COJ HISTORY
HISTORY
The Church has always been identified as a highly spiritual church. Its humble beginning proved that the Spirit of God dwells within the midst of the praises of His people. It is a Church that has undergone many changes, but through these changes it has always surged forth with great growth.
The first service of the Church of Jesus, Springfield, Ohio, was held in 1922 under an Oak Tree. According to the late Deacon Louis Butler, there were numerous dwellings including the back of a store on Main Street. Because of unusual locations it became necessary to move. Such moves included Store Fronts, Houses, YMCA, which at that time was near the corner of Center and Washington Streets near the railroad tracks.
By 1923 the Church began to develop greater stability. During the summer of 1023, the Elder John Childs of Detroit, Michigan, the founder the Church, held tent meetings on Front Street. The Spirit of the Lord moved, and many souls were saved. The Church grew and size and space were needed for worship. The Church moved to Main Street into what is possibly the present Lutheran Intermission Building. At that time, a man by the name of Tony Papanilla used this building as a fruit market. He agreed to partition off a portion of his market so that the Church of Jesus might use a portion of the building for services. During these times, the Saints were comforted in the hope that God would reward them for their faithfulness. The Lord moved upon the heart of the Brunner Family and a plot of land located at the corner of Chestnut and Murray Street was donated to the Church of Jesus Congregation.
The Church of Jesus was built on Chestnut Street in 1925 and the membership moved from the fruit market into the church. Some of the members included Mom Miller, Mom Butler, Deacon and Sister Anderson and songbird and pianist of the Church of Jesus, Mom Jessie Moore. The Lord added to the church and many were baptized. There was much preaching and the church was frequented by Elder Hayward and Elder Hancock, who were elevated to Bishops.
Elder Childs remained pastor until the latter part of 1929 at which time Elder Philip Wells became pastor. Between 1933 and the early 1950’s the church was under the leadership of many different pastors. During some of these times, there was no pastor, just visiting evangelists and ministers. Some of the ministers were: Presiding Bishop Francis Smith, Evangelist Marie Baker, Elder Artie Wilson, Elder C. Jones, Elder Hartie, Evangelist Zelma Reed, Elder Frazier, Elder Lynch, Evangelist Mamie Reed, Elder H. Young, Elder Young, and the outstanding Mother Mattie Bell Ballard.
Mother Ballard was a spirit filled woman who initiated a lot of growth. The membership was greatly increased, and the Lord blessed with many young people. She believed in prayer and fasting. The church prayed and fasted for souls. It was during one of these fasts that Sister Josie Howard was saved.
In 1953, the Ohio District Council sent Elder James Hawkins to pastor the Church of Jesus. Elder Hawkins pastured for several years and was followed by Elder Easley.
A change in leadership led to a search for new pastor. Elder Cecil Pratt was a young man who God had chosen for this special task. He was called to ministry in 1950.
The Lord sent Cecil Alexander Pratt, Jr. and his family to Springfield, Ohio where he was appointed pastor of the Church of Jesus, which was located at the foot of Chestnut Street and had approximately 35 members. Elder Pratt relocated himself and his family from Detroit to Springfield.
Elder Pratt found the tasks of preaching increasingly difficult with many members openly expressing their resentment of having a young man with progressive ideas pastor them. Although it was a difficult struggle, Elder Pratt knew God had placed him there, so there he stayed and withstood the storm.
The church was reorganized under Pastor Pratt’s leadership with six remaining adult members and the Pratt children. Among those were Sister Josie Howard and Sister Caroline Mebane. Because of his steadfast commitment to do God’s will, he persevered. The Church of Jesus grew abundantly, both spiritually and increasing membership.
The congregation moved from Chestnut Street to its current location on Center Street. In the dedication message, Elder Pratt wrote “Let us then build upon this stone which is Jesus Christ. We have gone into the valley, encountered the enemy and emerged victorious.” But this was not the end, only the beginning.
It was a glorious beginning! The Church of Jesus exploded with blessings. Unlike any other church in the area, the church became a place of multiplicity of ministries. Many souls throughout the country are enjoying the blessings of the Lord because of the numerous outreach programs. Under Pastor Pratt’s leadership several have been called to pastor churches and others evangelism.
Bishop and Evangelist Pratt were blessed to enjoy the fruition of building a marvelous edifice adjoining to the original building. It stands as a testimony and a visible reminder of what God can do. Through the years they have always been concerned for the youth and the need for their souls to be saved. The Church of Jesus Family Worship Center Campus established an Early Childcare Development Center, Precious Gifts Daycare and Learning Center, and as well as Springfield Academy of Excellence, which is the first Community School (sometimes referred to as “Charter School”) in the City of Springfield.
The Church of Jesus Family Worship Center is richly blessed through the hard work of and dedication of both Bishop and Evangelist Pratt.