By Mona Austin
Bishop Charles E. Blake has stepped up to control the narrative around his health. With First Lady Mae Blake by his side, he silenced the rumor mill during Sunday service on April 24. He confessed that Parkinson's disease had taken a toll on his voice and announced his decision to alter his ministry schedule.
He announced that Elder Charles E. Blake II, his oldest son is officially taking on the role of co-pastor.
"God has blesed me to serve you with Parkinson's for 10 years.," he said looking to Frist Lady Mae Blake to confirm how long he has suffered with the condition.
"I'm going to be around making my contribution also with Elder Charles if ya'll would be bothered with me. . .", he added to cheers.
The following words, indeed gave the impression that the senior Blakc was handing the mantle to his son while he worked on the sidelnines: "Thank you West A for a wonderful run. Thank you for makin my life what it has been in these 50 years."
The next day the Blakes followed the announcement with an official statement:
“As the Senior Pastor of West Angeles Church, I have led and served this great church daily for more than 53 years. However; most recently I am acutely aware that my Parkinson’s diagnosis is impacting my physical stature, and vocal strength. Many individuals with Parkinson’s continue to live long, satisfying lives.”
First Lady Mae added: “I too just want to thank you for all of the prayers and the love that you’ve shown us. I’m just so happy that Bishop Blake is still here for us to love on, and learn from. I praise God that He’s not done with West Angeles or Bishop, and that God has more work for us to do!”
Bishop Blakes intention in release a statement and standing before his congregant was inteded to evade presumptions, rumors of a official retirment had started to run rampant
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement." Brain cells begin to die in Parkinson's patients.
Setting the record straight, Blake plainly stated he is not stepping down. He will rotate preaching with his sons, Co-Pastor Blake and Young Adult Pastor Lawrence C. Blake, along with the clergy of West Angeles Church.
The Pastor of the West Angeles COGIC mega church in Los Angeles remained in pastoral leadership over his flock while facing the challenges of Parkinson's and doubly managed the responsibilities of being the Presiding Bishiop of the COGIC oranization made up of millions of members worldwide. He did not seek re-election in October of 2020 setting the wheels in motion for a contingency plan. Bishop Blake's retirement from the COGIC Board and general assembly took effect in March of 2021. He was succeeded by Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Sr. as Presiding Bishop on March 20, 2021. By November of 2021 Elder Blake has already begun conducting service regularly at the 20,000 seat church. That year he burned the $65 million dollar mortgage to the sprawlin West A cathedral that was erected in 1999. Noting this contribution to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles he mentioned that the community would always have a place of worship. Buy the fall he releived himself of duties to the international GOGIC body.
In a video statement he announced at the time:
“I have made the decision to not seek re-election as a member of the General Board or as Presiding Bishop. I have requested that the General Board grant me emeritus status at the time of the next election.”
The current Bishop Emeritus, avoided providing an in-depth reason for the shift but gave thanks for the oppotunity to serve and listed accomplishments from the decades of leadership. His noticably whispy voice was waning in the announcement video causing speculation that he was ill. Gossipers filled in the blanks with their own suppositions. Many in the church community were already aware of the pastor's health challenges before his public acknowledgement.
FULL STATEMENT FROM BISHOP CHARLES E. BLACK AND LADY MAE BLAKE
"As the Senior Pastor of West Angeles Church, I have led and served this great church daily for more than 53 years. However; most recently I am acutely aware that my Parkinson’s diagnosis is impacting my physical stature, and vocal strength. With this in mind, I want to share a few thoughts, with you, my West Angeles Family and my Community.
Many individuals with Parkinson’s continue to live long, satisfying lives. I will continue to serve my congregation just as I have before my announcement. I will continue to preach the Gospel, rotating as I have with my sons, Co-Pastor Charles E. Blake II and Young Adult Pastor Lawrence C. Blake, and the Clergy of West Angeles Church.
Lady Mae, and our children have been steadfast in supporting me during this time. The administrative and ministry staff of West Angeles continue to work with dedication and love to serve and minister to this great congregation and community.
Although it is obvious that I do not move as fast as I used to, I am still very much excited about the work of God and the future of West Angeles. I am committed to giving God my best every day!
I thank you for your love and your prayers."
Lady Mae L. Blake stated, “I too just want to thank you for all of the prayers and the love that you’ve shown us. I’m just so happy that Bishop Blake is still here for us to love on, and learn from. I praise God that He’s not done with West Angeles or Bishop, and that God has more work for us to do!