Bishop Samuel Lewis Cutler

For more than twenty years, Bishop Samuel Cutler and his wife Dr. Yvonne Cutler walked together in love, served God, and pastored until his retirement in 2019.  Their shared gospel ministry has made a difference in the lives of all they touched. 

But it was a wintry January 20, 1944, when Samuel Lewis Cutler was born the fifth child of Dexter C. Cutler, Sr., and Nellie Faulkins Cutler in Franklin, Virginia.  As the youngest child he was abundantly loved and spoiled.  He would attend and graduate from Hayden High School where he played basketball and was always especially fashionable.  It was during his high school years that this entrepreneurial spirit was born when he began cutting grass and shining shoes. It was during this time that he began to hone his interpersonal skills when interacting with friends and neighbors.

After high school, he was selected for employment with the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry DockCorporation.  Later, he joined the United States Army for 3 years, most of which was spent in Germany playing basketball and baseball.  But his military experience was not all “play”, for his final tour of duty was in Viet Nam as a Wireman (Communications Specialist).  He was a brave soldier and blessed by God to return home.

After military service he returned to the Shipyard and furthered his education at Norfolk State University.  It was here that his love for the ministry began.  He confided in his “Oldest Sister” Lois that he had been called into the ministry and that he would answer God’s call.

His appetite and desire for more knowledge, continued with his enrollment in the United Christian College, Portsmouth, Virginia.  He received a Bachelor in Theology degree on May 31, 1974 later receiving his Doctor of Divinity Degree.  At the appointed time, he preached his initial sermon titled “I am Not Ashamed of the Gospel” at the Abyssinia Baptist Church under the spiritual leadership of the Rev. Frank Gunns.  He served there until November 1974, when he was called to Pastor Zion Hill Baptist Church in Gloucester, Virginia.  He faithfully led that congregation until September 24, 1978.  On October 1, 1978, he was called to pastor Canaan Baptist Church, formerly First Baptist Church Lincoln Park where he served for more than four decades until his retirement in 2019.  His ministry saw the growth of the Church in membership and expansion to further spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serve the community.  Upon his retirement, the Church was debt-free and he led the orderly transfer of leadership.

His legacy as a servant of God and Pastor extends far beyond his leadership within the four walls of the physical Church.  He joined the faculty and later became Director of the Hampton Branch of theRichmond Virginia Seminary.  For his academic excellence and administrative leadership, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree.  In addition, he later provided leadership as Director of the Hampton Branch of the Norfolk Theological Seminary and College.  

Because of his love for education in the Word of God and the need of ministerial training, he founded the Canaan Theological Seminary and College in 2008, which continues to teach and prepare Christian ministers and lay workers to serve within and beyond the Commonwealth of Virginia.  In the words of former Virginia Governor the Honorable Ralph Northam, “By creating and directing institutions of theological learning, you (Bishop Cutler) have paved the way for future generations of spiritual leaders to continue your work.”

In addition to his wife, Yvonne Cutler, Bishop Cutler is survived by his daughter Jacqueline Smith and sons Keith Smith and Samuel Antonio Cutler; his stepdaughters LaVonda Witcher (Steven), Terri Scott, and Kelley Lopez (Keith), his brothers and sisters are Deacon Lois C. Myrick (William, Deceased), Eunice C. Gourdine (deceased), Dexter C. Cutler (Annette) and Henry Louis Cutler (June). Other survivors include grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and family and friends too numerous to name.

His life’s journey as son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather was spent living his motto, “If I can help somebody, my living will not be in vain.”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

It is the desire of the Cutler family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Military honors will take place at the cemetery.  

The family of Bishop Samuel Lewis Cutler has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home. 

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