Newport Church

of

God In Christ

Newport (Madison), Illinois

 

 

 

Dedication

I dedicate this site to Papa, Elder James Perkins Clemons and Aunt Myrt, Mother Myrtle Washington Clemons in appreciation for the spiritual training they provided my sister and I. We appreciate their faithfulness in seeing that we were able to go safely to and from church and for just keeping us close to them when our mother permitted. I have very fond memories and will cherish those years and their love forever.

 

Brief History of the Newport Church of God In Christ



In the summer of 1920, a Holy revival was conducted on the streets of Madison, Illinois, by two spirit filled twin missionaries, Sisters Mary and Martha Renfro. From this successful meeting, the first Church of God in Christ of (Newport) Madison, Illinois was organized in the fall of 1920.  The Newport Church of God in Christ was founded in the African American subdivision of Madison, Illinois known as Newport.

As their first place of worship, the members met in a house located at 806 Webster Street, Newport, Illinois which was owned by the late Elder Luther Clemons. Later the group purchased a building site at 711 Franklin Street just a few hundred feet east of the railroad tracks that now border Illinois Route 3, and constructed a building thereon, which became their place of worship for more than 40 years.


The Pastors of this congregation since its humble beginning were as follows:


1ST Elder Ulysses Gridine

2ND Elder Ben Washington

3RD Elder Churn Hollis

4TH Elder Harrison Causey

5TH Elder James Perkins Clemons

6TH Elder Clarence Woolfolk, Sr.  Asst. Pastor 1939 - 1969, Pastor February 1969 - July 17, 1969

7th Elder Novel V. Woolfolk B.A. M.S.


Members of the original congregation are as follows:

Sister Pearl Dandridge
Sister Mary Lee Jenkins
Sister Myrtle Clemons
Sister Myrtle Gaines
Elder Timothy Hemingway later became pastor of St. James Church of God In Christ in Madison, Illinois on Calhoun Street.
Sister Agnes Gray
Sister Myrtle Parker
Sister Bessie Taylor
Sister Lula Lynch

The Newport Church of God In Christ later became known as Trinity Church of God In Christ, San Francisco East Church of God In Christ, God's Grace Church of God In Christ pastored by Elder Raymond Like and is now Covenant Christian Assembly pastored by Elder Nathan Johnson.

 

MEMBERS

 

 

The member list on this page is compiled from various sources, obituaries, church programs, newspaper articles etc.  Please feel free to email me with additional information or members which can be included on this page.

 

Church Musicians:

  •  

  • Charles Creath

  • Charles Gardner

  • Keith Gill

  • George Haynes

  • Malcolm Speed

     

    Members and Former Members

    Members throughout the history of the church: