An Apostolic-Pentecostal Progenitor: Bishop Kenneth H. Moales Sr. “The Man, The Ministry, The Mantle”

Abstract

This thesis contributes to the study of African American religion, more specifically, the realm of the Apostolic-Pentecostal tradition. This work recollects the untold story of Bishop Kenneth Herbert Moales Sr., a father in the Black Charismatic Movement. This project works to uncover his impact within the Black Church and Gospel Music traditions by shedding light on his life’s journey. This thesis uses his musical journey to make sense of his call to ministry. While becoming the successor to Dr. Thomas Dorsey for the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, he was a dynamic preacher who was anointed and called to live a life of prayer and love. He became known interdenominationally for the “War Cry,” a ‘shout chant’ that merged his music and preaching ministry, which is still being sung in churches nationwide. Through this journey, we will understand the history of the Holiness movement and the impact of women that shaped his life while closing with the importance of commissioning the next generation. This work is intended to raise awareness of the work of one of the few impactful practitioners who departed from mainline Black Pentecostalism and still made a mark amongst religious practitioners.