Cote Brilliante Presbyterian honors Rev. William G. Gillespie
By Kati Stovall
For the St. Louis American
Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church members recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their beloved pastor, Rev. William G. Gillespie at a special banquet held in his honor on September 17th at the Sheraton Westport Chalet. The dinner was the culmination of two weeks of festivities.
In honor of his five decades of leadership, guests dressed to the nines for the special ceremony. Dr. Henry Givens Jr., president of Harris Stowe State University, and keynote speaker the Rev. Marsha Snulligan Haney were among the many special guests in attendance.
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Rev. Gillespie accepted the arduous task in reorganizing Cote Brilliante Presbyterian for a predominantly African American community in 1956. He brought his wife, Martha Cox Gillespie, and although he felt he would only stay a few years, he was taken by the warmth of the city.
“I didn’t have any members for the church, so I had to ring those doorbells. And nobody slammed the door in my face,” Rev. Gillespie said. “I found this city to be one of the greatest cities that I have known as far as friendliness.”
Through perseverance the church grew and embraced a diverse and loyal group of members. Rev. Gillespie quickly became an advocate for countless community projects. Now the membership of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian includes families with as many as four generations.
Rev. Gillespie is a founding member of the Board of Regents for Harris-Stowe State University and was integral in helping to turn the institution into a state college in 1979. In August of this year, Harris Stowe named its first residence hall and student center in honor of Rev. Gillespie.
“He has been the man,” said Dr. Givens, who presented a plaque acknowledging the reverend’s leadership and devotion to the university and the surrounding community.
Charles Bryson, neighborhood development executive and representative of the mayor, presented a proclamation from the mayor’s office.
“Father Gillespie is seen in our office as a leader and as a straight shooter,” Bryson said. “He is someone that gives advice when asked and does not mince words about it. He’s political without being a politician.”
In his deep and commanding voice, Rev. Gillespie said during the benediction, “I thank God for all that I have or ever will have.”
The Gospel Scene
Jerusalem MB Church Christian, 5596 Ridge Ave., will host the Family Union Revival Explosion October 2-6 at 7 p.m.
October is breast health month. Geri’s Heart presents an ice cream social, “Pink Sundae on a Saturday” October 14. The social will be held at Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, 6500 Natural Bridge, from 1-3 p.m. The organization helps newly diagnosed women with breast or cervical cancer with their urgent care needs. The social is hosted in association with Edy’s Ice Cream, the American Heart Association and ConnectCare. For more information contact Roxanna Parker at (314) 879-6233.
Praiz’ will host the Hallelujah Praiz’ Party live on 1600 Hallelujah AM every Friday and Saturday from 6-10p.m. You can listen live at www.gospel1600.com. Praiz’ is also co-host of Crunk 4 Christ every Sunday morning with The Hype Man D-Stone and Warner on 100.3 THE BEAT FM from 6-8a.m.
African Village raises Egypt as the origin as the Bible. Egyptologist Ray Hagin, pastor of the African Village Church, 3520 N. Newstead, will conclude his two-part series on Egypt as the origin of the Bible. Call (314) 535-0169 for more information.
