Memorial service planned for Saturday
CONNELLSVILLE – World Christian Outreach of Connellsville is hosting a memorial service for the late Rev. Leslie Strader Sr. at 6 p.m. Saturday at Connellsville Presbyterian Church, located at 711 S. Pittsburgh St. “We wanted to give honor to the family because he was so well known in the area,’ said the Rev. Don Smith of World Christian Outreach, who noted the service is taking place at the Presbyterian church to accommodate the 200 people expected to attend.
Strader, who served as an evangelist with his wife, Mary Ann, at World Christian Outreach, died in September 2001. His son Leslie Strader Jr. continues to be a member of World Christian Outreach. Mrs. Strader works as a pastor at Victorious Faith Evangelistic Outreach in Pittsburgh.
Leslie House, located at 246 E. Fairview Ave. in Connellsville and operated by different churches in the community, is named for Strader, Smith said.
Leslie House offers after-school activities for youths, including tutoring as well as lessons on cooking, sewing and how to work with tools. A segment on square dancing will also be presented. Smith said Leslie House is an extension of Strader’s ministry.
Smith said of Strader, “He was well known as a street evangelist throughout Fayette County and the Pittsburgh area. He ministered to the needs of the people, going from house to house and on the street. He would pass out tracts and talk to people about the Lord.
“He was a very loving man,’ Smith continued. “He was a man who took care of his family and a person who had a heart to make a difference in the community.
He had a heart for other people. He worked to see people come off the streets. He began to minister with them. As he did this, lives changed. He took money out of his own pocket to buy them food – both Leslie and Mary Ann.’
Saturday’s service will include Strader’s family: his wife and son as well as his brother, the Rev. Robert Strader, who is assistant pastor at World Christian Outreach.
The Rev. Anthony Williams of Lion of Judah Ministry in Poplar Bluff, Mo., will be guest speaker. The gospel group Spirit Filled will provide special music. Visiting pastors from Fayette County and the Pittsburgh area are also expected to attend.