Right here stands Saint Bernard Church of God in Christ. Its story is deeply entwined with the history of the Church of God in Christ. This denomination has a fascinating background.
The Church of God in Christ emerged from a leadership crisis. This happened within the Church of God in Christ in Memphis Tennessee during the 1960s. The church is based on the teachings of apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone. The Church of God in Christ considers itself as old as the Bible. This is in name and doctrine.
Bishop Charles Harrison Mason established The Church of God in Christ in 1897. Its headquarters were in Memphis Tennessee. It became the mother church of the Black Pentecostal Movement. In 1914 the First Church of God in Christ in New Orleans became part of the Memphis group. This was under the leadership of Bishops James Feltus Sr and Henry Feltus.
Founded in 1907 it was first known as Sixth Street Holiness Church. Some members tried to bring it into the Triumph Church. My great uncle and great grandfather joined Bishop Mason. They built the Church of God in Christ in Louisiana. It grew to over 200 churches by 1946. This was the year Overseer James Feltus Sr died. Bishops James and Henry Feltus brought Holiness to Louisiana.
After Overseer James Feltus Sr died Louisiana was divided. It became Eastern and Western Louisiana. Bishop Mason appointed Elder James Feltus Jr. He was a 25-year-old pastor of the First Church of God in Christ in New Orleans. Bishop O. T. Jones appointed Bishop James Feltus Jr. He became a Special Representative of the church in Louisiana East.
A crisis led some to embrace another leader. Bishop James Feltus Jr continued to work. Fellowship Convocations occurred annually from 1968 to 1972. The church progressed as Southeast Louisiana Jurisdiction II. This was under Bishop James Feltus Jr and Supervisor Jonnie B. Melton. Many people were drawn to this fellowship. Their lives and church stability had been shaken. This was due to the international church crisis. Several groups branched from the Mother Church in Memphis.
The Church of God in Christ United is one such group. It was ordained by God in 1972. It was ordered to teach the same doctrine. However it would follow a different discipline.
In 1972 Bishop James Feltus Jr began organizing a separate denomination. It was separate from the Mother Church but similar in doctrine. In 1973 he wrote five major principles. These principles would organize the Church of God in Christ United.
First we will defend only the Bible’s doctrine. We will defend no church but Christ’s. Second the local church is the focus. It is the focal point of all church activities. Third the church is not a political federation. It is a Christian fellowship. Fourth local commitment replaces national assessments. Pledges of financial contributions replace them. Fifth the Bible is the Church’s Magna Charta and constitution.
On January 20 1973 a meeting occurred. Bishop James Feltus Jr Bishop R. A. Campbell and Bishop Marshall Hebert met. They met at 2742 Prentiss Avenue in New Orleans. This was Bishop Feltus’ home. All three men were leaders. Bishop Feltus led The Church of God in Christ S. E. Louisiana Jurisdiction 2. Bishop Campbell led The Church of God in Christ International London. Bishop Hebert led The Miracle Oil Revival Center Inc.
Bishop Feltus Bishop Campbell and Bishop Hebert united. They united under the name The Church of God in Christ United. Supervisor Hazel L. Feltus became International Supervisor. She led the Department of Women.
Today Saint Bernard Church of God in Christ stands as a testament. It is a testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit. It embodies the rich history of the Church of God in Christ. It continues to serve its community.