Page 6 - Christian Lifestyle Mag -Aug
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3 GENERATIONS OF HOLINESS
Patsy Spady School Teacher, and Choir Member. She from me. She didn’t make it difficult. She
currently holds the positions of Church worked hard, she studied hard. She applied
During the 1930s and 1940s Secretary, and the Pastor’s Recording herself positively.”
African Americans left the South by the Secretary. While the rules and regulation of the
thousands, seeking new opportunity in the She and her sister Ruth Ann are, and Holiness church can feel burdensome, or
promise land of the North. Many found were (Ruth Ann is now deceased), known weighty in the lives of some church mem-
that promise in new jobs and tight hous- for setting the pace of a church service. A bers, for Patsy following the dictates of the
ing, others found disappointment and the quiet church, as people found seats and church remains her highest priority.
same prejudices they had experienced in prepared for worship, would sudden- “We have rules and regulation in every
the South. But along with the physical ly come alive with music and spirit that walk of life. It’s a matter of if you are going
move many of these travelers brought with couldn’t be ignored. She has a gift. She to follow the dictates of the word: what you
them a religious passion that still burns reminds you why you are there, and what should do and what you shouldn’t do. We
like holy ghost fire in their bones today. you should be doing – worshiping the must be holy, for the Lord is holy. We can’t
Arthur and Annabelle Washington were Lord. come to God to any kind of way. We need
two of those people seeking and hoping for Patsy currently works at St. Christo- to display this even in today’s time.”
a better life. With their nine children, they pher’s Hospital for Children where she has Her foundation is solid, a top flat rock,
left South Carolina behind, and settled in served the community for over 40-years. an unbreakable layer with few cracks.
Philadelphia to raise their family. Previ- She has been a Medical Secretary, Certified She’s not afraid to express her opinion on
ously members of a Baptist church, they Professional Coder, and presently holds church apparel, and how we should live as
joined Open Door Mission Fire Baptized the title of Office Manager of the hospital’s followers of Christ.
Holiness Church of God of the Americas, dialysis unit. Although, like most places “We are to dress in modest apparel
under Pastor/Mother Mary Richardson of employments, discussions of religious and not wear things pertaining to men. If
when their youngest daughter Patsy was beliefs and practices are restricted, her we’re going to live holy and still do what
four years old. Patsy remained at Open character and walk for the Lord has always the world tells us to do, that doesn’t work.
Door for forty years. Open Door Mission’s been a shining light for her co-workers. Although we have free will, we can’t pick
leader, Pastor/Mother Mary Richardson, “I feel like I’m an epistle. My witness and choose.”
passed away in 1987, and the church was for the Lord is in my walk – in how I treat Patsy’s words of wisdom and instruction
pastored by Reverend/Pastor Lillian Mc- people – and everyone knows where I echo with the love, wisdom and knowledge
Coy until the doors closed. stand in my faith and respects that in me. I that was implanted into her heart, mind
“Fort Hill and Mother Richardson was think my co-workers depend on my silent and soul from childhood.
my foundation.” spirituality.” “People tell people to come as you are,
Patsy Spady has been and is still in- A hard worker, dependable and loyal to but you are not supposed to stay as you
grained in, and a faithful friend and what she believes in and lives for, it was by are. Once you get sanctified, you get set
member to, the Holiness Movement. After faith and trust in God that she strived to apart or separated. God separates you from
leaving Open Door Mission, she wor- put her daughter Tamika through medical the things of the world for his purpose.
shiped at Fort Hill FBH Church, and now school. God knows your heart, he’s not through
attends Mt. Zion FBH Church under Elder “Sometimes when I look at it I can’t be- with you yet. He does know your heart
Quinton Sanders. At Mt. Zion, she has lieve that I did it. I didn’t do it. It was God. that why he sent his word.”
served on the Deacon board, The Trustee It wasn’t a struggle. Tamika was such a
and Finance Chairman, Assisted Sunday well-rounded person who took instruction
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