Bishop Mark Henry Blade

Bishop Mark Henry Blade was the second of three children born to the late Leonard and Cinderella Tyler Blade, on July 2, 1926, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Bishop Blade was educated in the Vigo County public school system, in Terre Haute Indiana. He completed a three-year tour of duty in the United States Army at Fort Lewis, Washington, Okinawa, Japan and in the Philippines. In 1945, he received an honorable discharge from the service. Bishop Blade was the former owner of Simplex Shoe Repair in Terre Haute, Indiana. Brother Blade was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost September, 1949 in a revival at the Hoover Building in Terre Haute, Indiana under the leadership of Elder Lewis Bernice. On December 25, 1951, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Marian Owens in Gary, Indiana by the late Bishop C.E. Bennett. They enjoyed sixty-five (65) years of marriage until her earthly departure on December 23, 2017. Through this beautiful union, they have been blessed to cherish five children: Mark Jason, Michael, Cedric, Marvin and Linda. Bishop Mark Henry Blade, a man after God’s own heart, has been a noble leader to the saints of Historic Indiana First Jurisdiction. Under his dynamic leadership, he has afforded many opportunities to individuals, young and seasoned, to work within various capacities throughout the Jurisdiction. He has been proactive in ensuring the Historic Indiana First Jurisdiction remains progressive in all of its endeavors. He has hosted some of Christendom’s greatest leaders in our great church, including our current Chief Apostle and Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Charles Edward Blake, Sr. Some of Bishop Blade’s accomplishments as Leader of Historic Indiana First Jurisdiction: reinstated full day services for the Department of Women during the Worker’s Meeting and the Jurisdiction Holy Convocation; reinstated the Department of Women’s Treasury; revised the Jurisdictional Holy Convocation to three days; ordained approximately 40 Ministers under his administration; co-hosted the 64th Women’s International Convention in 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky; changed the Jurisdiction name to “Historic” Indiana First Jurisdiction; designed a logo for the Jurisdiction; instituted a mentorship program; honors and awards outstanding workers for their service to the Jurisdiction; and awards workers who are 80 years and older for their service to the Jurisdiction. Bishop Mark Henry Blade is not only esteemed highly amongst those in religious arenas, he is also respected by many government officials and a great number of other civic and community leaders. He is a man whose life elucidates how present and future leaders should pattern themselves. Bishop Mark Henry Blade transitioned from this earth after 13 years of leadership to Historic Indiana First Jurisdiction on February 14, 2020. He was 93 years old. Bishop Mark Henry Blade was proceeded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Dr. Dorothy M.O. Blade; his siblings - brother, Leonard Blade; and sister, Virginia Rice; daughter-in-law, Vickie Blade and great-grandson, Sacha Rory. Bishop Mark Henry Blade leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved children, Mark J. (Annette), Terre Haute, Indiana; Michael D. (Pamela), Indianapolis, Indiana; Miles C. (Brenda), Burlington, North Carolina; Linda M.(Timothy), Evansville, Indiana and Marvin A.(Jerrie), Plainfield, Indiana, ten grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, Saints Home Church Family and Historic Indiana First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Family. Bishop Blade leaves his motto / legacy of Honesty, Integrity and Truth.