"To God bethe glory, great things he has done,

So loved he the world that he gave us His Son,

Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,

And opened the Life Gate that all may go in."

It all began in 1943 in the town of Oakfield, New York where a few saints were holding prayer meetings in the home of the late Deacon Cleveland and Sister Mary Albritton. The late Bishop Gus Thomas took an interest in the group and traveled back and forth from Buffalo, New York to pastor the four of them until the Lord sent in others.

In 1944, they moved to Rochester, New York and rented a store front at 219 Hudson Avenue at the corner of Kelly Street. Two of our famous evangelists of that time, the late Evangelist Gertrude Barnes and the late Evangelist Sarah Garrett, were members of the group.

Regular services were held there until 1949 when Elder Thomas was blessed to acquire property at 15 Rhine Street on which was a two story house with a stable in the rear. The house became the dwelling place of the pastor and his wife, Mother Maud Thomas and as many others as was made possible.

While the stable was being remodeled for a place of worship, services were being held again in the home of Deacon Albritton at 10 Rhine Street. Elder Thomas and Deacon Albritton, being the only males in the assembly until his son David joined them, worked physically as well as spiritually to maintain the house of the Lord. Thank God for their faithful companions and the dedicated sisters who bore up their arms giving willingly of their time, finance and most fervent prayers. Your present secretary, Sis. Mary Nowlin and your pastor, Bishop Allmon Bailey, were both baptized in the name of Jesus in the converted horse stable.

After renovations, the first floor was set up for services and the second floor was rented out to help with the church expenses. The missionaries and young people raised funds while the membership was steadily increasing.

In 1954, the two story at 92-94 Central Park was purchased. The first floor was renovated into a lovely edifice with a seating capactiy of 150-200 and the second floor was the living quarters of the pastor. A neon cross was installed over the double doors which attracted the general public.

Under the guidance of Mr. Howard W. Coles, our first half an hour broadcast was contracted with WSAY. This spiritual outreach was also advantageous to spreading the gospel and also bringing visitors into the service.

In 1954, Elder Allmon Bailey, a product of the "converted horse stable" was made the assistant pastor to District Elder Thomas. Elder Cecil A. Malone was the second assistant pastor. They served faithfully under Elder Thomas until they were sent out to pastor. Not only did they pastor in the pulpit, but they campaigned from door to door to help raise funds, worked in the kitchen, cleaned the church and whatever project was deemed necessary, they supported whole heartily. In 1957 when the present secretary volunteered to assume this position, Elder Bailey was also serving as the secretary of the church.

Our hearts desire was to have a more spacious and more attractive place to worship the Lord. Bishop Thomas wanted to purchase or build a church large enough to magnify the Lord until he made his return for the saints. In 1958, the pastors, deacons and trustees toured the Lutheran Concordia Church at 16 Helena Street and was convinced that it was the ideal structure.

By faith, in the spring of 1960, a more prayerful tour of the church was taken and an offer was agreed upon to purchase the property for one hundred forty thousand dollars (140,000.00) and a deposit was made. Our attorney, Mr. William Eber and the real estate agent, Mr. Irving Star of Alliance Organization Realtors were both quite instrumental in this transaction, while many others felt that we were "just playing games."

It was with mixed emotions that we labored, but God was with us through it all. With faith in God, plans were made to raise the necessary funds to close the deal. Through many disappointments we still had a determination to work. When it seemed as though our backs were up against a stone wall and after funds that were promised did not come by the date scheduled for closing, Mr. Eber spoke to Bishop Thomas these words, "look up."

By November 1, 1960, the final day of closing, we had raised 50,000.00. The Lord surely was with us and put his approval on this purchase as the sellers had requested cash in order to continue with their building project. Four mortgages were assumed.

Our next financial obligation was to liquidate four mortgages. Moving to 16 Helena Street was most beneficial to us for we had more space and many fundraisers were conducted.

In 1963, Elder Bailey assumed pastorate of the Church of Jesus Christ #2 in Buffalo, New York and Elder Malone, the pastorate of Bethlehem Church of Jesus Christ in Ithaca, New York.

The Church of Jesus Christ has been a spiritual monument of Helena Street and also served the community naturally. Since the purchase of this building, it has not only been a place of worship and bible teaching, but also used for counseling, adult education classes, tutoring, workshops and many other vital activities.

"To God be the glory, great things he has done,

So loved he the world that he gave us His Son,

Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,

And opened the Life Gate that all may go in."