House of Prayer bishop Madison dies; built more than 100 churches

Washington, USA - The leader of the United House of Prayer for All People, an affluent black denomination based in D.C., has died. Bishop S.C. Madison was 86.

Church officials say Madison died Saturday at his northwest Washington home. He became ill after Easter Sunday, which was the last time he attended church services.

Madison was the third leader of the denomination, which has 1.5 million members and 150 branches in 25 states, including Virginia. During his tenure, he erected more than 100 sanctuaries throughout the country, as well as multi-family housing, retail establishments and assisted living facilities.

Before becoming bishop, Madison was pastor of the D.C. headquarters of the church since 1969.

According to the denomination's Web site, the Virginia churches are in Hampton, Virginia Beach, Hopewell, Norfolk, Newport News, Chesapeake and Richmond.