New Jerusalem History

New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ (COGIC) started in Delta Junction, Alaska; Elder McCormick drove the 165 miles roundtrip from his home in North Pole to Delta three times a week; God gave Elder McCormick a vision to erect a church in the North Pole area.  The New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, North Pole started in late summer 1980, with Bible study in the home of Sister Michelle Stalder.  There were anxieties and disappointments, but they kept in motion and with the Lord's help they took courage.  Pastor McCormick continued during this time, traveling to Delta Junction.

On January 8, 1984 the first full Sunday service in the Eielson Area Grange located in North Pole.  There were 7 adults and 12 children present.  Sunday school continued to be held in Sister Stalder's house.  Pastor McComick's first message in the newly acquired church home at the Grange was titled "The Three Looks" 1. The Backward Look, 2. The Upward look, and 3 The Onward Look.

The church began to grow after God blessed in sending a group of people from Ft. Wainwright. Brother Alan and Sister Cynthia Burgess were among these saints that came to fellowship. They are still a part of this Great ministry.

As the membership grew, Services were moved to Pastor and Mother McCormick's home. The Saturday Children church also started to grow and  it moved to Brother Sam and Sister Carol McCormick's home.  A Soul Winning Society Class was started and held every Saturday at Brother Greg and Sister Pelzeitha McCormick's home.  Sister Stalder started the bus ministry under the direction of Pastor McCormick with Brother Swopes and Brother Crain as co-workers.

In January of 1984, God touched the heart of Don Nelson who agreed to let the saints use the KJNP Chapel.  They had their Sunday School and morning service in the KJNP Chapel and our evening services at the Eielson Area Grange.  In the spring of 1984, God touched the heart of Brother David Ainsley, who blessed the church to acquire land on Mission Road.  Yes we have a Mission!  We praise God for his blessings. On May 30, 1984 the ground-breaking ceremony was held.  Present were: Bishop Charles D. Williams, Presiding Bishop of the Churches of God in Christ, Alaska; the Honorable Bill Allen, Alaska North Star Borough Mayor; Pastor Harold Decker, Pastor of First Assembly of God (Fairbanks); Pastor and Mother Leroy Parham of Lilly of the Valley Church of God in Christ (Fairbanks); Brother Don Nelson of KJNP Radio and Television Station; Brother David Ainsley; Elder James White of First Church of God in Christ (Fairbanks); and the Daily News Miner.  Even though it was raining, 40 people were there for the ceremony.

Construction began in August 1984.  The following contributors on the building
project were: Mr. Willie Smith, Mr. George Taylor, Mr. Leon Cooper, Reverend Cleaver, Mr. Willie Hill Jr., and Elder Elbert Hawk of Anchorage, Alaska. Deacon Swopes and Deacon Williams helped with the electrical wiring for the downstairs. Even though they were small in number the Lord certainly blessed!

On November 18,1984 the first service was held within the new facility. The saints praised God because they were in their own place of worship.  They entered the building on that day singing, "We've Come This Far By Faith."  Elder McCormick led prayer. Scripture was Psalm 122.  Communion was given after which the choir came forth under the direction of Sister Denise McCormick. The choir sung, " Somebody Cares,"

In the summer of 1985 the parking lot was paved, the second floor was framed with a permanent roof, base board heaters were put in and office equipment purchased for the secretary's office.  Mother Michele Stalder and Sister Diana McCormick scaled high heights to stain the cedar siding of the church. During this time Elder and Sister Lynch arrived in Fairbanks while being assigned to Eielson Air Force Base. They have remained to support the great Vision given to Pastor McCormick. Also in 1987, God blessed the Youth Department to grow and make great contributions to the building improvement. They purchased the carpet for the second floor and in 1988 and 1989 furnished the second floor conference room.

Though many of the members moved to different cities and states as many of them were military, God always blessed in bringing in more members to take their place and add to the numbers.  With the help of the new members the congregation were able to build more in the church such as: completing the administration office; placing curtains and blinds to the windows; laying the foundation for the children's playground; installing fixtures in the men's bathroom; finishing the pastor's bathroom; hanging the kitchen cabinets; and installing the church’s PA system. Though the congregation was small God blessed in all the faithfulness of his people. To this day the blessings of God shows in all parts of our church, we continue to grow in number but most of all, we grow in the Holy Ghost and the strength of Jesus Christ. When God is the author of your plans nothing can stand in your way. Our motto is "Backward? Never! Forward? Forever!"  We have caught the vision and shall continue to run the race (Hebrews 12: 1-2). We encourage you to look towards God for all your needs.  We pray that you let the Lord Jesus Christ guide you as he is guiding this church.  While in North Pole, Alaska and Fairbanks area please drop in and praise God with us. We would Love to have you be a part of our fellowship. May God continue to enrich and enhance your day!

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