The History of Our Church

Pentecostal Church of God In Christ was organized in October 1972, in the home of Elder and Sister Donald L. Alford, Sr.   The name of the Church was originated from the late Bishop J.O. Patterson’s Church name who was the Presiding Bishop of the Churches of God In Christ, International at the time.

The Church began with 13 members at the old Z.B. Falcon Club, 1107 Western Avenue, South Bend, IN., which was the present location Pentecostal Church.  The 13 members were:  Elder and Sister Donald Alford; Donald Jr; Cecelia; the late Deacon and Mother Odessa (Mable) Alford; the late Deacon Wallace and Mother Mary Harold; Sister Janice Marable; Steven, Michael and Richard Marable, and Minister Robert Munlin, who was responsible for finding the present dwelling.

The first service was held in the Church Annex, while the gymnasium of the Falcon Club was being converted into a sanctuary, which was the first major renovation of the Church.

Other improvements include pulpit and carpet installation; paneling; pew installation; lobby renovation; lowering of the ceilings; and through the work of the Voices of Pentecostal, we were blessed with a piano and organ.  The Lord has added abundantly to the Church.  There exists many functioning auxiliaries along with three choirs and an outreach to the community.

Our new edifice, Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God In Christ, will house a fine arts auditorium, a means to educate and cultivate our young people; a library of reference books along with books that can be checked in and out; and tutoring services for inner city students that surround this location; support groups for unwed mothers and substance abusers and a financial counseling service for newlyweds and other interested people.  The need is so great for those services.

The Pentecostal family request your sincere prayers and support as we move into our new edifice.  We leave behind many memories, good times, and bad times.  We think of loved ones who did not make it to the dream but we are grateful for their labor.  The Lord has commissioned us to a higher calling and we now press toward the mark.