Founder

Profile Highlights

Of

The Rev. Catherine I. Godboldte, PhD

Rev. Catherine I. Godboldte, PhD is an associate minister of Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown, an adjunct professor at Temple University, Pan-African Studies Continuing Educational Program (PASCEP). In academic professional terminology, she is an Afro centric Womenist Research Consultant.

Rev. Catherine Godboldte, PhD was born, reared and educated in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia High School For Girls

St. Joseph University – B.S. Degree in Mathematics and Physics

Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary -- Masters of Art and Religion

Temple University -- PhD in Religion and African American Studies

Remarkably, Dr. I. Godboldte is recovering from a death threatening operation a brain aneurysm which occurred June 30, 1996. In 2002, our Savoir restored her senses well enough to publish one of the several books from her PhD dissertation, written over 13 years ago, Soon-a Will Be Done: A History of African-American Funeral Tradition, written 1993 to 1095.

In 2005, she wrote a book with Dr. Molefi K. Asanta of Temple University called, Orators, Preachers, and Musicians: Living Legends in the African-American tradition.

In 2007 Dr. Godboldte recorded portions of the book on compact disk (CD), this Volumes I-V

Volume I   Preachers – Rev. Dr. William J. Shaw & Rev. Floyd Rose

Musicians – Kim & Reggie Harris

Volume IIRev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor

Musicians – Kim & Reggie Harris; Gregory Allen

Volume IIIRev. Dr. Charles Booth

Volume IVRev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr.

Volume VRev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr.

Music – “A Tribute to Tindley performed by Dr. Verolga Nix & the Intermezzo Choir

Dr. Godboldte has had many opportunities to talk about her work on the radio over various stations and on television. Especially, does she enjoy discussing the courses facilitated at Temple University, "Spiritual Treasures of the Mind, Body, and Spirit: an American studies for the parents and adults (comparable to the courses recently adopted for the children in the School District of Philadelphia."

Bridges to the Community, Inc. began as a research project directed by Catherine Godboldte, PhD for women recovering from substance abuse. These women had young children. The womn were trained in business and industry programs or enrolled in Community College or Temple University. Five persons have graduated from Universities. One person graduated from University of Pennsylvania. Last year two graduated from Temple University with Masters Degrees. In September, 2009, one woman was accepted to pursue her PhD degree at Eastern University. There is now a men and family division of BRIDGES to the Community, Inc.

Too numerous to mention are Dr. Godboldte's as many awards received from religious and secular organizations. Most recently, she received a medallion from the Progressive National Baptist Convention, for being one of the "Founders of the Women's Department" 40 years, ago. During that period, she became the first woman officer of the entire Convention.

In recent years, the National Academy of Religion bestowed an honor worthy of mention. She is the first recipient of the award-winning written and spoken presentation on the subject, "The Spirituality of African-American Women."

Rev. Catherine I. Godboldte, PhD is a widow, and the mother of two beautiful adult daughters. They have successful careers. One is a financial consultant, the other is an educator.   Her only granddaughter, who graduated from Florida A & M University, is now employed by a branch of a national accounting firm. "To God Be the Glory."