Church of God Woodycrest Avenue

Nine souls, united by faith. In 1934, they planted the seeds of the Church of God Woodycrest Avenue, the first Church of God in New York City. These pioneers, led by Reverend Elizar Johnson, journeyed from the South, bringing their deep-rooted faith to the bustling city. Their first spiritual home found its place on 134th Street, near Madison Avenue. The Church of God Woodycrest Avenue’s journey was one of resilience and faith. It moved from 119th Street to 129th Street, finally settling in Harlem at 105 West 11th Street in 1944. By the mid-1970s, the neighborhood faced challenges. Pastor Charles Marcelle Jr. and the congregation knew a change was needed. They prayed for guidance, and their prayers were answered. In 1977, the Church of God Woodycrest Avenue found its permanent home at 923 Woodycrest Avenue in the Bronx. This marked a new chapter in their story. Under Pastor Milroy A. Grant’s leadership, beginning in 1980, the church thrived. A momentous occasion came in 1986 when the mortgage was paid off, a testament to their dedication and hard work. In 2011, Bishop Julian Stephenson and Dr. Ingrid Stephenson became the new pastors of the Church of God Woodycrest Avenue. Their focus on outreach breathed new life into the community. From prayer walks to block parties, vacation bible school to a food pantry, they extended their hands to those in need. The Church of God Woodycrest Avenue stands not just as a building, but as a beacon of faith and service. It represents the enduring spirit of those nine original members and the countless others who have walked through its doors. It reminds us that even in the midst of a bustling city, faith can flourish, and community can be built.