The Sigsbee Avenue Church of God History

 

 

 

Elder and Mrs. Edward Bridges founded The Mission located at 1322 Sigsbee Avenue, Columbus Ohio, in 1932. They were the parents of ten living children at the time. Brother Bridges had served at The Burnside Church of God, under Elder Heard. Brother David Cunningham became Youth Minster and Associate Pastor; Brother Moses Ware, father of twelve, was the co-founder; Brother O’ Neil, of Burnside, organized the Sunday School. In 1936 “The Mission” became The Sigsbee Avenue Church of God.

 

Brothers: Corbett – Carr – Ware – and Jones built the first building and pews. Brother Jack Ware added the second addition. Brother James Bridges and Brother Richard Perry were the overseers of the third addition. Brother Harold Bridges was the contractor for enlarging the lower level.

 

In the 1930’s some of the families were the Bridges – Carr – Corbett – Cunningham – Harris – Howell – Jeter – Johnson – Reid – Steven – and Ware. In the 1940’s the Boyd and Weaver families made “Sigsbee” their church home. Brother Gilbert Weaver became Sunday School Superintendent.

 

The first piano was donated and played by Sister Carrie Johnson. Sister Elizabeth Reid became an active member and served as pianist and choir and director.

 

Ministers that served under Elder Bridges also included: Clyde Howell – Edith Bridges/Fuller/Currie – Carl Flewellen – Eugene Wooden – George Jordan – and Vera Howell.

 

Elder Clyde Howell was called to Pastor in February of 1974. He was installed by Bishop Theodore Wilson of Akron, Ohio. Ministers that served under him were Fredonia Parker – Harvey Shepherd – Eanious Ellison – Max Howell – Ralph Fleming and Iran Watson.

 

Sister Trulye Peters, Women’s Adult teacher, became the first Church Advisor and CPA. Sister Ann Howell/Verdine organized the Jr. Church Ministry.

 

In 1998 Pastor Howell assigned Trustee Richard Perry, to hire a contractor, Rev. Jerry Carter, to build this sanctuary. God blessed us to celebrate the burning of this mortgage in May 2017. Pastor Howell served faithfully for twenty seven years before retiring in 1999.

 

Minister Abner Fouche’ Johnson was elected as Pastor of Sigsbee December 11, 1999 and was installed February 5, 2000 by Bishop Timothy J. Clarke of Columbus, Ohio. Ministers that served under him included Pastor Emeritus Clyde Howell – Ralph Fleming – Daniel Washington – Fabienne Fisher – Lurena Hutchings and Chaplin Gloria Hill. First Lady Barbra Johnson, organized our first Noon Day Prayer Meeting. Pastor Johnson resigned May 4, 2008. Minister Ralph Fleming and Minister Daniel Washington served our congregation from May until December 2008.

 

Rev. Clyde Wofford was installed as Pastor July 29, 2009 by Bishop Timothy J. Clarke. Ministers who served under him included: Chaplin Gloria Hill – Ralph Fleming and Daniel Washington. Pastor Wofford resigned January 11, 2011.

 

July 17, 2012 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke appointed Chaplin Gloria Hill as Interim Pastor. Ministers that served under her included: Daniel Washington – Terry Moore and Jason Potts. Chaplin Hill resigned July 2015.

 

May 28, 2017 Gregory L. Cumberland was installed as Senior Pastor, by Bishop Timothy J. Clarke.