Meaning
A senior, respected woman leader in a church — especially a Revival, Pentecostal, or Spiritual Baptist congregation — who guides the women, leads in prayer and song, counsels members, and in Revival often presides over the healing and the table. The 'mother' holds deep spiritual authority and is addressed with great respect, a pillar of the church and of the community around it.
Examples
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Di mother of di church pray fi di whole congregation.
The mother of the church prays for the whole congregation.
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Everybody respect Mother Icy inna di church.
Everybody respects Mother Icy in the church.
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Di church mother lead di singing.
The church mother leads the singing.
Origin
From 'mother' (a title of spiritual authority) + 'church'; a senior woman leader. See [[revival-table]], [[balm-yard]].
How it’s used
A senior, respected woman leader in a (esp. Revival/Pentecostal) church. See [[revival-table]], [[balm-yard]].