Here stands Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ. Prayer Tower started as Grace Chapel Church of God in Christ in 1932. Bishop Claiborne Dad Jones and Mother Miriam McGregor Jones founded it.
In 1946, Mother Jones had a vision during a trip to California. She needed to return to New Orleans and build the Prayer Tower. The church name changed from Grace Chapel. It became Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ. The members bought land. They built a church at 7734 Olive Street in New Orleans.
In 1968, the members bought more land. They built a Temple at 8708 Willow Street. It was for Jurisdiction, District and Community use. They named it Claiborne Jones Temple. This honored the founder. Prayer Tower church facilities were dedicated to Bishop Jones memory. They were referred to as Claiborne Jones Temple.
In the mid 1980s, the members decided to move the congregation. They went to the Willow Street Temple. They renamed the facility Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ. This is the largest Temple of Worship for COGICs in New Orleans. It has seating for over 500 people.
Prayer Tower has had only four pastors in its 80+ years. Bishop Claiborne Jones was the founder pastor from 1932 to 1978. Bishop Richard Mr. Clean White served in 1978. Bishop Lindell B Brown led from 1978 to 2010. Pastor Jermaine R Hampton Sr has been the pastor since 2011.
Prayer Tower is the Headquarters Church. It is for the Greater New Orleans Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Louisiana. This belongs to the Church of God in Christ. Prayer Tower’s former pastor, Bishop Lindell B. Brown, founded it. He was also a Jurisdictional Prelate.
Prayer Tower is an active member. It belongs to the Church of God in Christ International. Its headquarters are in Memphis, TN. The Most Reverend Charles Edward Blake Sr is the Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle.
The Church of God in Christ General Board establishes policies. It sustains spiritual order. Twelve bishops are chosen from the Board of Bishops. They are voted into office by the General Assembly. They serve for four years. The Presiding Bishop is Bishop J Drew Sheard. He pastors Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church Of God In Christ in Detroit, MI. The Church Of God In Christ General Board has a Pentecostal vision. It carries out salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It has 6.5 million members worldwide. Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication and community. It is a beacon of hope in New Orleans.