Bishop Charlie Bridges April 9, 1943 - March 4, 2024

Condolence(1)

1. 

   REPLY

   Rev. Mother Shirley Melker says

   March 13, 2024 at 3:51 PM

   Death is a continuation from one country to another and Elder Charles Bridges took that trip. I met him in Champaign, Illinois, at our first and only historical tent revival. He came and was our only drummer, even after we moved to our location. I met him more than 59 years ago as my husband, (Bro. Billy) Apostle William Melker, established Greater Holy Temple Church. I recall Elder Bridges and his record shop at Washington and Goodwin Streets. And also watching him walking home from his U of I job at Mckinley Health Center. There were many days I stopped by their house and remembered the countless times we had dinner. Elder Bridges and I rode the AMTRACK train from Chicago after he went to visit his relatives. He loved his family unconditionally and they loved and protected him at all times.

   Pastor Melker gave Sis. Mary Ann Thomas a prophecy that Elder Bridges would be her husband, even though they had never dated. What a great day at their wedding! After pronouncing them husband and wife, the church went up in praise. His love for his family, friends, and church members will remain present in our hearts and minds forever. He lived an exemplified and Christian life. He instilled the same values into his family and was the epitome of a man of holiness.

   In his infinite wisdom, God called him home to claim his reward. We will see him in the morning, for he is now in the presence of his parents, other family members, and, of course, the angelic host. He fought a good fight to stay with his family, but God needed him to come home.

   The lessons he taught will be passed on for generations. May God’s love and grace embrace you. He is living in the sunlight. I commend his wife and children for taking good care of him. I love you, my brother, friend, and spiritual son.

   Don’t grieve for me, for now, I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me, I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all, I could not say another day, If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy, a friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss, Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow, My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, My loved ones touch, if my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart, Rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free

   Humbly submitted: The Melker Family and the Greater Holy Temple Church, Urbana, Illinois