Cyril Pratt Sr.

The Reverend Cyril Pratt, Sr. was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the 12th of January 1922, to the late Reverend Charles and Francis Pratt. He entered into eternal rest on the 1st of October 2015, in the ninety-third year of his life.

At a very young age adversity shaped his early life and helped forged his character. It instilled in him a sense of responsibility and commitment to family. Growing up during the Great Depression he worked hard without complaint and contributed what he could to assist his family. Always industrious, the Reverend Pratt as a young man, worked as a caddie master and manager at the Fort Lauderdale Golf and Country Club. In 1942, he relocated to New York, and shortly thereafter, was inducted into the United States Army. He fought in five major campaigns during World War II with the 3965th Quartermaster Truck Company. While assigned to that unit, he quickly advanced to the rank of Corporal and was awarded several medals including the World War II Victory Medal. During his service, he earned the respect and admiration of the soldiers he led and was referred to as “Good Corporal Pratt”. After an honorable discharge from the military, he found employment with Davidson Pipe Supply Company in Brooklyn, New York. He was in their employ for 41 years and worked as a crane operator. In addition, he served as the union’s shop steward. Prior to his separation from the military, he married his childhood sweetheart, Jennie Crumedy, on the 4th of February 1944. From this union, Cyril and Jennie became the proud parents of eight children. He was a loving father who stressed the importance of God and the value of education in the lives of his children.

Being raised in a loving Christian home, he was sensitive to the voice of the Lord. He answered the call of God on his life and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. The Reverend Pratt faithfully served as a deacon, pastor, and district overseer within the Church of God for more than 50 years. He was a servant leader and served with humility, compassion, and love—putting the needs of others before his own. He became a credentialed minister on the 26th of April 1959 and was ordained on the 9th of November 1973. As a Bishop, he was a member of the International General Council and the New York State Council.

In each role he served, he made an impact. He assumed his responsibilities as a shepherd with great joy and alacrity. The Reverend Cyril Pratt loved being in the service of others. He worked selflessly and tirelessly to meet the needs of his congregation. No matter the hour, he was always available to comfort those in need. With love and compassion he would visit the sick and console grieving family members. He was attentive to the needs of the congregation. With the support of his loving wife he pastored the congregation for 38 years. He was known as a “teaching preacher”. God gave him the ability to take complex subjects and present them in ways that were relevant, clear, and met the needs of the congregants. During his pastorate his zeal for missionary work was an integral part of his ministry. Under his leadership he would solicit donations of food and clothing from businesses and individuals to support missions in Guyana, South America. He would travel to Guyana frequently and would spend weeks there to assist in whatever capacity was needed. Reverend Cyril Pratt, Sr. was that rare shepherd whose concern for others transformed those he taught and ministered to throughout his life.

He had a passion for learning and traveling. Throughout his years he continued to study, develop and share his increasing knowledge of the gospel. When his scheduled permitted he travelled to Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. The Reverend Pratt never met a stranger, and never lost his sense of humor. Whenever he met someone, he was eager to engage them in friendly conversation. Even throughout his illness he managed to make others laugh and he would tell everyone about the Lord. After speaking with him, the nurses would often joke that “Church had come to the hospital.”

The Reverend Cyril Pratt is survived by seven children, Christine Williams, Ocala, FL; Cosaundra Pratt, Hampton, GA; Cheryl Huntley (The Rev. James) Clinton, MD; Yvonne Johnson (The Rev. Raphael), New York, NY; Cyril Pratt, Jr. (Maria), Woodbridge, VA; Janet Jarrett (Marcos), Queens, NY; Caroline Marrett (Phillip), Deltona, FL; 17 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and many other near relatives and extended families. He is preceded in death by his wife and one daughter.