Obituary of Pastor Walter Dredden

"FROM THE BEGINNING HE WAS CHOSEN TO BE GOD'S SERVANT." Favorite Scripture “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) God had his hand on Pastor Walter Dredden Sr. from the beginning of his life July 8, 1927. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Charles Bertram and Mary Louise Dredden. Pastor Walter Dredden was the beloved 16th child of that union and he had many cherished childhood memories. He took the time as a father to instill those innumerable family values in his own children. Pastor Dredden married Mary Massey June 30 1945. Shortly after, he was drafted into the Army during World War II and served as a guard in Okinawa Japan. After being honorably discharged, the family relocated from Philadelphia to Berlin, New Jersey. Years later, he moved his family to Newtonville, New Jersey where he resided until his call home to Glory on February 26, 2017. Pastor Dredden was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost on March 1, 1970. He was a faithful and committed servant of God using his hands to do whatever was needed to be completed in the church. He was made the Sunday School Superintendent and later appointed as a deacon by Pastor Henry Hines. He continued to mature and increase in wisdom and favor with God and the people. God said I am not through with you yet. About four years later God called him to be a minister, to preach the Word, "be instant in season and out of season…" (II Timothy 4:2a). At first he was reluctant to heed this awesome calling but through the trying of his faith God got his attention. One day he looked at the Bible laying on the table and saw the pages begin to turn and stop on “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (I Corinthian 9:16). That is when he surrendered to his calling to preach, saying I am your servant, use me as your instrument; let me preach your word in season and out of season. He was a minister for fifteen years at Bethel Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. Under the leadership of the late Elder Hines God was preparing and molding him to be a pastor because of his faithfulness, humbleness, meekness and love for the people of God. In 1990, God had Bishop Esau Courtney to make him Pastor of Bethel Holy Temple, Church of God in Christ. He stood preaching under the anointing power of the Holy Ghost with authority. During his watch the Bethel Holy Temple experienced tremendous improvements such as central air conditioning, new floors, ceiling, roofing, a modern church sign, blacktop on the parking lot, finishing of the outside exterior of the church, modernization of the basement floors and walls, new pews, lighting, bathrooms, carpet and major upgrades in the sanctuary. New ministries were place to help the church grow and prosper spiritually. From his lineage God has brought forth one pastor, elders, mothers, evangelists and missionaries. In 2009, Pastor Dredden added a scholarship fund and program that has provided over $12,000 to help youth of the church attend college and to date has produced 2 college graduates and helping two attend graduate school. Some thought he would never amount to much but God looked beyond his faults and into his heart, because he was special to God, God saved and filled him with the Holy Ghost and made an example of him to give him the authority to preach, teach, and lead people to Christ. Due to his love for people from the beginning he was chosen to be God's Faithful servant. He was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost for 47 years. Because of his commitment, love, and dedication the Lord put his approval on his ministry. Elder Walter Dredden Sr. was married to the late Mother Mary Dredden for over 51 years and to this union they had nine children. He will be fondly remembered by his children Victoria and her husband Frank Lyles, Walter Dredden Jr., Florence and her husband Matthew Bowman, David and his wife Jan Dredden, Gloria Robinson, Martha Dredden, Doris Jones, Glenn and his wife Jennifer Dredden, and Clifford (Pewee) and his wife Betty Toomer. He was preceded in death by his children Mary Dredden and Dorothea Wilson. Elder Dredden was also blessed with and cherish by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, spiritual sons and daughters of Bethel Hold Temple Church of God in Christ, and friends. In July of 2000, God saw that it was not good for Elder Walter Dredden Sr. to be along. He sent him a helpmate, Mother Hattie Dredden. After a very brief courtship, they were married on 16th of December 2000. Together they experienced 16 wonderful years of love, friendship and joy. Mother Hattie Dredden was by Pastor Dredden’s side to the very end. She not only filled a void in his life but she is a great asset and leader of the women in the local church and served as district missionary. Pastor Walter Dredden Sr. is a testimony that “…with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).