ALBERT LANEY MADDEN

Albert Laney Madden, Jr. was born in Dumas, Arkansas on March 20, 1922 to Albert Laney, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Madden.  The eldest son of 12 living children; 6 boys and 6 girls, Albert grew up in a tight knit community of family and friends.  At the age of 16 A.L. received Jesus Christ into his life; however, he fell away but not before his grandfather, W.B. Madden had introduced him to the Church of God in Christ.  A former Baptist, grandfather Madden shared with the young A.L. the doctrine and intents of the church. Throughout the years, A.L. would remember his grandfather’s recounting of Bishop Mason’s prophesy; “if the church continues in the trend of preaching the gospel and healing the people, there would not be a building big enough to hold the people.”

            A stint in the military serving as an infantryman in the Army caused a great change in A.L.’s life.  One of the story he was fond of telling was not only meeting General Patton but serving as his driver for a time.  Upon being released from the military, A.L. returned to Dumas determined to take up his life.  However, he found he was no longer able to tolerate the racial restrictions of the segregated South.  At the urgings of his parents to come to California, Albert set out for California with the intent to visit his family then continue on to Chicago where he planned to get in the night club business. 

            Arriving in Fresno, A.L. found his plans altered.  The nightmare of war and his recent experiences with people mired in racial prejudice took their toll rendering him incapable of going to Chicago and suffering with an illness that went undiagnosed.  An aimless walk one night brought him to end up standing outside a church under an open window.  Lighting a cigarette, he stopped to listen.  The words, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” stirred something deep within.  That night he rededicated his life to Christ and rather than going to Chicago to serve alcohol to men, he dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel.  He accepted his calling into the ministry in the summer of 1947 after preaching his first message “You did run well, who did hinder you?” He spent the next year studying and preparing for his ministerial license.  In the fall of 1948 he received his minister’s license.

Born: Mar 20, 1922 in DUMAS, ARKANSAS

Died: Jan 21, 2012 in FRESNO, CA