Across the vast expanse of time, a peculiar event unfolded on the Mississippi River. This event would birth Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ Church. Elias Dempsey Smith, a minister, found himself in a swirling rowboat. The wind was still, yet the boat spun uncontrollably. In that moment of fear, Smith prayed for his life. He vowed to preach the truth as God revealed it to him. Following this experience, Smith had a series of visions. These visions guided him towards founding a new church. Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ Church was officially established in New Orleans in 1902. The name symbolized Christ’s triumph over death. Smith’s visions continued, leading him to preach “redemption without bloodshed”. He challenged his followers to live as “Second Adams”. Initially, Smith’s church joined with the Church of God in Christ in 1907. However, their paths diverged in 1912 due to differing beliefs. Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ Church held its first National Conference in Birmingham in 1915. There, Smith was appointed “Apostle, Priest, and King”. The church’s reach extended internationally with a convention in Indianapolis in 1919. Smith even became involved in Marcus Garvey’s “Back to Africa” movement. He traveled to Ethiopia and met Empress Zewditu. Sadly, Smith died during this visit and was buried there. Leadership of Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ Church then transitioned to a board of seven bishops. The church faced a split in 1944 when James Jones founded a separate church in Detroit.
Tujunga Spreading Grounds
Hidden in plain sight, the Tujunga Spreading Grounds is more than just a patch of land. It’s a hidden reservoir,