BISHOP KENNETH MOALES MEMORIAL SERVICE

N early 4,000 mourners came from across the nation to pay their last respects and celebrated the life of Bishop Kenneth H. Moales Sr. today. The four-hour service, punctuated by rousing speeches, singing and dancing, as well a tears and sorrow, took place today at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT. Mayor Bill Finch, declared today as Bishop Kenneth H. Moales Sr. Day in the city of Bridgeport.

The service was led by Archbishop Metropolitan J. Delano Ellis II of Cleveland, who confessed that he “felt angry with God” upon hearing of Bishop Moales’ death. “I asked God, if you were making up a list, why didn’t you check with me? I got two or three negros and some white folks I can recommend,” Ellis joked.

A Bridgeport native, Bishop Moales founded the Prayer Tabernacle Church of Love (Cathedral of the Holy Spirit) in 1969, when he was only 21. He grew into a national figure in the Pentecostal church and made his mark with in Gospel music. He served as president of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Bishop Moales died of a heart attack last Monday evening, one day shy of his 65th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Peggy Ann Moales. He also leaves three children, twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild.