Church of God of Prophecy cites start from modest beginnings

By Staff | Sep 2, 2015

MEL TOADVINE Janice Boucher, minister and public relations director for the Church of God of Prophecy, talks with one of the deacons at the church, Walford Douglas.

More than 200 people turned out on Aug. 22 to mark the relocation of the Church of God of Prophecy. The all-day event began at 11 a.m. and included a free brunch for everyone who attended. There was a bounce house for the children and games for the adults.

The church is at 301 Elva Ave. N. in Lehigh, next to the Walmart. The building was a former site for kidney dialysis.

Pastor Athensa Whittle said the church finally had its own building and the men of the church rebuilt the interior to reflect a large sanctuary and several rooms for Sunday School and offices and rooms for storage.

“We are purchasing the building,” Pastor Whittle said.

The Church of God of Prophecy actually began in June of 2002 on a lanai and then at the Sunshine Elementary School.

Athensa Whittle

Pastor Whittle said there were 16 members who came to the first worship service and of those 16, all but 14 are still alive.

Members of the church are celebrating the opening of their church and are inviting the public to come to future Sunday worship services. It opened its doors on the second Sunday in August to worshippers.

Over the years, Pastor Whittle said the worshippers have been faithful as they moved from one site to another. They held services in the lanai, the Sunshine Elementary School, the Admiral Lehigh before it was demolished, and at the Seventh Day Adventist Church and at the Faith Lutheran Church.

Today there are 96 faithful members, Pastor Whittle said.

Services are held on Sundays with Sunday School at 10 a.m. and the main worship service at 11 a.m. and again on Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, there are prayer services and Bible studies beginning at 6:30 p.m.

MEL TOADVINE The Church of God of Prophecy recently opened after an interior renovation. It is located at 301 Elva Ave. N.

The church is a national church, according to its pastor, and the Church of God headquarters are in Cleveland, Tenn.

The sanctuary is large enough to seat at least 150 or more people with an area to the left of the altar for the chorus of 15 members.

Pastor Whittle’s husband is a deacon of the church along with two others.

Originally from Jamaica, Pastor Whittle has lived in England for 19 years and in Canada for 18 years. She has been in this area for 22 years, she said, mainly now because of the excellent weather.

Several years ago, many suggested she become a minister and she said finally after being called by God, she became an evangelist. She attended college in England at a school of theology.

The church has musical instruments which include a piano, bass, a lead guitar and drums.

The church is currently planning a concert tentatively set for October 24. Janice Boucher, known as JB is also a minister who helps out and also handles the public relations for the church.

She said the church is open to all who are looking for a church home.

More news of the upcoming concert will be sent out later, she said.

: Athensa Whittle

: MEL TOADVINE The Church of God of Prophecy recently opened after an interior renovation. It is located at 301 Elva Ave. N.