| Our Humble Beginnings |
| Our church was founded by Eld. Andrew Redmond around summer of 1963. The very first service was held at 820 Lakewood Avenue Youngstown, Ohio, the home of Mother Annabelle Redmond. Those present were Eld. Andrew Redmond, Mother Annabelle Redmond, Sis. Alice Wellington, Bro. John Wellington, Bro. William H. Redmond, Bro. Robert Redmond, young Rocco Wellington, Daniel Wellington, and Andrea Wellington. |
| Pastor Redmond chose the name Messiah Tabernacle for the young congregation. He wanted something that would honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while it showed God's annointing on His people. Messiah filled both desires. Messiah means Annointed One, while also giving proper recognition to one of the titles of the Son of God. Tabernacle was added because the church was searching for a permanent home at the time. Just as Moses and the children of Israel was in the wilderness and worship in a tabernacle, so it would be with this band of people until God would bless them with an appropriate place of worship. |
| As time went on, the church had occupied several places. The most prominent being the old Friendship Baptist Church which once stood at the corner of Market Street and Woodland Avenue. Messiah Tabernacle over the years was known for hosting many singing programs. The Highway QC's, Rev. James Cleveland, Eld. Rance Allen, The Raymond Raspberry Singers, The Gospel Dovettes with Benny Pritchard, and The McCrary Singers were among the nationally known singers who have visited, as well as such local talent as The Faithful Travelers, The Sensational Cleftones, The Galatian Singers, The Spiritual Kings, The Sons of Joy, Sister Polly Dawson, Brother Johnny Holland, The Crump Brothers, The True Gospel Singers, The Brown Singers, The Christian All-Stars of Akron, Ohio, The Anderson Brothers, The Reynolds Brothers, and our very own, Realistic Gospel Singers better known as "The Realistics". |
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| As time went on, God continued to bless the tiny congregation. In 1977, Messiah Tabernacle moved to 220 Elm Street and became Messiah Holiness Church. Later, the congregation decided to join in with the Ohio Northwest Churhes of God in Christ, Inc. where the Bishop Robert L. Chapman served as the Jurisdictional Prelate. Once under the leadership of Bishop Chapman, the name became Messiah Holiness Church of God in Christ. The congregation has always been Church of God in Christ, but at this time decided to fellowship with the Ohio Northwest Jurisdiction. As a matter of fact, Messiah Holiness Church of God in Christ is proud to say they have five generations of COGIC born members, begining with Mother Redmond. Mother Redmond was the one who led her entire family to the Lord and the Church of God in Christ. She passed in July of 2001 having faithfully served as Church Mother over the years. Bishop Chapman also passed in July of 2001. Both saintly leaders will greatly be missed. |
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| Our COGIC Forefathers |
| Clockwise at the Top: Bishop C.H. Mason, Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr., Bishop L.H. Ford, Mother Mattie Mc Golthan |
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| "....and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper." II Chronicles 26:5 |
| CHURCH MOTTO |
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| Eld. Andrew Redmond Pastor and Founder |
