Say it Black.Com Mourns the Loss of Bishop G. E. Patterson

Bishop G. E. Patterson has passed away. He was an African American icon. Black America's TV Pastor has passed away. The following release came from the Church of God in Christ's Office of the Presiding Bishop.

March 20, 2007

To our Church Of God in Christ Family:

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that the General Board of the Church Of God In Christ informs you of the passing of our Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson. The entire Church and World mourns the loss of our leader. He was the leader of our International Church, a leader in the Memphis Community and a leader of the Christian Community. At this time we will continue to pray for the Patterson family and our great Church as we honor the life of our leader.

We are declaring a period of mourning for our Church and we are requesting that all members observe this time as we pray during this time of grief. We know that God is able to sustain us as we honor the memory of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.

The Final Arrangements are as follows:
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2007 • 7 PM
(Local) TEMPLE OF DELIVERANCE MEMORIAL SERVICE

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2007 • 7 PM
TENNESSEE 4th JURISDICTION MEMORIAL SERVICE

SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2007 • 10 AM
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST NATIONAL HOMEGOING SERVICE

All Services will be held at:
Temple of Deliverance Church of God In Christ
369 G.E. Patterson Avenue
Memphis, TN 38126

* All Cards and Condolences for Mother Louise Patterson and Family may be sent to Temple of Deliverance at the above address.

On behalf of the General Board, the Board of Bishops, our National Supervisor of Women, Nationally Elected Officers and Credential Holders we pray for a spirit of unity for our Great Church recognizing that “We are better together”.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.
First Assistant Presiding Bishop