmaus Bible Institute on “What the Bible Teaches”. This was the beginning of her Theological Education. Batten received her Bachelor of Theology from Burke Bible College. As a full time pastor she drove back and forth to Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, where she received her Master of Art in Theological Studies. She holds a Doctorate of Sacred Theology from the International Christian University. In her quest for knowledge Batten has always studied and took courses. She has received numerous certificates in Crisis Intervention. She completed all the necessary courses and received her Certificate of Specialized Training in the field of Spiritual Care in Crisis Intervention. She is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor. She graduated from the Light University with a Diploma in Biblical Counseling September 2007.
As Minister Batten she was left in charge of the Mt. Zion Holy Church after the passing of the pastor in May of 1970. She was ordained Elder September 1970 at the Mt. Sinai Holy Convocation in Wilmington, DE. She was consecrated Bishop in 1994. Bishop Batten served as pastor of Mt. Olive Pentecostal Church in Smyrna, DE for three years. She has served Mt. Zion Holy Church for the last 42 years.
Bishop Batten is no stranger to the public. She is public spirited. She was the first black person elected to Milton Town Council. She served as Councilwoman for twelve years and became the First Female Mayor as well as the First Black Mayor of Milton, DE and served in that capacity for two years. She served on the Board of Directors for the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scout Council; the American Red Cross Delmarva Peninsula, People’s Place Counseling Center, Sussex Family YMCA and past Vice-President of the Friends of the Milton Public Library. She is currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors for Cheer (Sussex County Senior Services, Inc.) and on the Board of Directors for the Milton Community Foundation, Inc. Bishop Batten was elevated to Jurisdictional Bishop of the Mid-Atlantic District of the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America Inc in September 2011.
Bishop Batten has been recognized by various organizations through out the State of Delaware. She was honored by Delaware Technical and Community College in the “Walk of Success” and was inducted into the “Hall of Fame for Delaware Women”Bishop Batten loves God and is a people person. She supports many organizations and churches as well as individuals who need help. Her motto is “If I can help somebody as I pass along then my living will not be in vain”.
Batten’s Christian Education began with the teachings of her parents around the table where she learned Bible Verses and Scripture Passages. She went from home Bible Schooling to Sunday School. She holds a certificate from Emmaus Bible Institute on “What the Bible Teaches”. This was the beginning of her Theological Education. Batten received her Bachelor of Theology from Burke Bible College. As a full time pastor she drove back and forth to Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, where she received her Master of Art in Theological Studies. She holds a Doctorate of Sacred Theology from the International Christian University. In her quest for knowledge Batten has always studied and took courses. She has received numerous certificates in Crisis Intervention. She completed all the necessary courses and received her Certificate of Specialized Training in the field of Spiritual Care in Crisis Intervention. She is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor. She graduated from the Light University with a Diploma in Biblical Counseling September 2007.
As Minister Batten she was left in charge of the Mt. Zion Holy Church after the passing of the pastor in May of 1970. She was ordained Elder September 1970 at the Mt. Sinai Holy Convocation in Wilmington, DE. She was consecrated Bishop in 1994. Bishop Batten served as pastor of Mt. Olive Pentecostal Church in Smyrna, DE for three years. She has served Mt. Zion Holy Church for the last 42 years.
Bishop Batten is no stranger to the public. She is public spirited. She was the first black person elected to Milton Town Council. She served as Councilwoman for twelve years and became the First Female Mayor as well as the First Black Mayor of Milton, DE and served in that capacity for two years. She served on the Board of Directors for the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scout Council; the American Red Cross Delmarva Peninsula, People’s Place Counseling Center, Sussex Family YMCA and past Vice-President of the Friends of the Milton Public Library. She is currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors for Cheer (Sussex County Senior Services, Inc.) and on the Board of Directors for the Milton Community Foundation, Inc. Bishop Batten was elevated to Jurisdictional Bishop of the Mid-Atlantic District of the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America Inc in September 2011.
Bishop Batten has been recognized by various organizations through out the State of Delaware. She was honored by Delaware Technical and Community College in the “Walk of Success” and was inducted into the “Hall of Fame for Delaware Women”Bishop Batten loves God and is a people person. She supports many organizations and churches as well as individuals who need help. Her motto is “If I can help somebody as I pass along then my living will not be in vain”.