History of the Jefferson City Church Of God In Christ 

The beginning of this church as recorded in records located in the office of the Recorder of Deeds in Jefferson City, Missouri extend as far back as October 22, 1922.  The land at 616 Locust Street was purchased for the sum of $300.00.  The Trustees of the Church of God in Christ purchased the property from Mr. A.S. and  Mrs. Virginia B. Ferguson.  The Trustees of the Church of God in Christ were James Douglas, Jackson Emerson and Alexander Turner.  There was an older, larger building on the property at that time.  But according to long time member, the late Mother Beulah Watt, the church existed prior to that time.  In April, 1963, Elder Albert Nickens built the facility currently located at 616 Locust Street.

 

The former pastor Elder James Douglas, had given up the church long before the late Elder Albert Nickens was even saved.  After many years without a pastor or congregation, the late Bishop V. M. Barker assigned the pastorate to, then, young Elder Albert Nickens.  It is important to note that during that long interval, God willed that there would be a “remnant” holding on.  As Evangelist C. Rucker came through conducting tent revivals, two young souls were saved and without family support, remained faithful to God.  They were Sis. Doris (Kelly) Weddle and Sis. Beulah (Kelly) Watt.  These children, Deacon Raleigh Holmes, Sis. Simmons and her two daughters, Elder and Missionary Julius Turner and the Nickens' family (Elder Albert, Sis, Clementine and Geneva) made up the congregation.  The edifice was a very large frame building consisting of the sanctuary and living quarters.  From the beginning, the hallmark of the pastor and members was faithful service.  Doris and Beulah were witnesses in word and deed, influencing Geneva to accept Christ.  The Nickens drove the 46 miles round trip from their home in Fulton EVERY Sunday, Tuesday and Friday nights. Often, there was an extra trip, as Pastor Nickens drove over to bring fuel and “fire up” the stove so the church would be comfortable, then returned home for his family.

 

The home and car of Elder and Sis. Nickens were available to all from picking up and taking saints home to travel throughout Missouri to every conceivable State and District convocation and meeting imaginable!!

 

Some years into the Nickens' ministry, the city of Jefferson began a construction project to build city housing on East Elm and Locust Street, this signaled major opposition to maintaining the location on Locus Street for a church.  The old edifice was demolished and they were told there could be NO replacement.  God revealed Himself after much prayer and persistence.  With a very few, mostly non-working members.  God enabled the present building to be constructed in April, 1963. 

 

Since being in Jefferson City, there has not been an accurate accounting of how many temporarily relocated employees or how many students attending Lincoln University have had their spiritual needs met while here.  YES, INDEED!!! THIS HAS BEEN A TRANSIENT CHURCH WITH PEOPLE CONTINUALLY COMING AND GOING.  THE STABLE FORCE HAD BEEN THE PASTOR AND WIFE, ELDER AND SIS. NICKENS!!!  God's purpose undoubtedly was to allow the pastor and wife to touch many more lives than we know.  We didn't count, but surely, God has taken note of this faithful service!  Ministers, doctors, missionaries, recording artists, educators, nurses, entrepreneurs, engineers, a chemist, etc. in all parts of the country are a part of the bountiful harvest of the Jefferson City COGIC.

 

It has been noted that through the years the membership has alternately waned and increased.  The late pastor and wife, Elder Albert and Sis. Clementine Nickens served faithfully until the Lord called them home.  Sis. Nickens went home to glory on December 9, 2001 and Elder Nickens went home to glory on December 25, 2003.  Sis. Nickens although motherless herself, was a mother to all.  She counseled and exhorted and was an example of graciousness and Christ-like living for all to emulate.

 

Galations 6:9 tells us that “in due season we shall reap if we faint not”.  As the years have passed, God has seen fit to allow the Jefferson City Church of God in Christ to have a more stable, mature membership which is growing naturally and spiritually.  He had placed helpers to hold up the arms of the previous pastor and wife and willed it to be so that Pastor Gregory and Sis. Deborah Reeves have become the leaders of this church. 

 

Elder Gregory T. Reeves was ordained and officially became pastor of the Jefferson City Church of God in Christ on August 23, 2003.  Under his leadership, he has chosen Elder A. Kenneth Jenkins as assistant pastor and Mother Letha Jenkins as the Church Mother.  He has appointed ministers, a Board of Directors and many structural positions and meetings to further develop the vision God has given him for the church.  Since his appointment we have ministered in the community in many ways.  We have implemented Nursing Home Ministries, Men's meetings, women's meetings and Prayer Breakfast, holiday food basket give aways, Youth ministries, neighborhood seed ministries, clothing give aways and many other outreach activities.  With the growth of the church, we were forced to temporarily leave Locus street and move the current location on Aaron Court.  The Locust Street building is being used for varies outreach activities, one being the clothing distribution to anyone in need.  While continuing God's work here, we are making plans to return to our home on Locus Street with a new building in God's due season.  Meanwhile, we have purchased land to the rear of the original church, on the right side of the church and across the street from the church.  This will be used for the building of a new edifice and parking lots.   The plans have been drawn and we are working towards and praying for the funds to complete the project.  It is the Pastor's desire to have a debt free house of worship.  This Project was completed in 2017 to God be the Glory!

 

Pastor Reeves' dedication and faith in God leads him to work diligently to teach and live out God's Word.  God is continuing to send faithful Ministers and members to carry out God's work. This continued faithful service will surely reap a fruitful harvest!!!