How it all began...
Ephesians of Richmond Church of God in Christ was founded in January 1958 at 1549 7th Street, in Richmond, California, by the late Superintendent Jack P. Spicer, Sr.
With nightly prayer, much fasting, and meditation by the pastor and His wife, Mrs. Lettie Mae Spicer, the church began to flourish. As the membership grew, the church became known as the “Swinging Church” because of the way the floor swayed when the saints began to praise the Lord with the shout and dance. Therefore, will I give thanks to thee, O Lord …and sing praises unto thy name… Psalm 18:49
With nightly prayer, much fasting, and meditation by the pastor and His wife, Mrs. Lettie Mae Spicer, the church began to flourish. As the membership grew, the church became known as the “Swinging Church” because of the way the floor swayed when the saints began to praise the Lord with the shout and dance. Therefore, will I give thanks to thee, O Lord …and sing praises unto thy name… Psalm 18:49
Expanding the vision...
In 1967, the Ephesians moved to a larger building at 419 Mac Donald Avenue, where the Lord continued to bless marvelously. Many souls were saved from the streets.
Increase naturally and spiritually...
In 1978, Ephesians moved to the present location. Here the Lord has given an increase both naturally and spiritually, continually daily on one accord, Praising God…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47
Under the great teaching of Superintendent Jack P. Spicer, Sr., our brothers and sisters have been elevated to a higher calling, “going out to spread the gospel”. Many who began their ministry here have gone on to become Missionaries, District Missionaries, Ministers, Elders, Pastors, and Superintendents and are continuing in the strength of the Lord.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophet; and some, evangelists; and some pastors, and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…Ephesians 4:11-12
Spring 1994, Ephesians of Richmond, Church of God in Christ, was the subject of the exhibit “Through It All” at the Richmond Museum of History. The Mirror, The Richmond Museum Association Newsletter. The exhibit tells the story of the church's origins and evolution; the exhibition combines historical photographs with reminiscences of older church members. This exhibit still exists today at the Richmond Museum of History.
Under the great teaching of Superintendent Jack P. Spicer, Sr., our brothers and sisters have been elevated to a higher calling, “going out to spread the gospel”. Many who began their ministry here have gone on to become Missionaries, District Missionaries, Ministers, Elders, Pastors, and Superintendents and are continuing in the strength of the Lord.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophet; and some, evangelists; and some pastors, and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…Ephesians 4:11-12
Spring 1994, Ephesians of Richmond, Church of God in Christ, was the subject of the exhibit “Through It All” at the Richmond Museum of History. The Mirror, The Richmond Museum Association Newsletter. The exhibit tells the story of the church's origins and evolution; the exhibition combines historical photographs with reminiscences of older church members. This exhibit still exists today at the Richmond Museum of History.
Where we are headed...
Sustained by faith in January 1998, Bishop W.W. Hamilton, California Northwest Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, Inc. Appointed Elder Louis B. Spicer, Jr. as the pastor of Ephesians, Church of God in Christ, Inc.
Under the prayerful leadership and guidance of Elder Louis B. Spicer, Jr., along with the dedicated and loyal members, Ephesians is continuing to grow. Elder Louis Spicer, Jr., being moved by the spirit of the Lord, spoke with the Ephesians family concerning the building renovation of the current edifice. God has touched the hearts of the people to continue giving to the building fund where the work continues.
Except the Lord build the House, they labour in vain that build it….Psalm 127:1
Due to the economic circumstances in the community, the pastor, with the members, realized the great need to increase their efforts to reach out and provide services that would benefit the community. To name a few, partnering with homeless shelters, providing 500 to 1100 meals daily, year-round collaborating with Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank and the WCCUSD to families in need, visitation of convalescent hospitals, and other outreach programs. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses…. Hebrew 12:1
Ephesians endeavor to do God’s will, serving people of the community and bringing souls to Christ.
Under the prayerful leadership and guidance of Elder Louis B. Spicer, Jr., along with the dedicated and loyal members, Ephesians is continuing to grow. Elder Louis Spicer, Jr., being moved by the spirit of the Lord, spoke with the Ephesians family concerning the building renovation of the current edifice. God has touched the hearts of the people to continue giving to the building fund where the work continues.
Except the Lord build the House, they labour in vain that build it….Psalm 127:1
Due to the economic circumstances in the community, the pastor, with the members, realized the great need to increase their efforts to reach out and provide services that would benefit the community. To name a few, partnering with homeless shelters, providing 500 to 1100 meals daily, year-round collaborating with Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank and the WCCUSD to families in need, visitation of convalescent hospitals, and other outreach programs. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses…. Hebrew 12:1
Ephesians endeavor to do God’s will, serving people of the community and bringing souls to Christ.