HISTORICAL SYNOPSIS

“…I will build my church…” (Mathew 16:18)

The Hand of Providence

The providential print of God’s hand can be clearly seen in the establishment of the Bronx East 165th Street Congregation of the Church of God of Prophecy.

This local church, like most New Testament congregations, was birthed as a result of the providential movement of God’s people from one place to another.

It was by the provident leading of God that our founding pastor, Bishop R.G Thompson, traveled to New York from Florida in 1941, supposedly to purchase a car and return to Florida. He never returned to Florida. His family joined him in New York and they resided in the Bronx.

In 1942 the family moved from the Bronx to Manhattan, New York City, where they purchased a home at 117 East 117 Street and opened up the first floor for prayer meetings. After a while this group that met for prayer was organized as a mission. After much prayer, labor and sacrifice the mission was organized as a church in November 1947 with approximately seven members, including Bishop Ronald George Thompson, its founding pastor.

First Property Owned

The new congregation worshipped at various locations in Manhattan until they purchased two buildings: 117 & 119 East 120 Street. The first floor of one of these buildings was converted to accommodate the congregation.

Move to the Bronx

In 1962 Bishop Thompson was called to Boston Mass to pastor. The succeeding pastor, David C. Cook, moved the congregation to Hoe Avenue in the Bronx, where they stayed for a short time. They soon acquired a building at 1239 Intervale Avenue, in the Foxhurst neighborhood of the Bronx, where they worshipped for several years under the leadership of Pastor David C. Cook, Bishop Benny Finlayson, Bishop H.A. Furgurson and Bishop Willie R. Boone. The Intervale Ave building was located in an area that was targeted by the City for Urban Renewal. The city slated the area for its “Model City Project” and annexed the church property. On his appointment as pastor, Bishop Furgurson investigated the matter and was able to receive a settlement from the city for the annexed property. The church used the funds to purchase lots on Hall Place, in the same neighborhood and drew up extensive blue print and plans to construct a new church building. But, that was not to be.

Bishop Willie R. Boone succeeded Bishop Furgurson in 1974 and was faced with the challenge of constructing a new church building on Hall Place according to the already prepared plans. Bishop Boone’s background in Real Estate served the church well. After reviewing the plans and much prayer, he concluded that it was better to buy than to build. Bishop Boone challenged the congregation to “buy” another facility to house the congregation. His mantra was ‘build or buy, we’ll be in a church by June of 1975.” Under his direction and courageous leadership, the equally courageous congregation embarked on a Building Fund program. They located, purchased, and dedicated our current facility to the Lord June 1975. Under the Leadership of Bishop Gladstone Royal, who succeeded Bishop Boone, an additional piece of property from the city was bought at auction, which is now our parking lot.

A Christ-Centered Cosmopolitan Congregation

Today, after extensive renovation under the pastorate of Bishop Earl W. McKay, the facility facilitates several outreach ministries. The membership of several hundreds hails from over 22 nations covering the Caribbean, South America, Africa, the UK, and mainland U.S. This enables us to connect readily with the diverse population of New York City.

In contemporary theological terms, we are a Protestant, Evangelical, Wesleyan holiness, Pentecostal movement that believes in man’s freewill regarding salvation. We are a Christ-centered congregation endeavoring to passionately pursue kingdom principles – together.