What began with a mission on North Franklin Street is now Saint Luke’s Pentecostal Church. It stands as the largest Pentecostal church on Chicago’s near north side. Founded on September 22 1942 by Elder Luke Austin the church has a rich history.
Elder Austin was born in Shelby Mississippi in 1908. He moved to Chicago in 1923. In 1928 he married Miss Addie Harris. The Lord saved Elder Austin in 1931. He served faithfully for eleven years. He was under the leadership of Bishop Eleazer Lenox. He was a church member choir member deacon and minister.
Zealous for God Elder Austin came to Chicago’s near north side. He opened a small mission at 971 N Franklin St. His wife was at his side. Through faith hard work and perseverance the mission grew.
In 1943 the church moved to 900 N Orleans St. Rent was 25 dollars a month. A few years later the Lord blessed Elder Austin. He purchased the lot at 914 N Orleans St. Bishop Charles Harrison Mason founder of the Church of God in Christ visited the lot. It was filled with rubbish. He prayed God’s blessing. He declared that this place would be blessed. God blessed it indeed.
In 1962 a major portion of the edifice was built. Faithful members gave as God blessed them. Some sold potato chips skins and popcorn. They sold them under a tent on the corner. They donated the money to the church. Mother Addie Austin regularly gathered children on the street. They sang praises and listened to the Word of God. This effort increased membership exponentially.
Elder Luke Austin believed in prayer. He preached the Word of God plainly. He pastored Saint Luke’s Pentecostal Church until his death on May 10 1978. On May 14 1978 Bishop Freeman Guy Green appointed Elder James C Austin Sr. He was the son of the late Elder Luke Austin. He became pastor of Saint Luke Church of God in Christ.
Pastor Austin demonstrated concern for souls. He had a vision to build a monument of holiness. It would be an enduring work. It would be an energetic organization. It would be a spiritual body. It would attract many people. They would praise and promote the beauty of holiness. This vision is coming to fruition.
Saint Luke’s Pentecostal Church seeks to develop individuals and families. It seeks to do so spiritually intellectually physically socially emotionally and economically. It also seeks to edify the local church in love. Saint Luke’s Pentecostal Church wants to minister effectively. It wants to minister to residents in their communities domestically and globally.
Saint Luke’s Pentecostal Church believes in the Bible. They consider it the inspired and only infallible written Word of God. They believe in one God. He exists eternally in three Persons. These are God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. They believe in the Blessed Hope. This is the rapture of the Church of God at His return.
Saint Luke’s Pentecostal Church believes that cleansing from sin comes through repentance. It requires faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ and baptism in water. Regeneration by the Holy Ghost is essential for salvation. The redemptive work of Christ provides healing. It heals the human body mind and soul. It is in answer to believing prayer. Baptism in the Holy Ghost is given to believers who ask. It is according to Acts 2:4. The church believes in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. Through His indwelling Christians can live a holy life. They can live a separated life in this present world. Saint Luke’s Pentecostal Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. It is a beacon of hope on Chicago’s South State Street.