“Holiness Unto the Lord” declares the motto. Let’s explore the International Pentecostal City Mission Church. This church is more than just a building. It is a community. It welcomes all people. Race, color, gender, and economic status do not matter here. The church wants people to grow in faith. They want people to understand Jesus Christ better. The International Pentecostal City Mission Church also runs the Pentecostal City Mission Bible Institute. This institute helps people improve their leadership skills. It also deepens their understanding of the Bible.
The International Pentecostal City Mission Church has clear goals. They want to establish a mission in every city. The church wants to equip Christians for their ministries. They aim to preach the Word of God without compromise. This brings lost souls to Jesus Christ. Leaders learn about spiritual gifts and how to use them. The goal is to establish God’s kingdom on earth. They preach salvation, holiness, divine healing, and the Second Coming. The church educates and strengthens its members through the Word. They also plan programs for worship and community transformation.
The history of the International Pentecostal City Mission Church is interesting. Believers once struggled to find a place to worship. Some were not welcomed in other churches. Trailblazers started the City Mission movement. They first worshipped in their homes. Later, they rented a school hall. In London, the ministry began at Anson Hall. Deacon Ford led from 1959 to 1961. Then, Rev S Morris and Deacon R Taylor led at Vartry Road school hall from 1961 to 1967.
Important figures visited England in 1960. Bishop Mary Coore, Bishop Ethel Wilson, and Bishop Delrose Walters stopped by. They held evangelistic services before returning home. In 1961, the first church property was purchased. It was located at West Bank in Stamford Hill. Initially, it was named Kingston City Mission. The name changed to International Pentecostal City in 1963. Since 1998, it has been known as Pentecostal City Mission Church.
Bishop Walters and others launched a campaign in 1967. This led to new branches opening. These branches included Brixton, Huddersfield, Leeds, and Bristol. Rev J Walker-Royal was the Field Director then. In 1978, the headquarters church was purchased in Leytonstone. It’s called the Baby Cathedral. Bishop Jones spearheaded this purchase. It remains the national place of worship and administration.
Other leaders followed. Rev S E Bennett served from 1972 to 1987. Rev J Small led from 1987 to 1992. Bishop H Cato was the National Overseer from 1993 to 2021. Rev A Dwyer, Rev N Edwards, and Bishop Noreen Simpson also served. Currently, Rev C Murphy leads.
The International Pentecostal City Mission Church now has 12 branches. They are located in six major cities. The church owns properties in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Leeds. In 2014, the church became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This complies with UK charity laws. The church’s mission is to advance Christianity. It provides social and recreational facilities. It also promotes racial harmony. The church helps those in financial hardship. They offer goods and services to those in need.
The International Pentecostal City Mission Church has a rich history. Its spiritual values are strong. Its success comes from the contributions of its patriarchs. Their memory is valued. The church continues to build on this foundation. It spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ with vision and compassion. The International Pentecostal City Mission Church in Manchester is a part of this legacy. It continues to serve its community.