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We've Come This Far By Faith
Celebrating 50 years of service to the Community!
The Johnson Street Mission of the Church of God in Christ was organized September 7, 1957, in the living room of our pastor's home at 2621 Johnson Street, with the presence of Elder H.J. Coleman, Sis. M.W. Coleman, Missionary Bessie Colvin, Mother Mary Howell, Deacon James Smith, and Missionary Julie Smith. After organizing the mission, the pastor moved his car out of the garage and moved the mission in. After many days of prayer and concentration, the Lord had our pastor choose Mother Mary Howell as our church mother. Under the guiding supervision of our pastor the church grew, and soon we were using the garage, kitchen, dining room and living room of the pastor's home for our church. Souls were saved, and many more were healed.
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Supt. H.J. Coleman, Jr.
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In 1958, the Lord gave our pastor a vision to build a church. Many of the saints could not see how this could be done with so few members. Our pastor sketched the vision the Lord presented him on paper and shared it with the church.
Searching for Signs
Our pastor sought the help of Brother Clifton Black of Flint, Michigan, a contractor, and Mr. George Artist, an architect, to put more precisely put on paper the things the Lord had revealed to him. After obtaining the blueprint, we purchased two lots on the corner of 22nd and Wadsworth Street. Our pastor negotiated with Dr. J.E. Manning, the owner of the adjoining two lots, but was informed they were not for sale. Luckily, that would change in a few months with just one written letter.
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Months later, Dr. Manning wrote our pastor a letter describing his consideration of giving us the lots. A few days later, in his attorney's office, our pastor was given a quit claim deed and abstract to the lots, and it was decided by our pastor to name the church Liberty Park Church of God in Christ when the church was completed. In July of 1961, with $1,300 in the treasure, the construction began. Through 2 years of toil, sweat, tears, criticism, misunderstanding, and sacrifice we persevered until the church was ready to welcome our pastor and fewer than 30 faithful members.
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Our church is of block and brick construction, laminated beams and cedar decking, with birch paneling, kawneer doors and windows, copper plumbing, hot water, heat, and fluorescent lighting around the walls. The church is composed of the pastor's office, Mrs. H.J. Coleman lounge, choir room, kitchen with wall-to-wall birch cabinets and four restrooms. Our Furnishings consist of a new Grinnell piano and Hammond organ, with a complete set of new pews that seat up to 250 people. The Lord blessed us and the community, through the leadership of our dedicated pastor to complete a beautiful edifice valued in excess of $68,000.
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We are sure that the Lord was with our pastor through this struggle, and we faithfully believe that if we, the membership, continue to submit to his leadership we shall continue to flourish in our lives and our actions. Today, that vision lives on through our pastor, his son Supt. H. J. Coleman, Jr. and his wife, Missionary Sandra Coleman.
Dedication Worth Mentioning
He leads us through both obstacles and opportunities, and helps us see how God's blessings are truly marvelous. The anointing continues to flow, and the church continues to grow; therefore, we must rise to take what the Lord has given you.
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First Lady,
Evangelist Sandra Coleman
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Contact our Saginaw church to join our fellowship.
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