Patten Academy of Christian Education Oakland: A History of Faith, Education, and Controversy
The Patten Academy of Christian Education (PACE), located in Oakland, California, has a rich and complex history intertwined with the lives and ministries of its founders, Dr. Bebe Patten and her husband, C. Thomas Patten. Established in 1944, the academy aimed to provide a Christ-centered education for young people, fostering spiritual and academic growth within a framework of Christian values. Today, PACE serves an ethnically and economically diverse student population in an urban setting, providing an excellent education within a supportive learning community.
Founding and Early Years: 1944-1962
The story of Patten Academy begins with Bebe Patten, a charismatic figure who transitioned from being an Olympic swimming champion to a prominent evangelist. Originally from Hickman County, Tennessee, Bebe's journey led her to Detroit and eventually to the revival trail. In 1944, a successful revival crusade in Oakland sparked the creation of the Oakland Bible Institute, Patten Academy of Christian Education, and Christian Cathedral. The founding purpose was to provide young people with a Christ-centered educational facility in which students could grow spiritually and academically in an atmosphere reflective of the teachings and values of Jesus Christ. That founding purpose remains until this day.
In 1945, with the opening of grades nine through twelve, the Patten Academy of Christian Education began serving the greater Bay Area community.
Growth and Development: 1962-2020
In 1962, PACE found its permanent home on Coolidge Avenue. Recognizing the importance of continuous improvement, PACE sought accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In 1975, after an in-depth study of our educational system, PACE was granted full accreditation K-12 which it has held continuously. Two years later, in 1977, PACE joined the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
In 1989, Patten Academy began its sports program interscholastically and has competed in boys soccer, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys baseball and girls softball as a member of the Bay Area Christian Athletic League. The Patten Academy Bulldogs have produced numerous All-BACAL League players and several Oakland Tribune Athlete of the Week honorees.
Read also: Comprehensive Review: Ignite Learning
In 1990 high school classrooms were moved and remodeled from the west side of the campus (the Patten University side) to the east side.
In the summer of 2016, grades nine through twelve relocated their classrooms to the second floor of Wycliffe Hall. A new locker room was created for student use. Additionally, the move provided the opportunity to celebrate our athletic accomplishments by displaying the earned trophies and awards in the common hallway. This has proven to be a positive expansion. The middle school classrooms were moved to the former high school rooms after being renovated and newly carpeted.
Adapting to Change: The COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, Patten Academy adhered to the Alameda County mandated closure of on campus education and immediately transitioned to a distance learning delivery of education. This shift involved creative reimagining of curriculum, enhanced online resources, changes in schedules, acquisition of technology and a myriad of meetings via zoom and expanded trainings. While the initial thought was that this was temporary, it turned into the fall semester 2020 beginning distance learning as well. Again, many meetings and trainings allowed us to determine which strategies were most effective and to incorporate these. In spring 2021, Patten Academy began a hybrid model of education delivery with some in person and most online classes.
The Patten Ministry: Revivalism and Controversy
The Pattens' ministry was characterized by revivalist fervor, drawing large crowds with promises of miracles and blessings. C. Thomas Patten, known as "C.," played a key role in publicizing the revivals, employing tactics that were both captivating and controversial. Spectacles at the Tabernacle included: “Green Palms! Choir Girls in White! Miracles! Blessings!" The hype paid off, filling venues like the 8,000-seat Oakland Arena.
Their efforts soon paid off handsomely, enabling them to purchase the Oakland Women’s City Club outright for $265,000, nearly all of it raised from donations.
Read also: Explore Haas Hall Academy
However, their methods also attracted scrutiny. C. brazenly declared that God gave him the power to take money from people. He and Bebe were known to publicly shame members of the congregation for perceived stinginess, creating an atmosphere of fear and obligation.
The Pattens' financial practices extended beyond individual donations. They secured substantial loans from Oakland's most respected financial institutions, pushing the definition of "collateral" to its breaking point.
Downfall and Legal Troubles
The Pattens' success story took a turn in July 1947 when C. attempted to sell the City Club building to the Moose Lodge for $450,000. This move sparked outrage from both church members and the wider community. Amidst growing complaints about C. Thomas' dirty dealings, the District Attorney began investigating his financial affairs.
Facing courtroom seats filled with spectators, C. initially attempted to raise money from the jury and audience, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Ultimately, C. was convicted and sentenced to prison. However, his parole terms forbade him to ever perform another fundraising.
Bebe Patten's Continued Influence
After C.'s downfall, Bebe Patten continued her ministry, distancing herself from the scandals that had plagued her husband. She established herself as a legitimate Pentecostal minister and revivalist, cultivating influential political connections. Notably, she attended the funeral service of Dr. Luther King in 1968 and spearheaded a city-beautification project sponsored by the school. Bebe Patten even played a role in supporting then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid.
Read also: Lifelong Learning at Learning Bridge Academy
Patten Academy Today
Today, the taint of scandal and greed has largely faded from the memory of Patten Academy. The institution continues to provide a quality education for young people from K-12 in a nurturing environment and atmosphere reflective of the teaching and values of Jesus Christ.
PACE maintains that in order for education to be complete, it must support student development and growth spiritually, intellectually, socially, aesthetically, and physically. Patten Academy develops students who demonstrate critical and independent thinking across academic disciplines; embrace the ethical and moral values found in the Judeo-Christian tradition; gain an appreciation of the aesthetic through performance and visual arts; maximize their leadership capabilities; and commit their lives to Christian and community service.
The school boasts a diverse student body and maintains a commitment to academic excellence. Uniform guidelines are in place, requiring students in grades K-12 to wear white, gray, or navy polo shirts.
Patten Academy also emphasizes the development of crucial skills, including:
- Capabilities in logic and realistic reasoning
- Independent learning
- Informed decision-making
- Creative problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Proficiency as an independent and proficient learner in the California common core subject area content and California higher education content standards.
- A broad spectrum of research, critical thinking, and communication activities in school work and community service.
- Participation in service activities that address needs of others and build and strengthen home, community, church, and school.
tags: #Patten #Academy #of #Christian #Education #Oakland
