Our Church History
WRITE THE VISION
Mother Ora Sherrell (Founder)
“And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain the tables, that he may run that readeth it.” (Habakkuk 2:2)
Bethesda Church of God in Christ began its roots at the home of Ora Sherrell on 62 S. Geneva Street in Elgin, Illinois on December 14, 1970. She had a vision of a church where love, fellowship, and togetherness would bond the church family. This church would be a place for healing, restoration, deliverance, and a place where the presence and power of God would continually flow.
THE VISION BECOMES A REALITY
Pastor Richard Watkins
1st Pastor: December 1970 – middle of 1973
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3)
Richard Watkins was the first pastor of Bethesda Church of God in Christ. After serving at Bethesda Church for over two and a half years, Pastor Watkins relocated with his job to Hackensack, New Jersey. He resided in New Jersey and pastured a church in New York until his passing in 2004.
THE FIRST STEPS OF OUR JOURNEY
“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)
Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin
1st Church: December 6, 1970 – January 1971
Epworth United Methodist Church
2nd Church: January 1971 – 1980
APPOINTED TO SUCCEED
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”(Joshua 1:5)
Pastor James and Lady Shirley Marks
2nd Pastor: 1975 – 2017
In 1975, three founding members met and requested from Bishop Freeman Guy Green candidates for our new pastor. Three elders were sent on alternate Sundays over four months. Finally, Elder James Marks was chosen as the second pastor of Bethesda Church of God in Christ with the approval of Bishop Green. The board members chose him, because he was kind, understanding, loved young children, and was committed to serving the Lord. Ora stated she took one look at Elder Marks, and the Lord told her, that they could grow together. Elder Marks accepted the call and appointment as pastor.
Elder Marks was officially installed in pastor on December 14, 1975, until his retirement on June 11, 2017, after serving over 42 years of faithful service. He ran with the vision and led the Bethesda family to its promised land. He set a high mark by accomplishing the task of Pastor, Builder, Developer, Father, Mentor, Friend, and Visionary. He is still going strong as Pastor Emeritus.
MOTHER NANCY WILKINS
1st Mother
Mother Nancy Wilkins was chosen as the first church mother of Bethesda Church of God in Christ.
THE SECOND STEP BY FAITH
“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22)
First United Presbyterian Church
240 Standish Street, Elgin, IL
3rd Church: 1980 – March 1981 (or 1982)
After Epworth United Methodist Church was sold in 1980, the pastor and board of First United Presbyterian Church allowed Bethesda Church to rent their church for Sunday morning and evening services. It was truly a miracle to rent both services for only $5.00 per week. Because of the additional services, more souls were saved and the membership continued to grow.
THE MIRACLE
“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Bethesda Church of God in Christ
454 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL
4rd Church: March 1981 - 1993
We had finally purchased our very own church. It was a little storefront building. However, we converted it into our own sanctuary and classroom.
THE OUTPOURING
“Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)
Bethesda Ministerial Staff at Bethesda on Dundee Avenue
The ministerial staff on Dundee Avenue consisted of Pastor Marks, Assistant Pastor Ed Wright, Minister Harris, and Minister Willie Lockett. The church mothers included: Mother Mary Bell, Mother Lurline Cummings, and Mother Annie Ash. Elder Ed Wright installed and served as the first Assistant Pastor. In 1986, he later relocated to Arkansas.
ELDER WILLIE LOCKETT
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
Assistant Pastor: 1987 – 2004
Elder Willie Lockett began attending Bethesda Church in 1971 and never looked back. He was as a great Teacher, a Deacon, the Sunday School Superintendent over 15 years, the Chairman of the Trustees Board, the President of the Men Department, the President of the Anniversary Committee, and ordained an Elder in 1984. He was installed as the second Assistant Pastor of Bethesda Church of God in Christ in 1987 until the Lord took him home on February 6, 2004. The Bethesda Family will forever miss our beloved Elder Lockett.
THE HAND OF GOD
“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:11)
The former New Covenant Church on Kimball Street in Elgin, IL
5th Church: On March 1993
The City purchased our church property on Dundee Avenue for $98,000, and Bethesda had 16 months before the new building would be finished. The City advised Pastor Marks they wanted immediate possession of the Dundee Avenue property. They know Bethesda needed a place for services and offered a temporary place of worship for $1.00 per month. This place was the former New Covenant Church building, which was located where the current westside parking lot of the Centre is today.
