New Haven Independent

Posted by: Terri Tolliver Butts | March 28, 2008 4:51 PM

Rev. Cofield was a impeccable man of God. Growing up under his pastorship in the 60's and 70's helped to form the foundation for my faith in God. I always thought Rev. Cofield was the "coolest" guy and so easy to talk to. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on.
My love, prayers and deepest condolences to the Cofield family.

Be encouraged!
Terri Tolliver Butts

Posted by: Cofield Newbie from Milford | March 28, 2008 7:39 PM

Pastor Cofield came to our church almost a year and a half ago and became very special to us from the first time he spoke. Yes, I am happy to know that he is with the Lord, but I will still miss him in my heart. I believe that if anyone came in contact with him, almost instantly, he made you feel as if he knew you all along. I want to thank him for being a GREAT model, and will pray that some of our pastors will follow in his footsteps. We need it. To Sis. Elsie and the Cofield family "thank you" for being so generous with you husband/father. Blessings to you all.

Posted by: Albert Strane | March 28, 2008 10:18 PM

It was a pleasure meeting the Rev. Dr. Curtis Cofield when we visted Immanuel Baptist last September. God bless his wife, daughter and family in their time of bereavement.

Posted by: Sharyn L Grant | March 28, 2008 10:34 PM

Rev. Cofield, was the ultimate pastor. Always there for whatever you needed him for,be it advise, counseling or just conversation, he was such a well loved man. His knowledge of the God's word,and how it governs our lives, brought me to Immanuel Baptist Church, where I have been a member for nearly 10 years. His legacy will live on forever. We will miss Him yet, I know He is now at home with the Lord. It is a sad day for us left behind, but we can smile just knowing Rev. Cofield was a part of our life.

To Mrs. Cofield and the family, I love you all and my prayers and sympathy go out to you.

Posted by: Tara Chapman | March 29, 2008 8:53 AM

I was only under this man's tutelage for a short time, but it was a priceless JOY! My continued prayers to the family!

Posted by: Semi Semi-Dikoko | March 29, 2008 9:32 AM

A Giant,
Who will be greatly missed by the many of us whom he has come to ...
Inspire and shepherd!
Across the city and state, the nation and well beyond that, Africa and the rest of the world.

Let us ... "[therefore] comfort one another with [his] words" among us.

Semi Semi-Dikoko

Posted by: Ken Ervin | March 29, 2008 11:01 AM

Just a few memories of love for my first pastor. Reverend and Sister Coefield have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I began attending Immanuel as a little boy in the early 70's and remember so vividly how Reverend Coefield would speak so many words of encouragement, many of which I still reflect upon. He was a great example of a true servant to God. I will truly miss him. My prayers and love are with the Coefield family.

Posted by: Rev. Patricia Carroll | March 29, 2008 4:40 PM

I love the Cofields. The Bible says to not despise the days of small beginnings. I joined Immanuel when I came to CT in 1977, and served in many areas until the Lord moved me to Middletown in 1990 - with Pastor Cofield's blessing. He and I were on one accord in the Spirit, even if we felt differently about some things in the natural. His rightly dividing the Word of Truth inspired me to pursue ministry. I'll miss you Rev. Cofield, but I'll always have my memories of you, Sis. Cofield and the Immanuel Baptist Church family. "When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory"

Posted by: Ken Joyner | March 29, 2008 6:57 PM

The Reverend Dr. Curtis Cofield II, a giant of a man died falling down, even though, he has arisen to return home.

His work here has been revered, yet there is more work to be done here. We can only hope that on March 28, 2008, a boy... or girl.. was born to carry on this great man's legacy, beginning as follows:

"You can go anywhere through books.' So books became the way I overrode all those things to know the world. And that's why books became so important to me. I've been collecting books since I was four years old. It was kind of like a fetish with me," he admitted. "Out of my ten-cent allowance, I bought some five cent classics" by authors like Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe and others".

Reverend Cofield you showed us by example how to do god's work.

God bless and God speed.

Posted by: Darlene Cheek | March 30, 2008 8:19 AM

We have been blessed to know the Cofields for many years. They have been an example of Christian Marriage, Christian Families and Christian Ministry to the body of Christ. We realize that New Haven has lost a presence but the world has also lost a major general to the Body of Christ. We will continue to pray with the family!! May the wings of the Doves give your spirit safe travel home!!

