Reverend Fred M. Caffie

On October 6, 1928 Fred Caffie was born to Irnetta and Fred Caffie in Cincinnati, Ohio. He had one brother; George Caffie, who proceeded him in death.

He attended school in Cincinnati Ohio and later completed a tour of duty in the army. He then moved to Cleveland and joined the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church. While there he sung in the gospel choir and later accepted the call into the ministry. During the early years, he was married to Barbara Caffie. They had a son named Douglas and two stepchildren Lori and Brian. Both Brian and Douglas passed in 2019.

In July of 1985 Fred married Marcella Chatman McElroy, daughter of Reverend Marcellus and Anna Chatman. Thus, he inherited two stepsons Daniel and Michael McElroy. They had a wonderful relationship.

Reverend Fred Caffie became Pastor of The Original Harvest Baptist Church in 1974. He was the same young man who back in 1957 helped Reverend Chatman load the pews given to us on the truck. He continued the legacy of hard work and preaching, Gods word. He had a genuine love for people and his favorite saying was “The best is yet to come.” The church had burned down, so we were meeting in the garden Valley Neighborhood House. We had no church home. Finally, we were able to start building our church. Even a serious stroke didn’t stop Reverend Caffie from coming to the site every day to supervise the construction of this beautiful edifice erected to the glory of God. He chose the beautiful purple interior for this sanctuary. He labored for many years and in October 2005 Reverend Caffie retired as our pastor and became Pastor Emeritus.

Other Accomplishments

~Member of the Ministers Conference

~National Chaplain of NCGCC

~Member of Nothern Ohio Baptist District Association

~Member of Ohio Baptist General Convention 

~Chaplain of Cuyahoga Hills Boys School

~Member of Shad Club of Eta Phi Beta Sorority

He leaves to mourn his passing a loving wife, Lady Marcella Caffie, 1 Sister-In_Law Ruby Alexander, two step sons, Daniel McElroy(Terri), Michael McElroy, 2 daughters, Avis Graves and Lori. 6 Grandchildren Cherie(Robert), Macellus, Joshua(Bianca), Daniel(Vasia), Aja and Destiny, 8 Great Grandchildren Jamie, Jaden, Jayla, Jade, Nova, Aliana, Aminah, and nalia and a host of nieces and nephews, his church family, and entire staff of FairFax Place who took such excellent care of him.

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