Pollock Street Church of God of Prophecy
LOCAL CHURCH HISTORY
“Upon this rock, I will build my church and the very gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
- Matthew 16:18 KJV
In the summer of 1961, Sisters Ruby Bailey and Fidelia Stewart, members of the Durham (Grant Street) Church, along with friends, began conducting Sunday afternoon prayer meetings in a building called “Helping Hand Club Building.” This location was difficult to find, so the congregation relocated across the street from our present property. Later, the Lord inspired Flora Graham of Baltimore, Maryland, to move to Selma, North Carolina, a place she had never heard about. She obeyed the voice of God and during the summer, the same year, Sister Graham conducted a revival where the present property stands. Plans were to organize a Church of God in Christ.
However, Alexander Gilmore and wife, Eva, were conducting a revival for Sister Bailey across the street. Mysteriously, these services merged. On August 18, 1961, the church was set in order by the late Bishop Alexander Gilmore with six charter members – namely: Flora and Joseph Graham, Dora Barnes-Black, Louise Pettiway, Arvella McDaniel, Cecelia Laney and Josephine Prince. Flora Graham was appointed pastor with Ruby Bailey serving as clerk and treasurer. Sister Graham served as pastor from 1961-1964. Due to ill health, Sister Graham was replaced by Billy J. Siler who served as pastor from 1964-1965.
Robert Lee Woods would follow Brother Siler as pastor serving from 1965 until 1967. Under the pastoral leadership of Brother Woods, church property was purchased to include a cinderblock building for worship. Brother Woods would be succeeded by Fred Henderson who served as pastor from 1967 until 1970. Under the leadership of Brother Henderson, the said property was paid in full.
Brother Henderson would be followed by Nellie Sue McCoy who served as pastor from 1970-1976. Under the leadership of Sister McCoy, additional property was purchased and a church building where our present sanctuary stands was erected. Sister McCoy was succeeded by Eva Gilmore who served as pastor from 1976 until 1979. Under the leadership of Sister Gilmore, additional property was purchased, and in the spring of 1979 a mortgage burning service took place. Sister Gilmore would be followed by James Shepherd who served as pastor from 1979 until 1985. Under the leadership of Brother Shepherd, central heat and air conditioning was installed. Additional renovations and additions under the pastorate of Brother Shepherd include: A foyer/vestibule, Kitchen/fellowship area, Sunday School Classrooms, the bricking of our church building and the purchase and installation of an outdoor electric church sign near the Hwy 301 at the edge of our church property.
Brother Shepherd would be followed by Willie Walters who served as pastor from 1985 until 1990. Under the leadership of Brother Walters the Pollock Street Church continued to grow spiritually and financially operating the general programs of the Church of God of Prophecy.
Brother Walters would be followed our current pastor Bishop James H. Shaw. Brother Shaw has served as pastor since 1990. Under the leadership of Brother Shaw the local church has grown and is continuing to grow spiritually, and financially. Many renovations and upgrades have taken place under his leadership to include: purchase of Church Parsonage, Renovations and installation of new Carpet and Pews, renovation of Pulpit and Choir Stand furniture, purchase of Hammond Gospel Organ, purchase of a 15 passenger Church Van and paving of the church parking lot. Most recently in 2011, our local church upgraded and renovated our Central Heat and Air Condition Unit for the local church.
Over the years since our early beginning in 1961, the local church has grown spiritually and financially and continues to flourish operating the general programs and mission of the church headquarters in Cleveland, TN.
We are committed to moving to the next level in God. Truly, this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.