“She fought a good fight, she finished her course, she kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Apostle Alice Louise McDade, affectionately known as “Pastor Alice,” a pioneering woman of faith, co-founder, and co-pastor of Mountain Moving Faith Church (formerly Rhema Christian Center II), peacefully entered into eternal rest at the age of 79 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Born on August 12, 1946, in Newport News, Virginia, Alice was the beloved daughter of the late Deacon Nolden Harrell and Deaconess Iora B. Harrell. She was educated in the Newport News Public School System and graduated from Huntington High School in 1964. She later attended Cortez-Peters Business College in Washington, D.C., a divine placement where she met the love of her life, Kenneth R. McDade.

On March 26, 1966, Alice and Kenneth were united in holy matrimony, embarking on a covenant union that would span 60 years. From this union, they were blessed with one daughter, Danielle C. Hunter, in December of 1969.

Alice McDade accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Wesley Grove United Church of Christ, Newport News VA. As a young woman, she was among a select group of youth who traveled to Washington, D.C. to witness the historic March on Washington, where she experienced the powerful oratory of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, a moment that would further shape her awareness of purpose, justice, and faith.

Her spiritual journey later led her to Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, before a divine invitation brought her to Rhema Christian Center in Northeast Washington, D.C. There, under the biblically sound leadership of the late Bishop Clarence C. Givens, she was firmly rooted in the Word of God and developed as a servant leader. She completed her ministerial studies through Givens Bible College and Rhema Bible College under the teachings of Kenneth E. Hagin.

While a member of Rhema Christan Center -DC, Alice faithfully served in multiple capacities including choir member, altar counselor, and ordained Deacon. In 1984, she and her husband were commissioned and sent forth to Newport News, Virginia, where they founded and established Rhema Christian Center II now known as Mountain Moving Faith Church. As Co-Pastor, she stood as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and grace, helping to establish a ministry that would shift a region and impact generations for Kingdom of God.

Apostle McDade’s ministry extended beyond the walls of the church. She founded the radio broadcast “Worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth,” which aired on WKGM 940 AM Monday through Friday, delivering the Word of God with clarity, power, and conviction. In 1993, with a passion for nurturing the next generation, she established Rhema Christian Center Academy in Newport News, Virginia, where she served as director. For over 20 years, the Academy educated children from ages three through third grade and became widely recognized as a School of Excellence, nurturing young minds academically while instilling a strong spiritual foundation.

Apostle Alice McDade was an anointed vessel of God through which the gifts of the Holy Spirit flowed, particularly the Gift of Healing. Many experienced the supernatural manifestation of divine healing and deliverance through this gift.

On March 1, 2026, she was consecrated to the sacred office of Apostle, an affirmation of a lifetime of building, spiritual authority, and Kingdom impact.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Deacons Nolden and Iora Harrell; her brother-in-law, Elder Russell Mitchell; her sister-in-law, Jeannette McDade Bates.

Apostle Alice Louise McDade leaves to cherish her legacy: her devoted husband, Apostle Kenneth R. McDade; her daughter, Minister Danielle C. Hunter (Dr. Franciscus Hunter); her sister, Elder Delma H. Mitchell; Sister-in-law Bernice Plummer (Mack); and Brother-in law Edrick McDade (Helani); her grandchildren, Brandi N. Hodges (Keyron) and Dante Robinson (Dominique); her great-grandchildren, Kimora Bethune and Kaysen Bethune; her niece and nephew, Latoya Mitchell and Bryan Mitchell; her goddaughters, Deanna Watts and Kristina Campbell; and a host of extended family and friends, spiritual sons and daughters, and countless lives she touched through her ministry.

Apostle Alice L McDade was more than a preacher, she was a builder of people, a nurturer of faith, and a general in the Kingdom of God. She poured the Word of God into generations, laying a firm foundation of Christ, hope, and holiness in all who encountered her life and ministry.

Though she has transitioned from labor to reward, her voice still echoes, “Can I get a better Amen?” In the lives she mothered, mentored, and strengthened, her legacy continues to speak, and what she did for Christ lives on eternally. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” - Matthew 25:21

Viewing will be held Friday, March 27, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Mountain Moving Faith Church, 1700-27th Street, Newport News, Va.