Reverend Harold Lewis has poured his heart and soul into the Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church. This charming Spanish Mission Revival building has weathered many storms, both literally and figuratively. Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church, located in the heart of New Orleans’ Seventh Ward, has a fascinating history. Originally built in 1880, this unassuming wooden structure served as a beacon of hope and support for the local community. Known then as the Perseverance Benevolent and Mutual Aid Society Hall, it provided everything from entertainment to life insurance, offering a safe haven during a time of segregation. But its story doesn’t end there. The hall became a crucible for a new sound that would capture the world’s imagination: jazz. Legends like Buddy Bolden, Joe “King” Oliver, and Sidney Bechet graced its stage, their innovative music echoing through its walls. In 1949, the Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church of Eternal Life found its home within the hall’s hallowed walls. Sadly, the Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church has fallen into disrepair in recent years. Hurricanes, including the devastating Hurricane Ida in 2021, have taken their toll, leaving the building in a precarious state. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named it one of the Top 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2023. The spirit of perseverance lives on though. Efforts are underway to restore this architectural gem, to ensure that the Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church continues to be a source of inspiration and community for generations to come.
Greater Saint Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church
Established 82 years ago this is Greater St Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. It began in Uptown New Orleans with