How it all started...
Our church was organized in 1933, by the Rev Taylor, under the name of Zion Hill M.B. Church. Later the name was changed to New Jericho M.B. Church and Rev C.H. Hawkins was called to pastor, after which the Rev. Hawkins was called to the Friendship Baptist Church in Madison, Il. Then Rev H. Ousley was called to pastor. Shortly thereafter a band of baptized believers called the Israelites expressed a desire to merge with New Jericho Church but wanted to keep a portion of their name, so it was agreed upon to drop the first part of each name and to put together the last portion. Originating with our present name the Lite of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church. This took place under the leadership of Rev. Ousley.
Following Rev Ousley, Rev Moses Skyes was called and was overseer for a short time. During the period of these three pastors the church was struggling; sometimes, not able to pay the rent. Some of the members would pay it out of their pockets. Sometimes, electricity was gotten by extension from the deacon’s house.
On Oct 21, 1942 the Rev Jesse Hendricks was called. The church was then located at 2111 Biddle St. where we remained for about a year, then later moving to 2101 Franklin Ave. We remained at this address until 1951. Under the leadership of Rev Hendricks we were blessed in the purchasing of a building at 2726 Lucas Ave, and moved in on Easter Sunday 1951. There we stayed and worked hard, remodeling in many ways. Later, we secured and occupied the property here at 5429 St. Louis Ave. on Feb. 1, 1970. The lord blessed us continuously by the increase of youth and young adult members to our church family.
On September 6, 1981, the Lord called Pastor Hendricks home. The church united in prayer for another undershepherd, and on the 1st day of November 1981, the Rev. Reginald D Rogers accepted the call as our pastor. Under his leadership and guidance much has been accomplished.
In 1982 we became associated and remain active with the Berean Missionary Baptist District Association.
Pastor Rogers’ vision to build a new edifice came into reality with the securing of property located adjacent to our church. Our groundbreaking service was held on Sun June 16, 1992, for a new edifice. We vacated our old home to begin construction in Sept. 1992. Our praise services continued as we were welcomed by Rev Theodore V. Foster to hold worship services at the Theodore “Ted” Foster Funeral Home and by the Rev. Willie James, pastor of the New Ebenezer M.B. Church.
On Jan. 31, 1993, our new home was made ready and our Dedicatory service was held in praise and worship to our Heavenly Father who envisioned our pastor and guided him in this effort.
In Dec. 2000, our mortgage agreement was met and satisfied. And our Mortgage Burning Celebration began by enjoying a banquet dinner and extravaganza- on Sat. January 27, 2001 at the Embassy Suite Hotel. Our rejoicing continued thru Sunday January 28, 2001 when service was held and a litany of prayer and worship was brought forth. The City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen gave resolution to us on February 6, 2001 , we were introduced to the board by the honorable Kenneth Jones, aldermen of the 22nd ward. Our resolution in congratulations and recognition was published in the city journal.
Other properties acquired with the help of God are:
On November of 1984, the site on the S.E. corner of Semple & St. Louis Ave.
1986, the lot behind the church - 1987, the 2-story building on the NE. Corner next to the church and the property east of our church lot on St. Louis Ave.
Mother Mary Garthings proposed to the church the we name our Fellowship hall for our pastor, as a tribute and as a show of love and appreciation it was agreed upon that it would be dedicated and name ROGERS HALL.
Due to much needed parking availability we now have on-site parking on both sides of our church building. Through obedience and God’s Blessings we have done so without indebtedness.
In May of 2008, due to water damage, our pastor’s study was completely renovated with new shower stall, pantry, carpet, print and lighting.
We have installed a new Media section with State of the Art equipment. TV Monitors were installed for better visualization to the choir as well as the congregatio, announcements are visual now due to the expertise of current media staff.
A new Music instrument Pit was designed and structured to enhance our growing Music Ministry.
Other properties acquired are 5403 St. Louis Ave. , 5426 St. Louis Ave. and 2901 Semple, 5384 and 5382 St. Louis Ave., and 5459 St. Louis Ave.
Following Rev Ousley, Rev Moses Skyes was called and was overseer for a short time. During the period of these three pastors the church was struggling; sometimes, not able to pay the rent. Some of the members would pay it out of their pockets. Sometimes, electricity was gotten by extension from the deacon’s house.
On Oct 21, 1942 the Rev Jesse Hendricks was called. The church was then located at 2111 Biddle St. where we remained for about a year, then later moving to 2101 Franklin Ave. We remained at this address until 1951. Under the leadership of Rev Hendricks we were blessed in the purchasing of a building at 2726 Lucas Ave, and moved in on Easter Sunday 1951. There we stayed and worked hard, remodeling in many ways. Later, we secured and occupied the property here at 5429 St. Louis Ave. on Feb. 1, 1970. The lord blessed us continuously by the increase of youth and young adult members to our church family.
On September 6, 1981, the Lord called Pastor Hendricks home. The church united in prayer for another undershepherd, and on the 1st day of November 1981, the Rev. Reginald D Rogers accepted the call as our pastor. Under his leadership and guidance much has been accomplished.
In 1982 we became associated and remain active with the Berean Missionary Baptist District Association.
