Church History

Israel’s Journey

“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” 1 Samuel 7:12

The Israel story begins in 1893, when the West Side Mission was organized at 263 Prince Street by Rev. Charles Wislon and Rev. Teneyck. The following were the founding members: Mary Berry, Katie Berry, Julia Holmes, Peter Royster, Libia Royster, Harriet Graham, Walter Barclift, Ella Johnson, Frances Crawford, Lewis Ray, Rev. Edward Lee. The following pastors served the West Side Mission: Rev. Joseph Brown, rev. J.H., Freeman, Rev. Harry Rainey.

In the absence of a pastor, by Bro. Walter Barclift and Bro. Lewis Tray until the meeting place was changed to Baldwin Street. Rev. Chase became the pastor and the name was changed to St. Luke. Under that name the following pastors served: Rev. Joseph Brown, Rev. S.H. Gumbs, Rev. J.H. Morgan, Rev. J.J. Smith, Rev. J.F. Vanterhorst, Rev. W.H. Middleton, Rev. C. Hughes, Rev. Paul Singleton, Rev. A. Fereirra, Rev. C.H. Johnson, Rev. I.C. Horsey, Rev. J.H. Gordon, Rev. James E. Churchman, Rev. J.H. Wilson, Rev. G.W Brent, Rev. J.J. Derrick.

In 1918 the church moved to 243 West Kinney Street,, in Newark,  under the leadership of Rev. J.J, Derrick and the name was changed to Allen Temple.

In 1923 the church joined the New Jersey Annual Conference of the AME Church and the name was changed to Israel Memorial AME Church. The pastors who have served since then are: Rev. J.J. Derrick, Rev. J.W. Thomas, Rev. W.H. King, Rev. S.B. Nelson, Rev. Melvin Smith. Rev. D.L. Davis as pastor, Rev. John W.P. Collier, Jr. , Rev. Bynum Coolidge Burton ,

On January 12, 1967, we contracted for the new church at a cost of $371,800.00. On September 24, that same year, we held the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony. January 21, 1968 the church was dedicated to the glory of God, by Bishop Bright.

In 1972, Bishop Bright appointed the Rev. Anthony J. Oliver, Sr. to serve as pastor. He was followed by Rev. Parnell Mosley , who because of sudden illness, returned to his home in Georgia.

The pastors that continued to leasd Israel  are: Rev. Jessie Jerome, Rev. Carl Frederick Hunter, Sr, Rev. Edward B. Smart, Jr , Rev. Dr. Robert C. Wade , Rev. Melvin L. Guyton, Rev. Dietra C. Bell , Rev. Frederick Parrish, Rev. Robert A. Jackson, Jr., Rev. Leroy Ladson , Rev. Linda G.S. Ellerbe who serves as the current pastor with a vision for “greater”.