Tribute to a Historical Advocate
Mother Mary P. Patterson, a revered figure within the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and a prominent advocate for preserving the history of the Pentecostal-Holiness movement, passed away on June 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was 83 years old.
The Church of God in Christ honored Patterson as a “tireless crusader” dedicated to preserving the denomination’s heritage and the broader Pentecostal-Holiness tradition globally. Her legacy, as noted in a church announcement on June 26, underscores the depth of her commitment to enriching the historical narrative of COGIC.
Legacy of Preservation and Advocacy
Contributions to Historical Preservation
In 2012, Patterson made a significant contribution to historical preservation by donating the papers of her late husband, Bishop J.O. Patterson Sr., COGIC’s first elected presiding bishop, to the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center in Springfield, Missouri. This center, the largest Pentecostal archive worldwide, is crucial in maintaining and sharing Pentecostal history.
Patterson also founded the Pentecostal Heritage Connection, an organization dedicated to marking historical sites related to COGIC leaders throughout the South. Notably, in 2021, she helped unveil an 8-foot aluminum sign in Little Rock, Arkansas, commemorating COGIC’s legacy.
Advocacy and Influence
Despite the traditional stance of COGIC, which typically recognizes only men as ordained ministers or bishops, Patterson’s work transcended these boundaries. She established her own ministry to further her historical pursuits, emphasizing that impactful work for the Lord does not require a pulpit.
Her dedication extended to promoting COGIC history in Memphis museums, organizing heritage summits, and supporting the erection of a bust of Charles Harrison Mason, COGIC’s founder, outside Mason Temple, the denomination’s headquarters.
Impact Beyond the Denomination
Expanding Outreach
Patterson was instrumental in reaching broader audiences beyond COGIC. David Daniels, a professor of Christianity at McCormick Theological Seminary and a COGIC bishop, highlighted Patterson’s efforts to share COGIC’s history with people outside the denomination. Her work included organizing bus tours of significant sites related to COGIC and other Pentecostal faiths.
Support for Women and Pastors
In addition to her historical work, Patterson was a strong supporter of women and pastors within the church. Sherry Sherrod DuPree, a Florida historian, noted Patterson’s impact on empowering women by providing guidance on business, networking, and community engagement.
Reflection and Tribute
Mother Mary P. Patterson’s contributions to preserving and expanding the understanding of COGIC’s history have left an enduring legacy. Her efforts to bridge historical gaps and support the church community underscore her pivotal role in advancing both faith and scholarship.
FAQ
Q: What was Mother Mary P. Patterson known for?
A: She was recognized for her tireless efforts to preserve the history of the Church of God in Christ and the broader Pentecostal-Holiness tradition.
Q: When and where did Mother Patterson pass away?
A: She passed away on June 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Q: What significant contributions did Patterson make to historical preservation?
A: Patterson donated her late husband’s papers to the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center and founded the Pentecostal Heritage Connection to honor COGIC leaders.
Q: How did Patterson impact the COGIC community beyond historical preservation?
A: She supported women and pastors, organized tours of significant Pentecostal sites, and worked to expand knowledge about COGIC beyond its traditional boundaries.
Q: What was Patterson’s approach to her ministry and advocacy?
A: Patterson emphasized that impactful work for the Lord could be accomplished outside traditional ministerial roles, advocating for broader engagement with history and community support.