Posted by: Jodie Sargent | March 30, 2008 9:03 AM

Pastor Cofield: was a GEM on a man and a Saint in the truest sense of the word. Over the course of many years his influnce,grace,wisdom,sense of humor,challenges and gentle kicks in the back side have made an indelable impact in my life. No matter how long it had been that I seen him he always made me feel like I was important, valued, loved and encouraged me by the example he consistantly set. He will be missed. Our lives will never be the same.
Mrs Cofield and family you are in my prayers
Jodie

Posted by: jahad | March 30, 2008 9:50 PM

i was raised in Immanuel Baptist church and remember the trails that this man cleared for New Haven. I remember that he opened the church's auditorium for weekly parties for kids to hang out in a safe place (royal villa). i also remember that he had a basketball league at the church for young men and women to encourage church and extracurricular participation. I also remember that he allowed so-called winos to sit in for service as long as they they were quiet- many i know he helped personally and are now leading productive lives. i also remember that he did not turn away homo-sexual members and encouraged tolerance.
when i converted to Islam, Rev. assisted me with scripture that supported my decision and encouraged me to be the best Muslim that i can be.
I assert without reservation, that he is the Greatest man that i have ever met. God bless....
Leonard Jackson

Posted by: Danielle Taylor | March 31, 2008 9:56 AM

I was a member of Immanuel Baptist as a child when I lived in CT. I have lived in GA now for over 13 years and still remember how Pastor Cofield preached and there is still NO one like him. He was truly called by God to preach the word and will truly be missed.

Thank you Pastor Cofield for everything you have taught me. I know you are looking down on all of us and smiling.

Posted by: Cora Mercer | March 31, 2008 10:43 AM

There is a song that Bonnie sings with the ERB Chior by Kurt Carr, "I almost Let Go" I remember a time in my life that I almost let go and I went to Rev. Cofield and you know he kept me in his prayers, and just being my pastor with his spiritual words of wisdom and to remind me that God will keep me and take care me. All I needed to do was to keep God close . Such a wonderful pastor! I will miss Pastor Cofield but his legacy will live in lives that he touch.
Prayers To Mrs. Cofield and family.

Posted by: Ron and Sandi Phillips | March 31, 2008 3:52 PM

Pastor and Mrs. Cofield have been friends of ours for the last 6 years. We met Pastor Cofield when he was interim pastor at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church. We were honored to have Pastor Cofield bless and celebrate our new home. We enjoyed both his wisdom and encouragement and he will truly be missed. We know that heaven it excited about his homegoing. May the Cofield family be comforted at this hour.

Posted by: Kenneth Winston | March 31, 2008 7:58 PM

Rev. Cofield was a true man of God that made the bible come alive in my life growing up as a kid in the sixties and seventies. He always spoke words of encouragement and promise for the future. I was baptised by him at age 15 and years later returned to Immanuel to have my daughter christened specifically by him. To this day I have not known a more caring pastor than him. The State of Connecticut as well as the city of New Haven have lost a very honorable man. He will truely be missed.

Posted by: Maycerine Baugh | April 1, 2008 11:50 AM

Rev.Dr. Curtis Cofield was not only my pastor, but also my friend.He and Mrs Cofield were always there for us when ever we needed help or just encouragement. A giant of a man, he will be greatly missed. Because of his love and compassion , New Haven is a better place.

Posted by: Pat Buffaloe-Broadnax | April 1, 2008 12:24 PM

To My Dear Cofield Family:
I was sadden when I heard of your loss. You can rest assure that his accomplishments and love for the community will forever be remembered. His signature has been stamped on New Haven's and the surrounding communities that will never be erased. Please know that "Faith in God is the bridge across the gulf of death." May your Faith and memories help see you through it all for JOY does come in the morning.
Pat Buffaloe-Broadnax

Posted by: Bettye G. Jackson | April 1, 2008 2:41 PM

As a choir member, trustee and just simply growing and learning in such a positive environment as Immanuel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Cofield will always be a great part of who and what I am today. Being in such a positive atmosphere made it easy for me when my three children were young because through the church it offered so many postive programs for their participation. I can never remember them not wanting to go to Immanuel. When I was preparing to leave Connecticut in 1986, my biggest hurt was that I would not be able to attend Immanuel each Sunday. Our loss of Rev. Cofield is very heavy on my heart, but I do know that "IT IS WELL WITH HIS SOUL" and to Mrs. Cofield, "Be Strong and GOD will continue to take care of you. I will personally be in touch with you at a later time.
Bettye Jackson, Midville, GA

Posted by: Pastor R. Michael Winters | April 1, 2008 2:53 PM

Blessings of comfort for the family is my prayer and that of the entire New Covenant Christian Center (Windsor, CT) family.