Pastor Rogers’ vision to build a new edifice came into reality with the securing of property located adjacent to our church. Our groundbreaking service was held on Sun June 16, 1992, for a new edifice. We vacated our old home to begin construction in Sept. 1992. Our praise services continued as we were welcomed by Rev Theodore V. Foster to hold worship services at the Theodore “Ted” Foster Funeral Home and by the Rev. Willie James, pastor of the New Ebenezer M.B. Church.
On Jan. 31, 1993, our new home was made ready and our Dedicatory service was held in praise and worship to our Heavenly Father who envisioned our pastor and guided him in this effort.
In Dec. 2000, our mortgage agreement was met and satisfied. And our Mortgage Burning Celebration began by enjoying a banquet dinner and extravaganza- on Sat. January 27, 2001 at the Embassy Suite Hotel. Our rejoicing continued thru Sunday January 28, 2001 when service was held and a litany of prayer and worship was brought forth. The City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen gave resolution to us on February 6, 2001 , we were introduced to the board by the honorable Kenneth Jones, aldermen of the 22nd ward. Our resolution in congratulations and recognition was published in the city journal.
Other properties acquired with the help of God are:
On November of 1984, the site on the S.E. corner of Semple & St. Louis Ave.
1986, the lot behind the church - 1987, the 2-story building on the NE. Corner next to the church and the property east of our church lot on St. Louis Ave.
Mother Mary Garthings proposed to the church the we name our Fellowship hall for our pastor, as a tribute and as a show of love and appreciation it was agreed upon that it would be dedicated and name ROGERS HALL.
Due to much needed parking availability we now have on-site parking on both sides of our church building. Through obedience and God’s Blessings we have done so without indebtedness.
In May of 2008, due to water damage, our pastor’s study was completely renovated with new shower stall, pantry, carpet, print and lighting.
We have installed a new Media section with State of the Art equipment. TV Monitors were installed for better visualization to the choir as well as the congregatio, announcements are visual now due to the expertise of current media staff.
A new Music instrument Pit was designed and structured to enhance our growing Music Ministry.
Other properties acquired are 5403 St. Louis Ave. , 5426 St. Louis Ave. and 2901 Semple, 5384 and 5382 St. Louis Ave., and 5459 St. Louis Ave.
Where we are headed...
Where are we headed/Expanded Vision
•Services that are exciting and welcoming to our guest. Each service should have a high standard of excellence that seeks to glorify God, encourage the saved and draw the lost.
•A music ministry that encourages all age groups (accompanied by full orchestra).
•Services at times other than traditional times to meet the needs of those who cannot come due to work schedules.
•A facility/facility that will be large enough and appropriate to meet the various needs and ministries of The Lite of Jericho Church and community.
•On going special/targeted events on and off campus intended to draw more people to our church (it must be intentional)
•An Ambassadors Academy that is active and involved in a structured visitation to the sick and shut-in and unchurched.
•Having an Adult Education Program to meet people at the point of their needs with the Word of God and Godly examples – this could include such ministries as crisis pregnancy, parenting, and debt management.
•A children’s/youth ministry that will teach them the Word of God and help them to make wise choices in life (abstinence/purity). This is to be fulfilled in a fun filled environment through Godly examples.
•Servant evangelism in an ongoing basis to show Christ’s love in a practical way.
•Being on the forefront of helping people during crisis and disasters locally, nationally and internationally.
•Sending out career missionaries and church workers all over the world . Sending our members on short term mission projects (possibly to other countries).
•Lay lead ministries that are taking place on campus and beyond.
•Ongoing ministry to sick/elderly care and shut-in so that no one feels forgotten,
•Ongoing evangelism training along with a structured visitation program.
•A vibrant prayer ministry.
•Services that are exciting and welcoming to our guest. Each service should have a high standard of excellence that seeks to glorify God, encourage the saved and draw the lost.
•A music ministry that encourages all age groups (accompanied by full orchestra).
•Services at times other than traditional times to meet the needs of those who cannot come due to work schedules.
•A facility/facility that will be large enough and appropriate to meet the various needs and ministries of The Lite of Jericho Church and community.
•On going special/targeted events on and off campus intended to draw more people to our church (it must be intentional)
•An Ambassadors Academy that is active and involved in a structured visitation to the sick and shut-in and unchurched.
•Having an Adult Education Program to meet people at the point of their needs with the Word of God and Godly examples – this could include such ministries as crisis pregnancy, parenting, and debt management.
•A children’s/youth ministry that will teach them the Word of God and help them to make wise choices in life (abstinence/purity). This is to be fulfilled in a fun filled environment through Godly examples.
•Servant evangelism in an ongoing basis to show Christ’s love in a practical way.
•Being on the forefront of helping people during crisis and disasters locally, nationally and internationally.
•Sending out career missionaries and church workers all over the world . Sending our members on short term mission projects (possibly to other countries).
•Lay lead ministries that are taking place on campus and beyond.
•Ongoing ministry to sick/elderly care and shut-in so that no one feels forgotten,
•Ongoing evangelism training along with a structured visitation program.
•A vibrant prayer ministry.