Our First Lady

Sister Freddie Arnell Pettiford

Sister Freddie Arnell Pettiford, a native of Missouri, was born in the City of St. Louis, the oldest of five children. Her childhood followed the general norm of growing up in a modern society. She received her formal education through the public schools of St. Louis, graduating from Sumner High. Pursuing an echelon of higher learning, she attended Harris Stowe Teachers College and Mound City Business College.

At the age of nine, she met the young eleven-year-old "swinger" who was to play a leading role in her future. On January 3, 1961, she and her childhood sweetheart became man and wife. This loving couple is the proud parents of five children - Anthony, Alonzo, Andre, Carolyn and Rhonda. At the time of this setting, they are the doting grandparents of fifteen, one deceased.

Sister Pettiford was baptized in Jesus' name on July 27, 1966 and later filled with the Holy Ghost at the House Of Prayer To All Nations in East St. Louis, Illinois, under the pastorate of the late District Elder John H. Pettiford, Sr. She diligently began to follow the course that the Lord had designed for her life. Realizing she was saved to serve, Sister Pettiford became very active in the church and has functioned in many areas including, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, President of the Voices of Christ Choir, President of the Sisterhood Auxiliary, a position she presently holds; in the year of 1979, she became the First Lady of the House Of Prayer To All Nations, working with her husband, then Elder, now Suffragan Bishop John H. Pettiford. She has also served as radio announcer and in the Midwestern District Council. Sister Pettiford works faithfully with the Ministers Wives. She is also an inspirational speaker and teacher. She has always endeavored to meet the challenge of whatever task she has been assigned.

If limited to one word to describe "Freddie Arnell", as affectionately called by her husband, the word would be IDEAL. As wife, mother, and homemaker, she is second to none. As a Christian, she stands tall among Christian women. Since the beginning of her walk with the Lord, she has striven, through fasting and prayer, to adhere to the scripture that tells us to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

As a pastor's wife , she is exemplary. In this position, First Lady Pettiford has endured much, and made many sacrifices. Often, her needs, desires and material dreams were held in abeyance or put on hold for the welfare, upkeep of the church and for the furtherance of the Gospel; yet she remains steadfast in her faith, love, and willingness to follow her husband and pastor as he endeavors to follow the directions of Christ. Her admiration, honor and respect for her husband can be summarized in the words of Ruth of the Old Testament: "for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people and thy God my God....."

Sister Pettiford has a deep adoration for the Lord and she is genuinely committed to His cause.

Ideal? - YES, a resounding YES - I D E A L.

Sister Freddie Arnell Pettiford is, indeed, an extraordinary, noble woman of God, an example of "Excellence Personified".