Pastor Brady Blade, Sr.!

Описание: On Louisiana Haywire, we journey through the remarkable life of Pastor Brady L. Blade Sr. Born in 1939 in Shreveport, he grew up by the railroad tracks—rich in spirit though poor in means. At 14, while shining shoes, he heard the Lord’s call to preach, a promise that shaped his destiny. From a cappella services in West Texas to becoming a full-time pastor at just 21, Blade transformed faith and music in his community. He brought gospel to radio, drums to Shreveport’s churches, and raised sons who carried his musical legacy worldwide. His wisdom endures: know God, read His word, and let it guide your life."

Pastor Brady L. Blade Sr. shares his life story, encompassing his childhood in Shreveport, his calling to preach, and his extensive involvement in the music and religious community.

Key points from the interview include:

Early Life and Childhood (1:10:30-4:05): Pastor Blade Sr. recounts his birth in 1939 at the old Shared Hospital in Shreveport and growing up on Allendale Street near the railroad tracks. He describes a childhood where he felt rich despite their poverty, learning about being "poor" only in his teens. He also shares memories of his father working for the TNP Railroad and later at the Jewish temple, where he spent many hours buffing floors and emptying trash. He is the last of eight children and his parents lived to be 78 and 92. He graduated from Booker T. Washington, the only high school for Black students in the 1940s and 50s, in 1957.
The Calling to Preach (4:05-11:11): Pastor Blade Sr. committed to preaching at the age of 14, a promise he made to God. He recounts the moment the "spirit of the Lord spoke to him" while shining shoes at Lonnie Davis Barber Shop on Texas Avenue, calling him to preach the gospel.
Early Ministry in West Texas (17:39-20:00): After graduating, he served in a church in Cross Plains, West Texas, for four years. This period was characterized by a lack of musical instruments or a choir, with services being entirely a cappella.
Return to Shreveport and Unexpected Pastorate (20:00-24:50): He initially planned to return to Shreveport briefly before going to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for graduate work. However, during a youth day sermon at his home church, an elderly deacon declared that the "Holy Ghost had spoken," leading the church to vote him in as their full-time pastor at just 21 years old, despite his single status and lack of experience.
Involvement in Radio and Television Ministry (45:38-47:00): Pastor Blade Sr. shares his experience as a radio announcer at KCIJ, where he convinced the owner to convert the country station to an all-gospel format. Later, he became involved with Channel 12 for a public service program, "Hallelujah."
Musical Legacy and Sons (50:40-1:00:00): He discusses his decision to send his sons, Brady Jr. and Brian, to the lake to learn music formally, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rudiments of music beyond playing by ear. He recounts how Brady Jr. was the first to bring drums into the church in Shreveport, a practice that later became widespread.
Church and Choir (1:01:29-1:04:50): He highlights the outstanding music at his church, particularly praising the musician Shericka Henderson. He mentions the integrated nature of his church, with members of various nationalities, and his current drummer, Jim O'Brien, a Berkeley School of Music graduate.
Reflections on Life Wisdom (1:07:00-1:07:22): When asked for life wisdom for younger generations, Pastor Blade Sr. advises them to get to know God, read His word daily, and find someone who can teach them about the Bible.