Pastor Alver Bratten

Elder Bratten was born in Snowhill, MD on July 3, 1933 to the late Rossie L. And Elizabeth Bratten in Snowhill, MD. After his mother passed at the age of three, his father moved with his two sons to East Patchogue, Long Island, NY. He moved to Delaware in 1949 where he attended and graduated from Howard High School.

Alver worked for several dry cleaning firms. He later worked as a truck driver for Diamond Chemical Supply Co until he retired at the age of 75.

While working at the dry cleaners, Elder Bratten met the lovely, "coke bottle shaped" Vernell Burt as he often described her. Vernell had a strong love for the Lord and invited Alver to go to church with her. One of those invitations to a church meeting resulted in Alver accepting the Lord as his personal savior and gave his life to Christ. That night changed his life forever. They joined the M.C.O.G.I.C under the Rev. Rainey. They were married in 1954 and from this union was born a daughter, Alva Daylynn. Vernell and Alver loved traveling to different churches to hear good singing and preaching. They enjoyed the Roger Robert Singers, Emma Cramer singers, Carl Caldwell and many other good quartet groups. Alver also loved country music.

Elder Bratten joined the Mother Church of God in Christ, got saved and soon devoted himself to the work of the church. He worked hard in the church and was on fire for the Lord, unstoppable. He became a Deacon and a Chairman of Maintenance Committee in 1962 and Financial State Secretary, 1963. Rev. Rainey came to him and told him he wanted him to go to school and to be his only assistant pastor. Alver proceeded to earn his minister's license in August of 1969 and was ordained one year later in 1970. In 1972, he was subsequently appointed Assistant Pastor. Following Elder Raineys advice, he graduated from Manna Bible Institute, 1972 with honors. He was President Dean/Teacher of the Mason Bible College, President of the Y.P.W.W., and President of the Youth Department. Rev. Rainey and Elder Bratten were an awesome team.

He is one of the most prolific Bible scholars who graced us in our lifetime. The level of teaching that was given was matchless. He would give the Hebrew and Greek meaning during his sermons. The height and depth of his messages would move in your whole being because of the anointed unadulterated word of God coming from his wisdom to teach and reach. Elder Bratten had a true passion for teaching the word of God. He always had a place in his heart for young people. He would have rap sessions and allowed young people to ask questions or talk about their struggles without judgement or conviction. He showed everyone the scriptures and what the Bible said about it in fine details. He had an awesome way of teaching that would inspire the desire to learn more. Elder Bratten had such a powerful anointing; and just like Jeremiah, it was like fire shut up in his bones. Bratten also began to teach personal evangelism every Saturday morning at 9am. It didn't matter who was in his audience; whether it was the youth or at the state conventions, he would preach and teach with the same anointed passion. He also taught the Junior Deacon Bible study. He never got tired of teaching young people. In collaboration with Harry Lemon and Cheryl Smith the youth membership grew to 1600 people strong. Elder Bratten's passion and dedication planted many seeds. Those who received his teaching are now Apostles, Bishops, Superintendents, Pastors, Evangelist and Missionaries. Several are in leadership positions at their local churches such as Pastor Harry LeMon, Pastor Rudolph Johnson, Bishop Teresa Hicks who also ministers in Africa. At State conventions he would inspire church members and have them standing on their feet. At any time, you would receive several Bible lessons in his sermons. His powerful teaching did not go unnoticed. He was handpicked by the National/International Church of God in Christ Eastern Pennsylvania State Secretary, the Bishop Dewitt A. Burton. He recognized the teaching wisdom of Pastor Bratten and selected him to pastor one of his churches in Philadelphia.

In 1980 Elder Alver Bratten extended his ministry to the city of Philadelphia where he was appointed Pastor of the St. John Church of God in Christ. The St. John Church prospered under his leadership for 8 years. In 1982 Elder Bratten and the Saint John congregation merged with the congregation of the Tower of Pentecost Church pastored by the late Bishop DeWitt. Under the new organization, Elder Bratten was appointed Pastor. Elder Bratten served in Philadelphia with dedication and distinction for 20 years. He served as Chairman of the Ordination Committee, Author of The Examining Criteria for all elders and ministers, President of the State District Local YPWW and Emergency of the Tower of Pentecost Church radio broadcast.

In 2006 Elder Bratten accepted the call to return to the Eastern Delaware Jurisdiction under the late Bishop Blackshear to start pastoring the Gospel Time M.C.O.G.I.C. Elder Bratten retired in 2016 when his health started to decline. Even then, he was always willing to sit and teach the word of God anywhere he went.

Rev. Alver Bratten peacefully departed this life to go home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 6, 2020 surrounded by loving family. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 62 years, Vernell M., his brothers, Lenwood A and Ronnie, Edward Bratten, his father, Rossie W., and mother Elizabeth Bratten.

He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Evangelist Alva Daylynn Drummond-Emory (Sean), a brother, Minister Rossie Alfonzo Bratten (Catherine), 2 sisters, Sylvia Rider (Allen), Doris Bratten, 2 loving grandsons, Francis Drummond (Dana), Daywon Drummond, 7 great grandchildren, Desai Drummond, Francis Drummond, Jayanni Congo, Adam Drummond, Titus Drummond, Jeilah Thompson and Emyiah Perry-Washington; all were cherished dearly. Elder Bratten loved his 2 grandsons. He was an awesome dad, and both a grandfather and father to his grandsons. After the death of their dad, Pop Pop was a mentor and their protector. He always spoke of them with love and adoration. He also loved his great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins.


Daddy, Pop Pop you always said never say Good-Bye! So for now we tell you, you will be missed so much. You instilled in us the love of God, you planted the seed and our tears we shed each day will make us into the blossoming flowers blooming everywhere. Until we meet again! Sleep on. Take your Rest Mighty Man! You were faithful over a few and many things!