With Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. reaching his 82nd birthday on August 5, the members of West Angeles Church of God in Christ joined with international faith leaders to mark the significant milestone.
A joyous celebration combined with spirit-filled worship graced the morning service on Sunday, August 7, as Pastor Charles Blake II led the congregation in praising God for bestowing favor upon the long life of the bishop. Also, the regal presence of Lady Mae represented another testament of the Lord’s blessing upon Bishop Blake since she has served faithfully with him throughout his ministerial journey.
Other participants in the service included the Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, pastor of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York; Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood; and Harry Hargrave, chief executive officer of the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
The service included a Blessing of the Elders Tribute by Hargrave and Bernard. Also, Denzel Washington, a longtime member of West Angeles COGIC, made a special presentation to Bishop Blake. As the service neared conclusion, legendary musician Stevie Wonder, another longtime member, serenaded the bishop with his popular ballad, “Happy Birthday to You!”
