Pastor Wendell Lane Spencer

Spencer's Song: Verse 1 Like a composer writes the perfect melody in time, so did time perfect the gift of Wendell Lane Spencer given to Theodore and Thelma Spencer on October 22, 1955, in Toledo, Ohio, Lucas County. He was the youngest of his brothers: Theodore, Jr., Wilfred, William, and Thomas. Chorus: Now when I remember spring, and all the joy that love can bring, I will be remembering the shadow of your smile. Verse 2 The Spencer family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1957. Wendell attended Esterbrook Elementary, McMichael Junior High, and graduated from David Mackenzie High School in 1974. It was this year that Wendell met the love of his life, Deborah Patricia Fields, affectionately called “DP,” at a band rehearsal where she was auditioning to be a singer. They attended the prom together, styling in a 1940 Rolls Royce, Wendell elegantly donned with a top hat and tails to boot. They became an official couple on October 24, 1974. Wendell was a provider for his family and a hard-worker. His first job was as a truck-driver for the Keebler Cookie Company. Later, he worked for the Student Transportation Department for Detroit Public Schools. Eventually, he clearly heard the voice of the Lord and left this work to accept his call into the ministry. Chorus: Now when I remember spring, and all the joy that love can bring, I will be remembering the shadow of your smile. Verse 3 His love for music was awakened in his teenaged years, and as the years progressed, Wendell and Patricia’s love was strengthened and interwoven through a tapestry of music and the arts. They recorded their first song entitled “There Is No Love” at United Sound Recording Studios. They continued to hone their skills in writing, recording, production and vocal arrangement at Sound Suite Studios. A highlight of their musical journey was working with Johnny Allen, strings arranger for the movie “Shaft.” Throughout the years, their musical skill provided many opportunities to work with various artists. Wendell started his own record label and publishing company, Spencer Fields Records in the mid 80’s, and released many projects, including three most recent: Authentic (2006); The Late Show (2010); and Rural (2010). These projects are still available on CDBaby.com. Chorus: Now when I remember spring, and all the joy that love can bring, I will be remembering the shadow of your smile. Verse 4 In 1980, they decided to make the music last forever, and Wendell and Patricia were married on November 5. To this union, they were blessed with five children: Sherman Lamont Fields (deceased); Gwendolyn Patrice Barnes; Deborah Lane; Rebecca; and Omiga Christina. He shared his love for music with his family and this musical legacy was bestowed upon them all. His rich musical lineage continues as all of the “Spencer Girls” are talented singers, musicians, actresses, songwriters, producers, and arrangers. Chorus: Now when I remember spring, and all the joy that love can bring, I will be remembering the shadow of your smile. Verse 5 Wendell gave his life to Christ and was baptized in 1982 and began his life of work in the ministry. He wore many hats, including driving the church bus, and serving as the church musician, playing the organ and piano. In 1984, he was ordained as a deacon and served faithfully for six years, as well as the Sunday School Superintendent. He began seminary courses at the Union Theological Seminary. From 1990-1993, he also completed courses in The Standard Leadership Curriculum issued through the B.M.& E. State Congress of Christian Education. As a member in B.M. & E., he served as the vice moderator of the Greater Love District for over ten years and president of the Congress of Christian Education for eight years. He was called to co-pastor in 1992 at Mount Charity Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Sidney King. Wendell became the pastor of Mount Charity in 1994. Chorus: Now when I remember spring, and all the joy that love can bring, I will be remembering the shadow of your smile. Bridge Pastor Spencer served faithfully at Mount Charity Missionary Baptist Church for 19 years. Everyone knew how much he loved children, and supported the Youth Ministry and its endeavors to the fullest. He was a catalyst for unity throughout the church, continuously meeting with various auxiliaries to make the vision plain. Pastor Spencer’s main message was striving to have a clean heart, without sin. He was focused on a purpose-driven life and wanted his congregation to always be full of the Spirit of God. His mantra for the church was Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Evangelism. In a most recent sermon, Pastor Spencer proclaimed “Praise Waiteth for Thee.” And now, Wendell Spencer, faithful pastor, husband, father, friend, and servant waits no more…but sings his praises to the King, forevermore.

Pastor Wendell Lane Spencer

October 22, 1955 - July 10, 2013