On March 20, the leader of the nation's largest African American Pentecostal denomination passed away in Memphis. The death was ignored by most members of the mainstream media's millionaire news readers -- people who wouldn't know the difference between the late G.E. Patterson's Church of God in Christ, the Churches of Christ, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.), the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) and the Church of God of Prophecy. As far as I know, Patterson's demise wasn't big news on Fox & Friends, CNN, the Today Show or Good Morning America. But there was one news outlet that owned the story: MSNBC.
Shock jock Don Imus thought Patterson's passing was a really big deal and he devoted a lot of time to honoring the memory of the Pentecostal pastor. Patterson's widow appeared on Imus' program soon after the preacher's death, and Imus spoke movingly about the bishop's contribution to America's spiritual life. Imus played excerpts of Patterson's sermons -- including a clip (if I recall correctly) that called for the church to reach out to all of God's children regardless of color.
Here is one of many clips available on Youtube. This one is a blend of several excerpts that show the evolution of Bishop Patterson's preaching style over the years.
Here is a clip showing some eulogies, including footage of him in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and from celebrities like Jesse Jackson.
Click here to listen to live streaming from the radio station owned by the church he pastored in Memphis, Tennessee.
2 comments:
This is so true and I have not been able to find peace with the lack of attention given to Bishop's passing by the National Media. As a volunteer with the Bountiful Blessings Phone Ministry, it is uncanning how people still call to order tapes from all over the country and don't know he has passed. The lack of Media releases regarding his passing or the disregard by media entities that received them is unheard of for a man of this status. The light of the legacy of GE Patterson will continued to shine through the Television ministry and other things that I am hopeful will be forthcoming. Evangelist Louise Patterson is doing the very best she can to keep that going. His association with Don Imus was not secondary as Bishop Patterson touched the lives of so many people in this country and others. People of all races have supported and do support Bountiful Blessings Ministry. The half has not been told regarding the lives touched by Bishop GE Patterson, Don Imus is just one of many. He has always included Bishop Patterson clips from time to time on his show since he met Bishop and even had him on his show. That's when I was introduced to Imus and watched him periodically when I really wanted the 411 on national political races. I use to call him the "Heathen with a heart." Don Imus introduced so many people to GE Patterson that would have never ever heard of him because of the low level of media coverage provided him. I can guarantee you some have been saved because of that...WOW! We really don't have a clue. How can a man who was taken down for his racist statements a Barbarian of sorts be a contributing factor to souls being won to Christ..... The legacy of GE Patterson will aid in saving dying generations because God's will is stronger than any force imaginable. Not anything can keep this from becoming reality. Not ignorance, Grandiosity, chauvinistic measures, pride nor stupidity - God's will is stronger!
This is so true and I have not been able to find peace with the lack of attention given to Bishop's passing by the National Media. As a volunteer with the Bountiful Blessings Phone Ministry, it is uncanning how people still call to order tapes from all over the country and don't know he has passed. The lack of Media releases regarding his passing or the disregard by media entities that received them is unheard of for a man of this status. The light of the legacy of GE Patterson will continued to shine through the Television ministry and other things that I am hopeful will be forthcoming. Evangelist Louise Patterson is doing the very best she can to keep that going. His association with Don Imus was not secondary as Bishop Patterson touched the lives of so many people in this country and others. People of all races have supported and do support Bountiful Blessings Ministry. The half has not been told regarding the lives touched by Bishop GE Patterson, Don Imus is just one of many. He has always included Bishop Patterson clips from time to time on his show since he met Bishop and even had him on his show. That's when I was introduced to Imus and watched him periodically when I really wanted the 411 on national political races. I use to call him the "Heathen with a heart." Don Imus introduced so many people to GE Patterson that would have never ever heard of him because of the low level of media coverage provided him. I can guarantee you some have been saved because of that...WOW! We really don't have a clue. How can a man who was taken down for his racist statements, a Barbarian of sorts be a contributing factor to souls being won to Christ..... The legacy of GE Patterson will aid in saving dying generations because God's will is stronger than any force imaginable. Not anything can keep this from becoming reality. Not ignorance, Grandiosity, chauvinistic measures, pride nor stupidity - God's will is stronger!
Beverly Herron Watkins
Memphis,Tennessee
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