CHURCH HISTORY

IN HER majestic beauty she stands, firmly grounded in the Rock, beckoning to everyone who passes by the way in Whitehouse. She is the Church of Jesus Christ.

The year 1964 marked the beginning of a milestone of 60 years for the church.

In response to the ‘Macedonian Call’, the late Apostle Sylvester Cole left the city of Kingston and headed to Whitehouse for the sole purpose of fulfilling his God-given vision – planting the church. He began preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the streets of Whitehouse.

As many flocked him to hear the ‘new’ doctrine, Bishop Cole preached for several nights before returning to Kingston. On his second trip, he was accompanied by devoted missionaries, including Evangelist Ida Higgins.

These missionaries were first given living accommodation by the late Deacon and Missionary Nembhard, who, with other saints and well-wishers, attended to their physical and financial needs.

Later, a small house in a big yard was provided by Mr Johnson, which served as both a dwelling and a meeting place then. The group outgrew the house space and moved into the yard under a guinep tree which housed the fowls at night and sheltered the saints from the elements at the same time. Under the tree, logs formed a semicircular pattern with a small table in the centre, with a Tilly lamp which had to be pumped regularly to keep its flickering light aglow.

Amid the discomfort of the hard logs for seating, the believers worshipped and the Lord blessed and prospered the work. The ‘60s were years of immense persecution as many deemed its founder, Bishop Cole, a false prophet. Some even called him an obeah man, while others, when they saw the miracles wrought at his hand – sickness healed, demon oppressed and delivered – were convinced that he was indeed a man of God and became converted.

Through much fasting and prayers, doors

“Persecution could not stop the work. The year 1973 was the beginning of a new era for the church. Bishop Higgins – then Overseer Higgins – was commissioned by God to build the walls of Zion. In answering the call, he surrendered his permanent resident visa and straight away began the mammoth task of building the house of God, with few skilled workers and little funds from the members. He was encouraged by the Lord that the work would be done by faithful hands and willing hearts.”

began to open with one of the church’s early converts, Brother Harold Wright, who vowed that if his sick son got healed of a lifethreatening condition, he would donate this parcel of land on which the church is now situated to the church for a place of worship. The missionaries fasted and prayed, and the Lord answered their prayers. The boy got healed and Brother Harold kept his promise.

Not long afterwards the young prospective leader, Evangelist Higgins, began construction of the temporary structure that would house the people of God.

Evangelist Higgins mustered whatever funds she could to start the building. This unique structure was made of zinc all around with beautifully cut stones packed skilfully to form its base.

Amid the mocking that this was nothing but a sugar house and a boiling house, the saints enjoyed the sweetness when the Holy Ghost was at boiling point.

Persecution could not stop the work. The year 1973 was the beginning of a new era for the church. Bishop Higgins – then Overseer Higgins – was commissioned by God to build the walls of Zion. In answering the call, he surrendered his permanent resident visa and straight away began the mammoth task of building the house of God, with few skilled workers and little funds from the members. He was encouraged by the Lord that the work would be done by faithful hands and willing hearts.

Bishop Higgins l aunched the first fundraising programme, which was a one cent drive. He also emptied his entire personal savings, coupled with donations from the brethren and well-wishers, to provide the well-needed materials for the permanent structure.

In the year 2006, after 40 years of ministry, Pastor Ida Higgins went to be with the Lord, and the mantle fell on Bishop Higgins, who continued leadership until 2013 when they both reunited in glory. The church was left at its peak of spiritual progress and prosperity. However, the years 2013-2019 saw the glorious church faced with the greatest disparagement in its history. Pastor Lesma Lawrence, the newly God-appointed leader was greatly challenged, but God gave the victory and again the church has risen to its former state of glory and beauty. She is experiencing a new season of souls being added to the body and believers receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The church is off to a fresh start of vibrancy and relevance in the community.

The values that gave birth to the church still prevail. She remains passionate for souls and good works.

Because God is, the Church of Jesus Christ has an unshakeable foundation and an unending legacy.