How it all started...
Picture this: it's the 1960s in Northeast Portland, and Pastor Felton Howard, Sr. has a vision. Not the kind you write in a business plan, but the kind that keeps you up at night because you know God is calling you to something bigger. His motto? "Follow me as I follow Christ." And that's exactly what a small group of faithful people did.
The early crew was special—folks like Brother Tom Copeland, Brother Garfield West, Deacon Alvin Walton, Sister Beatrice Smith, and Sister Thelma Howard. They weren't just building a church; they were building a family. And when Pastor Howard shared his vision "to instruct and build a house unto the Lord," they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
The early crew was special—folks like Brother Tom Copeland, Brother Garfield West, Deacon Alvin Walton, Sister Beatrice Smith, and Sister Thelma Howard. They weren't just building a church; they were building a family. And when Pastor Howard shared his vision "to instruct and build a house unto the Lord," they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
Expanding the vision...
On October 2, 1980, we broke ground for our church building. By March 7, 1982, we were "Marching to the New Church"—literally walking into our new home together. Pastor Howard honored the 12 men who stood by him with symbolic stones, saying their names "are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." Pretty powerful stuff.
Fast forward through 37 years with Pastor Howard, then 18 incredible years with Pastor Charles Collins, and now we're here with Pastor Randy West, our third pastor. Each season has brought its own blessings, challenges, and stories that make us who we are today.
Fast forward through 37 years with Pastor Howard, then 18 incredible years with Pastor Charles Collins, and now we're here with Pastor Randy West, our third pastor. Each season has brought its own blessings, challenges, and stories that make us who we are today.