THE HISTORY OF NJBC
On Sunday, June 9, 1968, seven families (Banks, Barnes, Brown, Carey, Dixon, Logan, and McDuffie) met in the garage at the home of Mrs. Lou Ray Barnes. That gathering at 183 Merrill Street in Brentwood, New York was the first service of the Mission known today as New Jerusalem Baptist Church.
The church received its name from an inspired Mrs. Lou Ray Barnes when she read Revelation 21:2, “And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
The decade of the 1970s witnessed God-blessed changes in both the physical structure and the congregation at large. In 1971, the building foundation was laid. In 1972, four members became licensed Missionaries: Sisters Vernell Logan, Lou Ray Barnes, Marnie Gray and Amy Patton. Later, Sister Eloise Carey would also become a licensed Missionary. By 1973, regular church services were held in the lower level of 39 MacArthur Avenue. As the Pastor and members continued to thank and serve God, in 1974 four members became Evangelists: Sisters Lou Ray Barnes, Helen Hamil, Amy Patton and Lillian Powell. That same year two other members, Brothers George Phelps and James Jackson, became Ministers.
In 1980 construction began on the upper level of the church. However, it took some years to complete. But the people joyfully shouted “Hallelujah! Glory to God!” as worship services in the sanctuary commenced in 1984.
Over the course of our history, New Jerusalem has been blessed with stellar leadership.
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The Reverend Richard Mitchell Logan
Founding Pastor
(1968 – 2011)
The Reverend Stanley Antonio Wilkerson
(2012 – 2017)
The Reverend Adrian DeShon Reid, Sr.
(2018 – 2023)
Bishop
Melvin Edward
Reid
(2024 - Present)
As a result of the firm foundation laid and rich legacy left to us,
We are moving onward and upward to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
To read our complete history, you may click on the link below.
