|
|
| Prince
of Peace Baptist Church History |
The prince of Peace Baptist Church
was organized by St. John Baptist Church, November 11, 1970, by then
Pastor J.C. Darby, pastor of the mother church. On request of the
Acting pastor, Reverend E.L. Hall of Prince of Peace Baptist Mission,
located at 17th and Kentucky Street, Reverend J.C.Darby called for
a council. The purpose was to organize Prince of Peace Baptist Mission
into a church. Per the request of Reverend Darby, four members from
the mother church were chartered to constitute the new church.
The Reverend D.L. Yanders of Berea Baptist Church, Reverend Eddie
James of 2nd Baptist Church, Reverend A.G. Buycks of Greater Shepherd
Baptist Church, and Reverend Pete Wilson were the members that were
asked to respond to formulate a council and so they did.
Reverend Darby set up the council. He, himself, acting as moderator
asked Reverend D.L. Yanders to preach the organizational sermon, Reverend
Eddie James to give charge to the church, and Reverend A.G. Buycks
to give charge to the new pastor after the organizational service.
The Reverend E.L. Hall was then called to pastor the new church. After
praying over him, Reverend J.C. Darby turned the new church over to
Reverend E.L. Hall. After which, Reverend Hall opened the doors of
the church and 15 members united.
After two years, the church found it hard to meet its financial obligations.
Reverend E.L. Hall tried to keep the church doors open, but was forced
to close them. On June 6, 1982, God blessed Reverend Hall with another
building where he would re-erect Prince of Peace Baptist Church.
Reverend Hall, under the leadership of the Holy Ghost, was able to
finally carry out the plans God had for his life. The Prince of Peace
Missionary Baptist Church was located at 2601 Garland Ave thus becoming
a pillar in the West End community. Many ministries, such as the Brotherhood,
Women's ministry, Youth ministry, and the community outreach ministry
known as "Feed the People" were all a result of the hard
work and dedication of Reverend E.L. Hall.
After serving the new church for 21 years, Reverend Hall was called
home to rest from his labor. However, his vision did not die; Prince
of Peace continued on in the work of ministry. The ministers, deacons,
and dedicated members, were able to keep the ministry going for 1
1/2 years, under the direction of the ordained Deacon, R.D. Owens
Jr.
On May 25th, 2004, the building at 2601 Garland Ave. was destroyed
by an act of nature. The wounded church family, now without a pastor
and a building, refused to quit. Brother James and Mother Ruth Booth
opened up their beauty shop and allowed us to worship there on the
following Sunday. By the next week, God had opened up the hearts of
men. With the assistance of Pastor T. Vaughn Walker, of First Gethsemane
Baptist Church, the Church moved into the basement of The Baptist
Fellowship Center at 1351 Catalpa Street. Prince of Peace had a new
home. During the time at this location, the vision, "Building
up the Body of Christ", continued to be carried out.
After much people searching and God seeking, the Lord sent us a Pastor
according to his own heart. On July 3rd, 2005, Minister Isrom J. Johnson
became our new Pastor. Under the leadership of Pastor Johnson, the
church has been able to purchase its 1st property at 725 Linden Ave.,
New Albany, IN. The church family has almost doubled in membership
and the new vision, "Advancing the Kingdom", by being spiritually
empowered, mentally alert, financially secure, physically fit, is
being fulfilled. Pastor Johnson is now leading us into Regional, National,
and Global ministries.
It is our strongest belief that through the leadership of a Spirit-led
Pastor and the commitment of a Spirit-filled body, God has brought
Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church a long way, and through
His grace, He will continue to help us press toward the mark of a
higher calling in Jesus Christ. |
|
