One Would Have Been More Memorable

I think it was a wonderful gesture to have the various viewings for the publics benefit. One of which ended up being cancelled. There was no way to secure a venue big enough to accomodate all the people wanting to pay their final respects to Bishop G.E. Patterson. There were about 3.5 thousand mourners who visited "Mason Temple" on Wednesday. In addition to the more than ten thousand people who showed up to each of the three worship services. I had the chance to watch all three services for the late presiding Bishop of the 6.5 million member COGIC. I dedicated 9 whole hours to watching this ceremony for fear that I would miss something. There were highlights here and there, but nothing that had to be spread out over three services. It ended up looking more like a campaign rally than a homegoing service.

Anyone that wasn't familiar with the operations of the COGIC might walk away with a mixed impression of it's purpose. There seemed to be an awful lot of positioning for future spots. Is there goal to promotes mans kingdom here on earth, or that which God has promised in eternity. In between the recognizing of elected officials and various committees in the church. They managed to talk about what the Bishop was supposed to represent. He was a minister of the gospel. Not a bank president or Democrat. Everyone wanted to share a story of how the Bishop had planted seeds in their ministries. How he loaned them money, and how he blessed them. I didn't hear enough of how he was a vessel used by God.

The following statement represents one of the few times I heard the Saints put to a challenge. Don't let the effect Bishop Patterson has had on your life, end with his funeral. I like what Bishop Owens said "All of us who have been graced with this servant of Gods presence. Have been given a responsibility. We now have to preach to all that can hear. The gospel of Jesus Christ". I think that's what the Bishop would want his legacy to be. That his prolific preaching inspired someone to go out and share what he talked about.