THE FOUNDATION OF THE LORD
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.” (2 Timothy 2:19)
Bethesda Church of God in Christ
454 Hickory Street, Elgin, Illinois
6th Church: August 15, 1993
Mary Myers constructed the third and final set of buildings used to build new church. Pastor Marks later met with Mark Abate, the President of Elgin State Bank, and obtained church mortgage financing. On Sunday afternoon, August 15, 1993, Pastor Marks broke ground to mark the beginning of the work on the new church building at our current Hickory Street location.
BUILD ME A HOUSE
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)
Construction Begins On The New Church
Many church members, friends, and the community helped with the building of the church. Among the many volunteers were clergy from various churches throughout Elgin. Everyone worked hand in hand to help Pastor Marks build the new church. Pastor Marks was the general contractor. Deacon Alcide Chambers II was the foreman. Along with the other helpers and volunteers, the work was completed in eight months.
DEACON ALCIDE CHAMBERS II
“For the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6)
Deacon and Forman
1993
Deacon Alcide Chambers II joined Bethesda through a revival in July 1990 at the Dundee Avenue location. He is credited for having built the church using his over 38 years of experience. He had a career and respected reputation in masonry and bricklaying and was responsible for the entire building project. His final thoughts during the building were “stay focused on God and always remember church” and “the key is to not give up, stay in the race, even where there are trying times, don’t give up!”
DARN CLOSE
After reading the Daily Courier Newspaper’s article, Pastor Marks stated “this is a miracle, look what the Lord has done!”
GOD'S PROMISE
“But wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” (Acts 1:4)
With the new church complete, it was time for dedication and open house. On March 14, 1994, the Bethesda Church members had their final prayer at the temporary church building on Kimball Street. After prayer, the entire church congregation marched from Kimball Street to the new church location at 454 Hickory Street. The Elgin Police Department escorted the new church march for the first of this kind. Mark Abate march alongside Pastor Marks to lead the way. Bishop Samuel McCarthy, the guest speaker, preached the first message.
MORTGAGE BURNING SERVICE
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.” (Hebrews 10:23)
Pastor Marks and the Bethesda Church members had plans to pay off the church within five years. Although this did not come to pass, the Bethesda Church came up with a second goal. The new goal was to pay off the balance due on the church mortgage by the end of 2008, which was also the 15th year at the Hickory Street location. On October 19, 2008, Bethesda wrapped a successful building fund drive with a Mortgage Burning ceremony. Bethesda burned the mortgage papers to honor and praise God. A special tribute was given to Ora Sherrell, and she was honored that day for her many tireless years of dedication, faithfulness, and hard work for the church.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee.” (Joshua 1:7)
After servicing faithfully more than 42 years as Senior Pastor, Pastor Marks felt in his heart that it was time to pass the mantle until his spiritual son in the gospel, Elder Cedric Simmons. In the morning service of June 11, 2017, Elder Simmons was honored his final time as Assistant Pastor. During a special evening service, Bishop James Washington conducted the service for the official pastoral transfer from Pastor Marks to Pastor Simmons. Pastor Marks was also emertized during the service. Pastor Emeritus and Lady Marks remain active and supportive members of Bethesda Church.
THE PROMISES CONTINUE
“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” (2 Kings 2:9)
Pastor Dr. Cedric R. Simmons
Pastor: June 11, 2017 - Present
Pastor Cedric Simmons joined Bethesda during a revival on July 27, 1990. He taught children Sunday School and helped with the church computers right away. He was installed as a Minister on November 18, 1990. He was ordained as an Elder on August 1993. He served as Youth Pastor and Trustee Chairman for service years. After the passing of our beloved Elder Lockett, he was installed as the Assistant Pastor on March 2, 2003. After servicing faithfully nearly 27 years under Pastor Marks’ mentorship, Pastor Cedric Simmons was finally given the mantle.
Everyone knows that he loves his three angels: Lady Dr. Lisa Simmons, Noah Simmons, and Salome Simmons. His mission is to continue God’s will for the Bethesda Church, as we move ahead into God’s Promises.