Here stands Emanuel Church of God in Christ. It began with a small group of bible-believing followers of Christ in Newark in 1920. They gathered under Elder Walter Griffin’s leadership. He was from Chicago Illinois. They worshipped in a storefront on Charleston Street. The congregation quickly outgrew the space. They moved to a new location on Broome Street.
Elder Griffin resigned. Elder Jones from Detroit Michigan succeeded him. The believers wanted a church. It would preach the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ. The church relocated several times. These locations were on Court, Charleston and Broome Streets. Elder Scott briefly pastored the church. The Lord continued to bless Emanuel Church of God in Christ.
In 1935 Elder Joseph Solomon Sanders became the permanent pastor. The Bishop of the Eastern District Council installed him. This was of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc. The Lord continued to bless Emanuel Church of God in Christ. The Broome Street location became too small. In October 1943 the members marched to 28 Beacon Street. District Elder Sanders led them. The members were determined to pay off the mortgage. Some gave their life savings. Others made great personal sacrifices. They achieved this dream within a few years. Massive renovations took place. New pews and a pulpit were bought. An escalating chair was installed. It was for those unable to walk upstairs. The Lord continued to bless Emanuel Church of God in Christ.
After a prolonged illness District Elder Solomon Sanders went to his heavenly home in 1988. He had served as pastor for 45 years. Elder James D Churchwell Sr. became the Acting Spiritual Leader.
Elder Churchwell’s dedication was clear. He loved the Lord. He cared for the people of God. Bishop William Burrell installed him as permanent Pastor in 1988. He was the Diocesan of the New Jersey District Council.
The Lord gave Pastor Churchwell a vision. It was to build a new house of worship. The City of Newark demanded that Emanuel Church of God in Christ move. It had stood at 28 Beacon Street for about forty-eight years. It served as a beacon of light to the lost downtrodden and hopeless.
Under District Elder Churchwell’s direction preparations began. These were for building a new edifice. The members made pledges to raise funds. The new church was completed within six months. In March 1991 Pastor Churchwell and the members marched to 54 Irvine Turner Boulevard. They moved from the old landmark with tears and smiles. The Lord had moved the church from a backstreet to a main thoroughfare. Ten years later the Emmanuel family paid off the mortgage. Suffragan Bishop Churchwell guided them. They are indebted only to the Lord. The Lord continued to bless Emanuel Church of God in Christ.
In 2002 Emanuel Church of God in Christ started a pew project. They wanted new pews for the sanctuary. The members made pledges again. The new pews were installed in May 2004. The testimony of Emanuel Church of God in Christ is simple. “Emmanuel” means “God with us”. This has been their reality. The Lord has remained faithful and has never failed them.
They will never forget the sacrifices of the old saints. These sacrifices established their foundation. They ensured that Emanuel Church of God in Christ continues its mission. The mission is to preach the unadulterated gospel of Jesus.
They remember their teachings. They are proud of the churches that have come out of Emanuel Church of God in Christ. They trust that the Lord will continue to be with them. They endeavor to do His will.
In 2014 Bishop James D. Churchwell Sr. was called home. God gave the former pastor the vision to prepare for passing the mantle. Elder Perry L. Gillespie Sr. is the new pastor. The Lord will continue to bless Emanuel Church of God in Christ. From humble beginnings it has grown strong.