Did you know that the Star of Bethlehem Church of God in Christ started with just three members? This church has a rich and inspiring history. It is a testament to faith and perseverance.
The Star of Bethlehem Church of God in Christ was founded in May 1955. Mother Ruth Powers founded the church. The church was originally named the Second Church of God in Christ. It was located on 5th Street NW in Washington DC.
At first, there were only three members. They were Mother Ruth Powers, Mother Janie Jones, and Sister Rosa Walston. Mother Powers served as the General Church Mother. She held this position until her passing in 2000.
Elder Gibson was the first pastor. Bishop Samuel Kelsey appointed him. Elder Gibson served for two years. He faced many obstacles and trials. Eventually, he decided to leave. The three members remained steadfast. They prayed and fasted. They sold pies cakes and dinners. They diligently worked to keep the church open.
Later Elder Shaw became the pastor. Bishop Kelsey appointed him. Elder Shaw changed the church’s name. He renamed it Star of Bethlehem Church of God in Christ. Elder Shaw was a preacher and a baker. He worked faithfully. As a result, the church began to grow. After a year he became very ill. He never recovered.
After Elder Shaw’s death Bishop Kelsey appointed Elder Wiseman. Elder Wiseman served for several months and then left suddenly.
Elder Metcalf became the fourth pastor. He worked very hard. He spent his personal money to help keep the church open. The church’s progress was slow. There were many changes in leadership. Bishop Kelsey wanted the Star of Bethlehem Church of God in Christ to be a soul saving station. He made another appointment.
Elder Harvey Lee Lewis Sr. became the seventh pastor. This was on the third Sunday in March 1960. Elder Lewis Sr. was joined by his wife Mother Gloria Lewis and their three children. The early years were trying. Under Pastor Lewis’s leadership new members joined. The church began to grow. Mother Madeline Walston joined two years later. The first family to join was the family of Mother Esther Jones.
Sister Willie Thompson organized the choir. She recruited children from the neighborhood. She served as president. Pastor Lewis was the first choir director. Mother Lewis assisted him.
After five years under Pastor Lewis’s leadership membership grew from three to 75. The church grew spiritually and financially. It served the church family and the surrounding community. Pastor Lewis saw the need for a larger space. The church moved to 11th Street NW. The church family relocated there in an act of faith. They continued to grow spiritually and financially.
In September 1986 the Star family took an even bigger step. They moved to a beautiful church. It was located at 14th and Colorado Avenue NW. They worshiped and served the community there for over thirty three years. Under Bishop Harvey Lewis Sr. the church purchased that property without money. In 2016 Bishop Harvey Lewis Sr. passed the leadership to National Evangelist Winona Lewis Jones. She serves as Shepherdess. Elder Lawrence P. Jones assists her. They build on the foundation laid by her parents.
The Star of Bethlehem Church of God in Christ has truly been blessed. It started with a humble beginning and grew. It became a beacon of hope and faith. It shows what can be achieved through dedication and belief. As we leave this place remember the story. Remember the journey of the Star of Bethlehem Church of God in Christ.