The Pastor and First Lady
The Reverend John A. Cradle, Sr. was born September 16th, 1958 to Vivian L. Farrar of Durham, NC and the late John Henry Williams; he is the oldest of (5) children. Reverend Cradle currently reside in Durham, NC with his wife of (24) years Lynette D. Cradle. They are blessed within their marriage to have two children, Jasmine (24) and John II (22). On February 24th of 2014 God extended the blessing of their 1st grandchild, Tru Jhai (pronounced Jay) Ridick.
Reverend Cradle was educated in the Durham Public School system and later joined the United Stated Marine Corps in 1976, where he served as an active duty Marine from July 1976 to January 1980. It was after John's Honorable Discharge in 1980 that he started his matriculation. Between the time period of 1980 to 2013, he received (3) degrees. The first was an AAS in Occupational Health and Safety (Durham Technical Community College) second a BS in Business with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management (North Carolina Central University), third and most recently a Master's of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care (Campbell University Divinity School). His future plans are to return to complete his Doctorate's in Marriage and Family Counseling
Reverend Cradle was baptized in 1962 by the late Reverend Dr. W.T. Bigelow of Greater Saint Paul Baptist Church of Durham, NC. He was called to ministry at an early age, and like most Preachers ran until he could no longer resist his calling. He joined the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (26) years ago and (14) years later committed himself to serving in the Kingdom
Reverend Cradle was ordained Deacon by the late Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Thomas Lanier Hoyt Jr. on July 22nd, 2010 at 138th Session of the Carolina Region Annual Conference and two years later as a Traveling Elder by the same, Senior Bishop at the 140th Session of the Carolina Region Annual Conference in Greensboro, NC. During his journey, Reverend Cradle has served five years as the Associate Pastor of Faucette Memorial CME Church in Durham, NC (Pastor Julian Couch), and presently as the Associate Pastor of the great Russell Memorial CME Church, Durham, NC (Pastor Dr. Wayne Williams).
Reverend Cradle is employed by Chatham County Department of Social Services as a Social Worker in Adult Services. He is a Case Manager for Special Assistance In-Home clients. He is responsible in assisting and ensuring that senior citizens can safely remain in their homes. Reverend Cradle considers this to be Geriatric Ministry offering a window of opportunity to be a witness of an ever present God that promises never to leave nor forsake us.