“For who hath despised the day of small things?” This question echoes through the history of House of Prayer Church of God in Christ. It began humbly. It started in a tent. The tent stood on grounds not far from where we stand today. Elder James P. Simms held onto those words from Zechariah.
In 1929, Sister Helen Myles asked her brother James P. Simms to preach the Word of God. She wanted him to preach to the people on Central Avenue. The lives of many were burdened by sin. Elder Simms was preaching in Baltimore Maryland at the time. He responded to the call. He came to Central Avenue with his wife Evelyn Simms. Others joined their mission. His mother Helen Simms came. Two of his sisters joined too. They were Sister Helen Myles and Sister Marion Hill. Two other women came. They were Sister Black and Sister Annie Mitchell.
Elder James P. Simms erected a tent. He brought items from his own home. Rugs chairs a table and the family piano created a place to worship Jesus Christ. From this modest start the Lord added to the Church. People were saved. The Holy Ghost’s power was evident. Bodies were healed. Families were mended. Souls were delivered from darkness.
The first summer ended and cold weather came. The small tent worship faced an uncertain future. But God provided. Brother Frank Myles offered his log cabin for services. He was a Catholic at the time and not yet a member. The members rejoiced and praised God. They moved off the main road to their new church home. Praises rang out through the woods.
When warm weather returned they moved back to the tent. Plans were made to purchase land. Mr. Ridgley offered to sell the Church some property. He asked for a down payment of $500. That was a great sum of money back then. Mother Virgie Myles declared “We Can Do It!” Everyone worked together to raise the money. They made pledges. They picked and sold blackberries. They baked and sold cakes and pies. Through the Lord’s help they had the money when it was time to pay. Praise God.
The House of Prayer Church of God in Christ continued to work. They purchased a schoolhouse. For several years services were held there during the winter. In the summer they met in the tabernacle. Later the schoolhouse was moved. Construction began on this very spot. It was a long hard struggle. But the people had a mind to work. So they built the walls.
There was a time when work stopped for a while. Elder Simms resigned from the Post Office. He wanted to dedicate himself fully to the ministry. God was pleased with their determination. He strengthened Elder Simms and the people. The brothers worked on the building. The sisters supported them. They pulled nails from used lumber. They prepared meals. They did whatever they could. The edifice was dedicated in 1939 through this united effort. Praise God for the victory.
Elder Simms continued to preach the Word of God. Many heard and were convicted. They gave their lives to Christ. Anointed by the Holy Ghost Elder Simms took the gospel to other areas. He went to Cedar Heights Maryland. He preached in Brandywine Maryland. He traveled to Malcolm Maryland. He even went to Charles Town West Virginia.
Under Bishop James P. Simms a radio broadcast was established. The message of salvation rang out. More souls heard the Word. They accepted its truth. They were delivered from Satan’s power.
In 1971 Bishop Simms ordained Elder Walter A. Newman as Vice Bishop. In February 1974 Bishop Simms conducted his last revival service. He passed away in May 1974. Vice Bishop Walter A. Newman became the Bishop. He was the General Overseer of the House of Prayer Church of God Inc.
Elder Francis S. Myles Sr. became pastor in May 1974. Under his leadership God continued to bless the Church. On July 27 1985 he was ordained Vice Bishop. On January 9 1999 Bishop Francis S. Myles Sr. became Presiding Prelate and General Overseer.
The members of House of Prayer Church of God in Christ continue to look unto Him. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.