Zachery Tims’s is loved and will be missed. The Florida mega-church pastor was found dead in a Times Square hotel room with an envelope of white powder in his pocket and investigators are looking into whether it was a controlled substance, NBC New York has learned.

Sources familiar with the investigation tell NBC New York that a glassine envelope of white powder was found in Zachery Tims’s right pants pocket when he was discovered in his room at the W Hotel. The body of the 42-year-old pastor from Orlando was found Friday.

A spokeswoman for the city medical examiner declined comment except to say that toxicology and autopsy results are pending. An NYPD spokesman also declined comment.

(A rose adorns the sign for a parking space for Rev. Zachery Tims of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka on Monday, August 15, 2010)

Tims founded the New Destiny Christian Center in 1996, which now has a membership of more than 8,000 people.

Tims had turned to religion after a troubled childhood that included drug problems, according to his website.

In his memoir, ‘It’s Never Too Late,’ avalible on his website and on Amazon.com he writes that he was convicted of attempted murder at age 14 and spent two years in juvenile facilities. He overcame a drug addiction and became a pastor because “God had a greater plan,” .

(Tims with ex-wife Riva)

Two years ago, Tims divorced his wife of 15 years after admitting to an affair with a stripper.

Members of Pastor Zachery Tims’ New Destiny Christian Center packed the sanctuary Monday night for prayer, praise and testimonials following the death of the 42-year-old minister.

At the memorial for Rev. Zachery Tims of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka his former wife  takes the podium to speak.

Tim’s ex-wife, Riva Tims, told the capacity crowd of 2,000 that Tims enjoyed a family vacation in Puerto Rico a week before his death. The Timses, who were divorced in 2009, have four children.

“He was able to have fellowship with his daughters and sons,” said Riva Tims, pastor of Majestic Life Church in Orlando.

(This photo of Rev. Zachery Tims and his family was displayed Monday at New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka. He died in a New York City hotel room Friday)

Church officials announced that Tims’ funeral will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Orlando. A wake and public viewing will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday at New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka.

 Pastor Zachery Tims, center, celebrates the grand opening of the New Destiny Christian Center Community Youth Recreation Facility in 2005. Tims was found dead in a New York City hotel on Sunday, Aug. 14. (Julie Fletcher/Orlando Sentinel)

Jamal Bryant, a pastor at Empowerment Temple AME in Baltimore and a friend of Zachery Tims’ from there, told church members that New Destiny will continue without Zachery Tims.

“You are not a personality-driven church. You are a purpose-driven church,” Bryant said. “Pastor Zack’s DNA is now on you. You are infected with excellence.”

(Pastors form aronud the country flew in to Florida to leand there support for the family)

Although much of the service was joyous praise and singing, Bryant told the congregation that it was fitting to mourn the passing of their spiritual leader.

“Allow yourself the liberty to grieve. Allow yourself the freedom to cry,” he said.

New Destiny Minister Wanda Robinson told the congregation that the cause of Zachery Tims’ death on Friday night had not been determined.

The Rev. Willie C. Barnes, head of the African American Council of Christian Clergy of Central Florida, said ministers will hold a pastoral prayer vigil Tuesday at noon at the Mt. Olive AME Church, 2525 W. Church St., Orlando.

“We lost one of our leaders,” said Barnes, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville.

Barnes said Tims will be remembered as a minister who reached people who don’t normally attend church.

“His ministry was very, very powerful, especially to young people. He brought a different style of ministry, and it reached a lot of the younger generation because it wasn’t so traditional,” Barnes said.

Barnes cited Tims’ youth ministry and his programs that gave young people a place to go and things to do at night other than hanging out on the streets.

“It was a great ministry and a wonderful ministry, and I expect it to continue,” he said.

Apopka Mayor John Land said Tims was a key member of the community.

“He’s going to be missed,” Land told the Sentinel. “I’m very sorry to hear that.”

Responses to Tims’ Death on Facebook/Twitter:

Paula White on Facebook:

Today my heart is grieved over the loss of my spiritual son and long time friend and associate, Pastor Zachery Tims. While words are difficult for me to find during this time of loss, I honor the great work he has done for the kingdom of God and pray for every family member, friend, associate and the incredible congregation of New Destiny. The Bible says that we mourn with those that mourn and rejoice with those that rejoice. As the family of God we walk through this together…

Clint Brown on Facebook:

My Heart is So heavy tonight… He was my friend for 17yrs since the first year I moved to Orlando… He built his great church on our property…We talked just about every week. We were Orlando Magic buddys, and we both loved our City and Churches. It will take Orlando a long time to get over this, Dr. Zachary Tims You will never ever be forgotten, Gone way to soon…. I miss you so much my heart is broken. I will say it like we said it every time we talked… Never Goodbye it was “See ya Later” I Love you man…

T. D. Jakes on Twitter:

DEEPLY saddened to hear of the passing of Pastor Tims @ztims …praying for his family and church

Jamal Bryant on Twitter:

Headed to Orlando to be with Dr. Zachs church family tonight at 7. The funeral celebration will be on Saturday. Keep praying!

 

Dear Lord today bless the children, congregation & colleagues of Dr Zachery Tims. Cast off sorrow & help us celebrate!