Boise & Julia Cato's

Fred was born in Sandersville, GA where he also received his primary education. He later attended Baptist Seminary in Macon, GA. He also enlisted in the United States Army, however was never called to duty due to his Pastoral commitments. He accepted the Lord at an early age, was baptized and a member of Swint Springs Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher. In 1931, he united in Holy Matrimony with Katie Jackson. He was a devoted husband to his wife for 67 years. From this union, 12 children were born. In 1934, he was ordained to the Christian Ministry. He pastored several churches throughout the South and often traveled spreading the messages God gave him.

 

In 1945, he was invited to preach in Philadelphia where he later moved his family and accepted a full time Pastoral position. He also worked part time as a Longshoreman. He maintained strong family values and was proud to support his large without assistance. He even insisted his wife stay home and tend to the family and affairs of the household. He was the Founding Pastor of the New Fountain Baptist Church. He additionally built 4 churches in various parts of Philadelphia.

 

He was a member of the Baptist Day-Evening and Pastor's Conference, Pennsylvania Baptist Association and State Conferences. Fred was supportive of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and was apart of the March on Washington DC led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He also was a matchmaker. He is the reason Glenn Collins Jr. met and married his wife Edna Mosley. Fred is also remembered for instilling strong family values into his family. His children and grandchildren remember taking various trips to Sandersville and New Jersey to visit his siblings and their families.