Once upon a time, two drunks stumbled into a small mission and accepted Christ. This is a snippet from the early days of Glad Tidings Assembly of God. Glad Tidings Assembly of God has a rich history in New York City. It started as a small storefront mission. Now, it’s a testament to faith and community.
In 1907, Marie Burgess arrived in New York City from Zion, Illinois. She started a church on 41st Street with the mission to help the homeless, the hungry, and the outcast. A few months later, she and Robert Brown, a young policeman and Methodist lay minister, moved to a new location on 42nd Street and called it Glad Tidings Hall. They married in 1909.
Marie Burgess prayed that the 96 chairs she set up would be filled. Her prayers were answered on the very first night. This marked the beginning of a journey that would impact countless lives.
Initially, Glad Tidings Tabernacle faced opposition from both sinners and saints. Robert Brown, a Wesleyan minister from Ireland, was one of the early critics. He attended meetings out of curiosity but was against the Pentecostal movement. He ultimately became convinced. He found the Pentecostal experience biblical. In 1908, he openly prayed to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. He testified that it exceeded all other blessings. Brown went from critic to supporter. He and Burgess married and co-pastored the church until their deaths. Robert died in 1948. Marie died in 1971.
The church grew and relocated to 325 West 33rd Street in 1914. The building had a history of its own. It was originally built as Pilgrims’ Baptist Church in 1867-68. George Chapman designed it. Before Glad Tidings, it was also the Thirty-third Street Baptist Church and the Collegiate Baptist Church of the Covenant.
In 1914, the Browns helped to formulate the Assemblies of God. It’s a voluntary fellowship of believers. For decades, Glad Tidings Tabernacle on 33rd Street was one of the largest Assemblies of God congregations in the United States.
Glad Tidings moved to 2207 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem. This move aimed to bridge racial divides. However, it also led to financial difficulties. Allegations of mismanagement arose. Pastor Carl Keyes faced accusations of misusing church funds. The Attorney General investigated. Keyes was found to have taken illegal loans. He bought an 18th-century farmhouse. He used charity money for personal expenses.
In 2016, the Assemblies of God denomination took over governance. This followed a settlement with the Attorney General. Despite these challenges, Glad Tidings Assembly of God persevered.
Today, Glad Tidings Assembly of God continues its mission. In recent years, Jordon was installed as lead pastor of Glad Tidings in The Bronx. The church is focusing on connecting with its community. It wants to establish a stronger social media presence.
From its humble beginnings to its present-day work, Glad Tidings has remained a beacon of faith. Its story is one of answered prayers, dedicated leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving the community. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith.