APOSTLE CLAUDETTE DENNIS
The City of Pittsburgh and Monroeville church communities continue to resonate over the passing of Apostle Claudette Yvonne Dennis, the beloved widow of Gospel legend Archie Dennis Jr., pastor of The Lord’s Church at 2517 Haymaker Road, Monroeville.
Apostle “D,” as she was affectionately known, was licensed and ordained as an elder in The Lord’s Church by her husband in 1992 and served in multiple capacities in their local and global ministry.
Reverend Claudette Dennis’ commitment to the emotional stabilization and healing of women in the Kingdom led her to create a Life Givers’ Fellowship, Healing for Damaged Emotions Course. The course included two specific series of classes entitled, “The Wholesome Tongue” and “Wisdom in the Raw.” Her candid and forthright Biblical teaching style always inspired the women to an elevated scriptural revelation of God’s healing power.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, two weeks after her passing, the life of Apostle Claudette Dennis was celebrated by an impressive delegation of pastors and community leaders from far and near at the Monroeville Assembly of God Church. The array of Christian leaders shared in a Holy Spirit-filled service that began with a worship prelude conducted by Rev. Nikki Porter and friends.
Pastor Brian Ndungu of The Lord’s School in Kenya told of Apostle D’s contributions and impact on their East African school which was established in honor of her and Pastor Archie. North Versailles Pastor Barbara Gunn referred to Apostle Claudette Dennis as “a presence and a force.”
Her firstborn, Minister Marita Dennis, stated: “My mother and father brought integrity to the church and everything they did.”
Her daughter, Pastor Niecy Dennis White, expressed: “Our parents taught us how to distinguish between those who added, multiplied, subtracted or divided from their lives.”
BOBBY DENNIS
The celebratory service continued with video tribute presentations from celebrity pastors and gospel singers including the Fifth Dimension’s Reverend Billy & Marilyn (McCoo) Davis, Reverend Harriet Dennis, Dr. Mike and Pastor DeeDee Freeman, Pastors Norman and Karen Hutchins, Bishop T.D. and Lady Serita Jakes, Dr. Betty Price and family, and gospel singers Tramaine (Hawkins) Richardson and CeCe Winans. All expressed their memories of a no-nonsense, elegant and witty beloved friend who consistently displayed dignity and authentic holiness.
Tramaine (Hawkins) Richardson stirred the moment with her famous rendition of the song, “What shall I do,” and Minister Marita Dennis, along with Pastor Henry M. Davis and Pastor Mark Payne, shared in a dynamic Piano medley.
Apostle John Eckhardt prophesied: “The seeds that were planted (by Apostle D) years ago…you’ll see harvest in the days to come, continue this legacy.” That prophetic moment was proceeded by son Bobby’s passionate narrative of Apostle D’s final days.
BISHOP JACQUELINE MCCULLOUGH
Renowned Bishop Jacqueline McCullough, founder and pastor of the International Gathering Of Beth Rapha Christian Church in Pomona, N.Y., preached the message of hope. Pastor Barbara Mann of Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ in Pittsburgh’s East End officiated and former KDKA-TV news reporter/host Lynne Hayes-Freeland read the obituary and acknowledgements.
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