"He also was active in outreach ministries to the poor and the elderly," his son said.
Mr. Saunders led the way in getting the Center for More Abundant Life Towers, a 99-unit senior citizen complex for the elderly, built on Calloway Avenue, and Abundant Life Towers II, a similar 60-unit seniors' complex on the church's campus.
He also established the Center for Creative Learning, a state accredited day care center more than 30 years ago.
In 2000, the church's name was changed to Transformation Church of Jesus Christ.
"His work speaks for himself. He had great wisdom and cared for people," Mrs. Faulkner said. "He was a visionary and an awesome leader."
She added: "He was very humorous. Oh my goodness, he just knew how to get you to smile and laugh. He made people feel good about themselves."
Lois M. McMillan has been a member of the church for 43 years church and serves as its historian.
"Bishop Saunders served the church on so many fronts and never developed a super ego. He was not one of those. He was a kind and loving man who brought intelligent leadership to the church and he was a lover of people," said Mrs. McMillan, a professor of English at Morgan State University.
"He loved young people and urged them to pursue their education and not let color be a barrier to achievement," Mrs. McMillan said. "Race was never an excuse. If you loved Jesus, then God was on your side. That was his message."
Mr. Saunders had lived in the same North Hilton Street home overlooking Lake Ashburton for the last 50 years.
"You could call his home at any hour and he'd answer the phone," Mrs. McMillan said.
In 2004, Mr. Saunders he was appointed chief apostle of the United Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic.
Mr. Saunders enjoyed traveling and reading.
Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at his church, 5150 Baltimore National Pike.
Also surviving are his wife of 61 years, the former Alberta Brockington; another son, A. Jason Saunders of Baltimore; three other daughters, Jacqueline F. Johnson of Randallstown, Rachel A. Rawlins and Judith I. Jones, both of Baltimore; two sisters, Margaret Burroughs and Saphronia Harris, both of Florence; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Sun reporter Jennifer McMenamin contributed to this article.
fred.rasmussen@baltsun.com
