After a full life of serving his Lord, at 93, Aubrey Brown Pate went to see Him face to face, September 30, 2011.
Aubrey was born, August 17, 1918, to James and Rachel Pate, at home, in Paul, Alabama. He was a 1940 graduate of Holmes Bible College, in Greenville, South Carolina.
His pastorates began in Flomaton, AL, and ended in Evergreen, AL. He was also credited with quality home constructions and contracting jobs. In his latter years, hundreds were blessed to receive his hand created jar lid openers.
Louise Wood Pate was Aubrey’s “bride” of sixty-six years. He also said “See ya later,” to his daughter, Patricia Robinson (Oland), of Killen, Wesley Pate (Lynn), of Florence, AL, and Libby Alexander (Fred), of Wiggins, MS.
His faithful prayers always included his nine grandchildren, Michele Pennell, Bryan Robinson, Chris Eggers, Scott Pate, Kim Williamson, Tim Robinson, Jeremy Pate, Amber Recer and Tyler Eggers. His nineteen great-grandchildren kept him on his knees a little longer.
Aubrey was one of eleven siblings, but was only survived by one sister, Hazel Culp, of Andalusia, AL, his extended family at Faith Church and many friends.
Aubrey answered to several names, but “Man of God” best described him. His legacy of unconditional love will not be forgotten.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p. m., Saturday, October 1, 2011, at Greenview Funeral Home, Florence, AL.
A celebration of Aubrey’s life took place at a memorial service, Sunday, October 2, 2011, 1 p. m., in the Greenview Chapel.
His burial was in the Garden of the Bible at Greenview Memorial Park. Brother Henry Melton and Brother Tommy James officiated. His grandsons served as pallbearers.
Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.
[Editor's comment: I have known Aubrey Pate most of my life. He was an ordained minister of the Gospel in the Alabama Conference (now called Alpha Conference). He and Louise, and their children were members of the Brownville Pentecostal Holiness Church near Evergreen, AL, where I was privileged to be the pastor right of seminary (Asbury Theological Seminary).
Aubrey and Louise Pate were a great source of encouragement to Melvine and me as a young couple in our first pastorate. We have visited and dined in their home in Evergreen on many occasions. Aubrey was a gifted Bible teacher, and remained a scholar of the Bible throughout his life. He had a gentleness and a quiet spirit that demanded no requests from others. He displayed love in all he did.
Aubrey was a master builder, and built quality homes. He was a great help to me and the church as we completed the educational wing of the church that was begun during the pastorate of Joel S. McGraw. Melvine and I are the recipients of one of the hand crafted jar lid openers. It really works and I have used it often to open jar lids that I could not open by hand. It is mounted under the kitchen cabinets out of sight, but I know where it is located.
One of Aubrey's brothers was Vernon Virgil Pate, a former superintendent of the Alabama Conference. Vernon Pate bought me the first Coke I ever drank. It was a sin to drink Cokes, and I am sure I confessed my sin to my parents. It was so strong that when I took a sip of the drink it immediately came out my nose. Now, you figure that!
I have lost contact with the Pates, but I sure would like to get their telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address.
I just got home from a trip to Austin, TX, and up to Round Rock, north of Austin for the Grace Bible Ministries (Texas) Conference where Bishop Curtis Baker is the superintendent. He gave a masterpiece of his State of the Conference address to those gathered on Saturday, October 1, 2011.
Bishop Terry Fowler, administrative assistant to Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., did a superb job presiding and preaching at the conference. There were five persons ordained.
It was good for me to re-connect with Leroy and Evelyn Baker. Leroy is not only a treasured and trusted friend, he is my brother. I am grateful for their hospitality and graciousness to me. They picked me up at the Austin Airport, and drove me to our hotel in Round Rock, and out to supper, and later to the evening worship service on Friday night.
Bishop Curtis Baker preached a powerfully anointed message that was brief, concise, and clear on Friday evening. There was a sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit and many people were blessed and ministered to in that evening worship service. His insights into the 12th chapter of Hebrews were inspiring and meaningful to me. He revealed great truths that I had not considered before in this great passage of Scripture. The last time I saw Bishop B. E. Underwood in his home just prior to his death, he talked to me about the 12th chapter of Hebrews, and like Curtis Baker had insights into this Scripture that is filled with prophetic truths concerning the Kingdom of God.
I am proud to be an ordained minister of the IPHC (International Pentecostal Holiness Church). I am hopeful for the church when I see brilliant young men, like Curtis Baker, with no agenda but to please Almighty God. He is a gifted man of God who exhibits humility and grace. It is our responsibility as leaders to encourage and cheer on the young men and women of the church whom God has called and ordained, and who are bearing fruit that will remain (John 15:16). God is doing a new thing among our younger ministers, and I rejoice in what I am seeing and experiencing in relationship with them. It is time that we hear what they are saying, and how God is directing their lives and ministries.]
Posted on
Mon, October 3, 2011
by Hugh Morgan