Reverend Hattie C. Easterling was born to Hearns B. and Anne B. Cauthen, reared with three sisters and three brothers.  At the age of eleven, she accepted Christ as her Savior. Thus, she began her responsibility to fulfill God’s purpose for her life, her Spiritual Journey.

 

Reverend Easterling took as her life partner Mr. James B. Easterling.  Bro Easterling has since preceded her in death. Their union was blessed with three children, sons Tony E., and James Vernon, and daughter Shelyne.  The family has been greatly enriched by four grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

She will always be grateful to then Pastor Rev. Dr. Charles W. Anderson Sr. and to First Lady Rev. Lois J. Anderson for their encouragement and for their support in educational concerns.  It was during their tenure that God gave Reverend Easterling a new name. She went about her Father’s business evangelizing the Good News!

 

The Prelude to her Spiritual Journey as Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ came to fruition with the personal acceptance of her Call in 1993.  The hand of the Lord continued to be upon Rev. Easterling as the Spirit ministered to her and inspired her to go to the Deacons for support of her being licensed.  At the time, the Church was without a pastor but was being lead by Interim Pastor Reverend Michael McClain. This act took her to the next level of her Spiritual Walk.   As it was, her being licensed was to come under the leadership of the new pastor, Reverend Doctor Johnny R. Freeman. Reverend Easterling preached her initial sermon January 28, 1996.  In 1999, she was ordained by the Rowan Baptist Association, and licensed by United Institutional Baptist Church.

Reverend Easterling is a graduate of the Bible Institute, Burlington, NC earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Her greatest calling life is to be a humble servant in God’s Army. She “strives to motivate others to seek God as she strives for excellence through Jesus Christ.” ***