Most clergy pride themselves on being biblically literate. We realize that biblical literacy is not a one-shot affair; we continue to dedicate time and energy to scriptural study throughout our careers.
At 88 years old, the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Patterson, Jr. reflects on a life defined by unwavering faith, tireless service, and a passion for growing God’s Kingdom. “I’m still driven by my initial calling into the ministry and the opportunity to serve the Kingdom,” Rev. Patterson said with quiet conviction.
Born in New Orleans in 1937, Rev. Patterson felt the Lord’s call at the age of 12 while attending Sunday School at Greater Bethel Baptist Church. At 18, he married his first wife, Shirley, and joined the military. Together, they traveled around the country, engaging in missionary work with churches such as Trinity Missionary Baptist House in Honolulu, Hawaii, before settling in Alaska in 1962.
Stationed in Fairbanks, Rev. Patterson retired from the military in 1966. He then founded and served as pastor of Corinthians Baptist Church in Fairbanks, the first of many ministries he would lead. “When I first came to Alaska there were three ABCUSA churches,” he recalled. “Now they’re located in several cities and thriving.”
In November 1970, Rev. Patterson became the pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (SMBC) in Anchorage, where he would serve for the next 47 years. When Anchorage’s downtown expansion forced Shiloh to relocate in 1974, Rev. Patterson led the groundbreaking for its current home on 20th Avenue. He didn’t stop there, Shiloh grew to include an educational wing, a youth and family support center and the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Life Center.
Shirley, Rev. Patterson’s first wife, served alongside him. Though not formally ordained, he insisted she was a minister in her own right. “She ministered to the people. Shirley helped children go to college and took care of soldiers,” he said. “Wherever we were located we went about the mission of expanding the Kingdom.” Shirley went home to the Lord in October 2022. Two years ago, Rev. Patterson remarried. His second wife, the Rev. Edwenia Brown Patterson, is also affiliated with ABCUSA and former Executive Minister of SMBC.
“We met and chose to be partners,” he explained. “She is as equally fabulous as Shirley. I must admit she is a great preacher. Some people don’t always take to women preachers, but they need to learn to do so.” Shiloh’s growth was only part of Rev. Patterson’s vision. His commitment to ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church, shaping leaders and building communities across Alaska. That passion for developing others would define the next chapter of his life.
After retiring in 2017, Rev Paterson was named Pastor Emeritus of Shiloh Baptist Church. He continues his work as coordinator of Alaska Ministries for American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), a role he has held since 1996. Rev. Patterson oversees mission development and general administration in Alaska, supports pastors and works to develop and train new leadership for mission and ministry. Under his pastorate, Rev. Patterson licensed and ordained more than 57 pastors, 80 deacons and deaconesses and mentored hundreds of others. “Pastor to pastor, I minister to the churches I have planted,” he noted. “I help ministers pursue education and training, guiding them toward fulfillment in ministry.”
Mentoring is how Rev. Patterson plans to spend the rest of his days until the Lord calls him Home. “It’s been a joy,” he disclosed. “I love the program.” Rev. Patterson also ministers to Native bush communities by sharing the Gospel while supporting their way of life through fishing, sustainable use of natural resources, and teaching essential survival skills for living in Alaska.
Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Patterson founded Shiloh Community Development, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides mentoring, education, and other services to disadvantaged youth in Anchorage. He also launched Bridge Builders and Young Lions of America, a youth mentoring program.
His leadership extended to roles such as chairperson of the Alaskan State Board of Parole, chair of the Martin Luther Jr. Foundation of Alaska, the Alaska Black Leadership Conference, and the Greatland State Baptist Convention. In addition, he served as president of the board of directors for Shiloh Community Development, Inc. and director of Alaska Ministries for the Alaska Baptist Churches. Rev. Patterson earned a B.A. degree in psychology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage and a D. Div. from the American Bible Institute, Kansas. Other recognitions include a center named in his honor in 2015 and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan naming a week after him in October 2017.
After decades in ministry, Rev. Patterson has learned that success isn’t measured by numbers or appearance. It’s rooted in faith, family, and authenticity. His advice to young pastors reflects the wisdom of a lifetime spent serving God and guiding others.
• Family is your greatest strength. Build on it, especially in a remote area where connections are limited.
• Stay grounded in sound theology.
• Don’t forget to be human. Ministry isn’t always neat. It’s real and that’s where it matters.
• Minister for success, not appearances. Even if your congregation is small, build on what you have.
Anchorage has changed significantly since 1962, he said, from the skyline to attitudes about social issues, family roles, and race. “When I first came to Alaska there were three ABCUSA churches,” he reported. “Now they’re located in several cities and thriving. Still sometimes the churches can’t survive because we lack population. Juno is the capital of Alaska, but still relatively small in terms of population.”
Rev. Patterson doesn’t plan to ever leave Alaska. “It’s beautiful here, even in the winter,” he said. “After being here for a while you adjust to the weather. I was raised in Mississippi and Louisiana. All I can say is you can put on enough clothes to keep warm, but you can’t take enough off to be cool.” He laughed.
Rev. Dr. Alonzo Patterson, Jr.’s life is a testament to what unwavering faith and dedicated service can accomplish. His legacy is one of faith, resilience, and vision, a beacon for those who seek to serve with purpose. “I walked with God throughout the years. He brought me to this place. I want to serve here until the Lord takes me home,” he declared. And in those words, we find the heart of his story: a life lived for God, for people, and for the Kingdom. “... success isn’t measured by numbers or appearance. It’s rooted in faith, family, and authenticity.”
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