Picture this. A small group gathers in a home. It’s 1987. They are starting a prayer service. This is the humble beginning of the Holy City Church of God in Christ. Bishop Jerry and Lady Gloria Taylor led the way. Two other families joined them. The Brewers and the Kelleys.
The Holy City Church of God in Christ started as a weekly Monday night prayer service. It soon grew. The first Sunday service was held in the Taylor’s home on January 17 1988. The church didn’t have a name yet. Bishop Taylor sought God’s guidance. He persevered leading his small but growing congregation.
In July 1988 while meditating and praying Bishop Taylor received inspiration. He named the ministry Holy City. This name comes from Revelation 21:2. The church had grown from three families to ten. They met in the Taylor’s living room dining room and stairwell. The church needed more space.
By 1991 the Holy City Church of God in Christ moved to a storefront location. It was at 7610 Highway 70. This building quickly proved too small. The church overflowed with people. It was standing room only if you arrived late. So they needed to expand again.
On June 5 1995 the church purchased 3.7 acres of land at 3208 James Road. The property had a building seating around 400 people. There was parking a playground and a house with garage and storage buildings. Over time the church added more parking. They added restrooms classrooms a prayer room offices and a balcony. A ramp improved wheelchair accessibility. Bishop Taylor oversaw most of the construction work himself.
Amazingly the church paid off the mortgage in 1999. The next big project started in June 2001. This was a new sanctuary. This larger building seated over 1000 people. Fourteen months later in August 2002 the congregation moved into this beautiful blue and white building. The growth continued. By now the Holy City Church of God in Christ had over 800 families.
On July 1 2006 the Holy City Church of God in Christ opened the Vision for Life Center. This center promotes family unity and well-being. It has a gym food pantry clothing closets a multipurpose room and much more. Bishop Taylor envisioned a campus with even more facilities. The plan included purchasing nearby land. He planned to build baseball fields softball fields and a large playground. The plan is to have twelve gates mirroring the heavenly city mentioned in Revelation 21:12-13.
The Holy City Church of God in Christ continues to grow. It stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. Its story is a remarkable journey from a small home prayer service to a thriving ministry. This amazing church continues to serve its community. It offers hope and faith in God.