Pastor R. Michael Winters

Posted by: Ms. Lisa J. Hopkins | April 1, 2008 4:39 PM

As I reflect on what this great man of GOD has meant to me and my child; I find myself overcome with emotion. GOD'S ability to use this man as a spiritual vessel has enabled me and countless others to establish a strong foundation in understanding the power of prayer, the purpose of true worship and the overall importance of unconditional love in the most basic form. As for his unshakeable bond with the Mrs. Cofield...there couldn't be two more equally yoked individuals in this entire world. Their bond breathed hope into the lives of every single person and married couple they encountered near and far. I just want to thank Mrs. Cofield and their children for understanding the calling on Rev. Cofields' life and unselfishly sharing him with all of us. I pray for the LORDS arms to comfort and protect this entire family...grounded in the understanding that only GOD knows the reasons why!

Be Encouraged,

The Hopkins and Roseboro Family

Posted by: John Artis Yopp | April 1, 2008 5:59 PM

Reverend Cofield and Mrs. Elsie Cofield are giants throughout the greater New Haven region and across the United States. Rev. Cofield was a great religious instructor/counselor/leader. Listening to his sermons were akin to sitting in your living room with a bunch of close family members, listening intently to the family elder lead through God's word. He never made you ashamed or in fear of your fallible human connection with God. Rev. Cofield wrapped you in God's spirit and urged you to do God's work in your everyday life. Mrs. Cofield's work across the street at Aids Interfaith Network, has given hope to the hopeless and caring tenderness to those whom even their family reject. God bless the Cofield family. We love you in the spirit of God.

Posted by: karl whitaker | April 1, 2008 9:26 PM

Sending my condolence from Reginald Whitaker and family from Enfield,N.C.
Vivian,Karl,Rodney,and Sharnelle Whitaker

Posted by: vernon williams | April 2, 2008 1:37 AM

My fondest memory is being baptized at age 11 by Dr.Cofield. The power and the passion of his sermons will last in me forever. Mr. and Mrs. Cofield are my Martin and Coretta. You made a lasting impression in my life and I thank you.

Vernon Williams

Posted by: Barbara ames | April 2, 2008 12:04 PM

My heart goes out to the Cofield Family. I was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church for approximately 30 years before moving to Georgia. Believe me, it has been a challenge to find a church/Pastor that could speak to my heart and soul the way Pastor Cofield did. He was truly a devine man of God.

Posted by: violet mayfield | April 2, 2008 6:59 PM

I will never forget Rev.and Mrs.Cofield. Their religious instruction was always inspiring with the directions for a christian life. He baptized our children, christened the grandchildren, preached our mother's funerals and was very much a part of our family life when asked to be. Even though we moved away from Connecticut after having been members of Immanuel Baptist for over 30 years, contact was still kept. What beautiful and comforting words they sent when my husband (Claude) passed away. I will never forget either of them.The world has lost a giant of a man. May God continue to be with Mrs. Cofield and the family.

Posted by: ARNOLD"AJ"JOHNSON | April 3, 2008 8:36 AM

As far back as i can remember Rev.and Mrs.Cofield have always been an important part of my life. Rev. Cofield was more that just a Pastor,he was a friend. Whenever he asked how you were doing or if you came to him with a distressing situation you always left feeling that he shared your pain.He was great at giving comfort in difficult times. I will truly miss him. I feel so blessed that i had run into him the day before the accident. I never knew that would be my last encounter with him. I know he is in a better place and we will see him again. To the cofield family,my love and support will always be there for you.

Posted by: Wendy Bonner, MSM, MBA and Robert J. Bonner | April 7, 2008 12:54 PM

Two things I would like to say, first the Coefields were so in touch with the Lord and the community they remembered a simple prayer request I had made years after I had requested it and followed up with me and my family. Secondly never have I attended a funeral service where the deceased was still doing that which they had done while alive. It appeared that during the service Rev. Coefield was still ministering to his people. May God continue to bless the family...