“Lost pride and respect.” That is how one lifelong resident described the Historic Westside after the demolition of the old Greater New Jerusalem Church. Today we stand before the new Greater New Jerusalem Church. It is a testament to faith and resilience.
The Greater New Jerusalem Church’s story is intertwined with the history of Las Vegas’s Historic Westside. This neighborhood was once a vibrant hub for the African-American community. Segregation forced black residents to create their own thriving city within a city.
Churches like Greater New Jerusalem Church became the heart of this community. They offered spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging. They also provided a platform for addressing social and political issues.
The old Greater New Jerusalem Church on D Street served the community for 70 years. It was more than just a place of worship. It was a cultural hub. People gathered there to celebrate their faith and connect with one another.
However, the old building fell into disrepair. The congregation made the difficult decision to move. They sold the property to the city in 2018. In early February 2020 the city demolished the old Greater New Jerusalem Church using funds from a Housing and Urban Development grant.
The demolition stirred mixed feelings within the community. Some saw it as a loss of history. Others hoped it would pave the way for new development. Kenny Blaque grew up attending the old Greater New Jerusalem Church. He said he cried when he saw the ruins of it.
The city said the building was not eligible for historic listing. The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office approved the demolition in 2019.
The new Greater New Jerusalem Church stands as a symbol of hope for the future. In 2014 the new Greater New Jerusalem Baptist church was under construction. It is located on Martin Luther King Boulevard. The new church is much larger. It has an events center and office space. It dwarfs the old church and is about five times its size.
Some members worried about the cost of the new building. Former deacon James McKoy feared the church was mortgaging its future. According to McKoy, Pastor James Rogers said God told him to build the new church. His plan to finish it was that God would provide the means.
Stephanie Dunn, the church’s financial secretary, said she had not seen a copy of the construction contract. She stated in 2014 that the church could not afford to move ahead.
Charles Bilberry, a construction liaison reported that the church had not missed a payment. He also reported that the church hoped to complete construction by September 2014.
Despite the challenges Greater New Jerusalem Church persevered. It stands as a beacon of faith. It offers a place for worship and community engagement. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Historic Westside. The new location continues to serve its community. Its motto is: “The church where the spirit meets the soul.”