Ministers’ wives wear many hats, and as Claudette Sweet says, “They’re not just the pretty ones we wear to church on Sunday.”
Sweet should know. She’s the president of and the wife of the Rev. R.B. Sweet. She also helped organize the annual Leadership Luncheon that celebrated the 31st anniversary of the association’s presence in Denver.
Walls of Wisdom was the theme for the event held at Park Hill Golf Club.
“Our association works to dispel the notion that preachers’ wives arrive for services late, sit in the front row and wear pretty hats. We’re much more than that. We’re helpmates to our husbands and our parishioners. We’re also Sunday School teachers, musicians, role models and missionaries,” Sweet said.
“We also offer friendship and support, particularly to the widows who can be left on their own after their husbands pass on.”
The Denver chapter is one of about 100 nationwide and was established in 1984 by Ollie Barefield, whose 26-year career with the Denver Public Schools included stints as principal at Whittier and John Amesse elementary schools and consultant under former Superintendent Mary A. Ray. Barefield’s late husband, the Rev. H.B. Barefield, was pastor of Greater St. John Baptist Church from 1963 to 1990.
Members represent all denominations, Sweet said.
The luncheon also acknowledged Women’s History Month by inviting 10 female entrepreneurs to display and sell their products. In addition, there was entertainment by the children’s ministry from New Hope Baptist Church and Maxwell Theatrical Self-Image Inc.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joannedavidson
