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New Jerusalem History

In 1928, the Bolden family moved from England, Ark. to Chicago, Ill. where James Bolden served under the leadership of Elder Moses Walker while Rosie Lee Bolden served under the leadership of Elder Willie Campbell.

After serving as a faithful member under the pastorship of Elder Walker, James Bolden received his calling to the ministry and began the New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. in 1942 under the leading of the Holy Ghost with his wife Missionary Rosie Lee Bolden and his three daughters Dorothy, Lucille, and Mamie. Some of the first families to attend and pledge their support to his ministry was his dear sister Janie Robinson and family, Elder and Sister Raymond Sayers, Elder Hill, Brother and Sister Harold Bennett, Brother Hall, Brother and Sister Martin, Sister Price, and a host of others, who soon joined him and contributed to his ministry.

The first location of the church was 1012 S. Paulina Street and then 1100 S. Paulina Street. As the Lord added to his membership, they moved to 1016 S. Marshfield. Under the advisement of the state bishop, in 1956 Elder Bolden and his congregation moved to 403 W. Division street to combined with another church called Love Temple [previous pastor Elder Johnson], which was in need of a pastor. Under his leadership, New Jerusalem enjoyed great teaching and preaching along with the outpouring of the spirit and a growing membership.

Elder Bolden was active in the Church of God In Christ’s Northern Illinois Jurisdiction and was promoted to superintendent of the South Shore District, which he later renamed the Greater South Shore District and served in that capacity for 15 years. He served faithfully in his church as well as in the jurisdiction under the auspices of Bishops William Roberts, Cain Scott, and J.O. Mason.

After 28 years of service as pastor of the New Jerusalem congregation, Elder Bolden died on Aug. 12, 1970, after a bout with diabetes. His favorite songs were He’s Sweet I know, The Sun Will Never Go Down, and I’ll Fly Away.

Missionary Rosie Lee Bolden served as head church missionary at New Jerusalem. She displayed much love for young people by taking them into her home and feeding them both naturally and spiritually. She served as president of the Pastor’s & Minister Wives of the Greater South Shore District. She died Aug. 17, 1974. Her favorite songs were Power Lord and Jesus Breaks Every Fetter.

Before Elder James Bolden died, he had made it clear to Bishop John O. Mason that upon his death he would like his son-in-law Elder Madison Bowen, who had served faithfully and remained at his side during his leadership, to be installed as his successor.

In September 1970, Elder Bowen was installed as the pastor of the New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. and continued the ministry in the Cabrini Green community with many people from the neighborhood flowing in. In that same year, he also organized an aggressive building fund. He continues to carry on the ministry that God has led him to for the last 28 years. In 1989, the New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. was officially incorporated.

Elder Bowen works faithfully in the Northern Illinois Jurisdiction as assistant superintendent of the Greater South Shore District and was installed as the state ordination chairman by Bishop Cody V. Marshall.
Elder Bowen’s interest is in continuing the pursuit of spiritual growth in the congregation, expanding the membership through a strong prayer ministry, and by seeking activities to involve others in the community.

A vision of many of our deceased members, including Elder James Bolden, Missionary Rosie Lee Bolden, Mother Janie Robinson, Mother Edna Knight, Mother Bell, Sister Lucille Bowen, Sister Dorothy Stone and countless others, was to one day own an actual church edifice to worship in. Elder Bowen, after years of tedious fund-raising and financial commitment, has now taken the ‘Golden Key’ to that dream and has unlocked the door.

We opened our doors to our new church—located 13501 South Burley—on Easter, April 12, 1998. The Dream and Vision Has Come Into Reality. Help Us Praise the Lord.

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