Member of the Month 

September 2007

Pat Drake

by: Tom Whitener

We “figure” it is a “plus” to “add” Pat Drake as our September 2007 Member of the Month. Pat retired in 2003 after teaching math in the Kanawha County School System for 31 years.  She says, “I enjoyed my job, but home was always my thing. I placed my emphasis on the home.” Anyone could tell that you can still “count” on Pat Drake. 

Currently residing in St. Albans with her husband of 46 years, Pat explains what really drew her attention to Wendell since they both grew up in Spencer , WV . “We happened to see each other during a high school reunion and we cooked up this hay ride. He had the hay and I had the hot dogs.”   

Following two grown sons (Bruce and Jeffrey) and five grandchildren, the Drakes also share an interest in antique glass, but Pat confesses, “We just haven’t had the time, so the glass is on hold for a little while.”   

Pat recognizes how being in a Christian home impacted her childhood, but it wasn’t until she was 14 that Pat understood her situation as a sinner. She went forward to accept Jesus as her Savior at a school-sponsored crusade. Pat elaborates, “After I was saved, it was many years before I felt like I grew much as a Christian. When Wendell got saved in 1980, we became very involved in church.”    

As a member of the Joyful Ringers, Pat comments, “Playing the handbells is something I’ve always admired. It’s wonderful how we can use different types of music to praise the Lord. It’s even better when we can all end on the right note.”  Her favorite hymn is “How Great Thou Art.”  

When asked about her favorite verses in the Bible, she thoughtfully answered among joyful tears, “Psalm 8:1 is so special to me because I’m a big creation buff. Creation is a gift from God and it’s truly a blessing for us to be able to see it every day.” Pat also mentions, “Romans 14:8 & 9 seemed to jump out at me when my dad passed away.”  

Pat has no difficulty in pointing out the best thing about Spring Hill Baptist Church . Pat reveals, “The people are the church and the pastor is included in that. We have a group of caring, loving and giving people here.”  

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