Our Church History

 

In 1955 a young woman named Bertha Jacobs and her family moved to New Haven from Darlington, S.C.  Found there was no Church of God in New Haven and having a message in her heart preached by her father, Rev. Ivory Williams “Go Into the World and Identify Yourself”.  Sister Jacobs sought others to help her start a work in New Haven.  In her home she started a mission with Rev. Jacob Green as the first Pastor.

 

On September 10, 1955 in a building on Factory Street, her dream materialized.  Although few in number, her work grew.  In November 1955, Bro. Napoleon Cummings and Sis. Roberta Holmes was the first woman to come into the church. In August 1956, we worshipped at the home of Bro. and Sis. Jacobs.  In 1957, we moved to Winchester Avenue.  After much prayer, Rev. Cecil Wiltshire became our Pastor in December 1957.  

 

In 1960 we moved to 28 Dickerman Street.  In obedience to the Pastor, the struggle continued, many souls were saved and sanctified and two young ministers were added,  Bro. Sammie Jones and Bro. Napoleon Cummings.  On Easter Sunday, 1969, we were escorted by police leading the motorcade to 90 Harper Avenue.  We the members were so thankful to God that he allowed us to occupy a new edifice.  On Sunday, May 25, 1969, this building was dedicated.  We had a High Day in the Lord.  Rev. William Aaron of New York preached the Dedication Sermon.  From that point we (the Pastor and members) worked to build the Kingdom of God in this area. Rev. Cecil Wiltshire retired from our church in 1983 after serving 26 years.

 

On January 1, 1984, Rev. Wallace Hazard of Peace Dale, R.I. became our interim Pastor for 6 months. At the end of the 6 months, he was installed as our Pastor.Under his leadership, God enabled us to finally burn our mortgage on October 20, 1985. Hallelujah Praise God On August 14, 1988, God brought together the merger of two churches. The First Church of God and the Unity Church of God, our sister church in New Haven. Pastor Hazard was called to pastor the Peace Dale Church of God. He resigned First Church of God and on September 4, 1994. Rev. Napoleon Cummings, who was our Assistant Pastor, became our Interim Pastor. He was installed on June 23, 1996. Pastor Napoleon Cummings, Sr., retired in 2006, and became our Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Wallace Hazard was installed again on May 20, 2007, by his son, Pastor Darrell Hazard. Two ministers were added to the church: Minister Clara Tilley and Minister Esau Greene. In February, 2011 the First Church of God merged with Kingdom Empowerment Fellowship Ministries, under the leadership of Elder D’Hati T. Burgess, Sr. Pastor Burgess became our interim pastor for 6 months. God was still adding daily, Evangelist Leola Evans. Along with Pastor Burgess came four Deacons. In September 2011, Pastor Burgess was installed as our Pastor here at First Church of God – To God Be the Glory! On November 6, 2011 we ordained one additional Deacon: Sidney Cummings, Consecrated four Mothers: Annie Cummings, Mary Greene, Nancy Roberson and Melva Tillman. God’s not done yet, on November 3, 2014 Pastor Burgess consecrated two more mothers: Dorothy Blandford and Idella Streater. On this day as we celebrate 59 years in the ministry God’s still building and growing His Church under the leadership of Dr. D.T. Burgess Sr.{But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33}