OUR HISTORY

 

On May 4, 1994, Elder Jerry Williams, Sr. founded a Mission dedicated to prayer, praise and preaching the Word of God.  The name, “Prayer Garden Christian Faith Center” was placed on the heart of our founder, as the mission was to be based on seeking God continually in prayer.  All of the teachings were based on the Doctrine of the Church of God in Christ.

Prayer Garden was the manifestation of the vision given by God to Elder Williams to extend the Kingdom of God through reaching men, women, boys and girls who were in need of healing for the mind, body and soul.  Thus, God gave him the theme: “The Healing Church.”

The first place of worship for Prayer Garden was at 4901 West Short 3rd. Street.  The beautiful little sanctuary was a perfect place for worship.  The first members of the church were Sister Diann and Justin Williams, Sister Patricia Parker, Sister Roselynn Sanders, Nikki and Latisha Walker.  Over time, others came for worship and in time united with and supported the ministry.  The owner put the church building up for sale without notifying Pastor Williams. The congregation arrived for Bible Study on a Wednesday evening to find a “For Sale” sign on the property.  This unforeseen circumstance forced a move to the Old Fire Station on East Sixth Avenue to become the second home for the Ministry.  This move further impressed on the heart of Pastor Williams the need for a permanent location for the Ministry.

After the passing of Elder Samuel Handy, Pastor of Old Way of Holiness Church of God in Christ at 901 Apple Street, Superintendent Joe L. Stocker petitioned Bishop L. T. Walker to merge Prayer Garden with Old Way of Holiness.  On May 9, 1997, the two churches were united and Elder Jerry Williams, Sr. was appointed the shepherd of the flock.  Elder Handy’s widow, Mother Earnestine Handy, and Deacon Bennie Shelton welcomed the Prayer Garden merger.  Work began immediately to renovate and give the building a facelift.  Elder Larry Rogers donated the paint and gave his services in painting the entire outside of the building.

 In November 1997, the Lord blessed the church to begin clearing the church campus and to purchase the adjacent lots behind the church.  A Hammond organ was also purchased.

In 1999 the church was remodeled including the bathrooms.  The church continued to purchase the surrounding property.  A former drug house was included in the purchase and demolished.  The Ministry was beginning to have a visible impact in a community that was infested with drug traffic and prostitution.

In 2000, central heat and air conditioning were added to the building.  God had placed in the heart of Pastor Williams that he should ‘build” a house for the Lord and for ministry.  Pastor Williams shared the vision with the congregation, and the congregation said, “Amen”!  The Ministry purchased the property across from the church north and south sides.

In 2001, the property at 8th and Apple was purchased, and more clearing of church property was done. This was in anticipation of the building being constructed at the 8th Street site.

On the first Sunday in May 2005, groundbreaking was held, and construction of the sanctuary started.  The building was completed on schedule (6 months).  The first service was held on the first Sunday in November 2005.  The membership is thankful for the new house of worship.  The parking lot was surfaced in March of 2006 and the church was dedicated March 19, 2006.

A permanent lighted sign was purchased and installed in March 2008.  The Ministry is growing, and souls are being saved.  Prayer is held daily, and God is blessing.