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Dr. Ezekiel Jefferson Morris, Jr.…"The Gospel News continues"
After the death of Dr. S.P. Dunn in 1959, the Reverend Ezekiel Jefferson Morris, Jr. became interim pastor and in 1960 he was confirmed pastor of Langley Avenue Church of God. His stature among us was that of a counselor, nurturing pastor, executive leader, as well as a beloved Christian statesman. His life enhanced the cause of Christ and he continued to "Send out the Gospel News."
Dr. Morris' great insight and vision was materialized through the outreach ministry as he guided the congregation to establish the First Church of God in Harvey and the E.J. Morris, Jr., Child Care Center, These ministries perpetuated the Kingdom of God. Today, souls are being saved and the Good News continues.
His outstanding ministries and achievements were recognized both locally and nationally and many awards, honors, and offices were bestowed upon him. He served sixteen years as a trustee of Anderson College and became Anderson College's second lifetime honorary member of the Board of Trustees. In recognition of his ecumenical services to humanity, he was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree. In 1980, he was named "Outstanding Pastor of the Year".
Dr. Morris and congregation established
a memorial on Anderson College Campus in honor of the late Dr. S.P. Dunn,
who sent out the Gospel News over the
airwaves.
Dr. Morris took great pride in accounting for the outstanding achievement with the joint efforts of Dr. Marcus H. Morgan, then pastor of Emerald Avenue Church of God in uniting God's people in the Chicagoland Area Churches of God. Today, we enjoy wonderful fellowship and love with the saints.
The Mission of the Church Continues under Great Leadership
Under the self-sacrificing leadership of Dr. Morris, the church continued to proclaim the Gospel of Truth. He believed that a sound knowledge of the scriptures is the Christian's most enduring resource in these times of apostasy. He gave our congregation a leadership that helped to preserve those traditions that serve to make strong Christians. We have a moral obligation to defend these virtues that continue to give us Christian character. Upon the death of Dr. E.J. Morris, the mission of the church was carried on by Rev. Van Cornelous, associate minister, Rev. Shedrich Casimere, special assistant and Rev. Leon Drane, associate minister.
Reverend Adolph Coleman was chosen Interim Pastor of the Langley Avenue Church of God in 1984. Never idle, he accepted the challenge with great zeal and enthusiasm. Under his pastorage, many souls accepted the Lord as their personal Savior and many saints rededicated their lives to which we give God the glory.
In May, 1985, Reverend Coleman was appointed full time pastor of the Langley Avenue Church of God. He taught and preached the word of God each Sunday; taught the Monday Night Faith Study Class and the New Converts Sunday School Class, in addition to giving guidance to the New Life Support Class. Reverend Coleman was active in humanitarian services and attended many conferences. He was affiliated with the Church Federation of Greater Chicago; served as the Vice-Chairperson of the Northern Illinois General Assembly Church Extension. In his efforts to keep the vision alive, Rev. Coleman launched "The Parking Lot" drive, and instituted an emergency food pantry for the disadvantaged.
During the years, 1987-1988, the congregation was under the leadership of Rev. James Crews, associate pastor and Rev. Alcurtis Jackson. Click here for more continued history
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