06/06/2018
The History of Israelite Divine Spiritual Church
Israelite Divine Spiritual Church was organized September 5, 1930, by the late Archbishop Ernest J. Johnson along with six (6) members at 631 South Roman Street in the city of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. The church has provided spiritual counseling and guidance at that location for 40 years. Due to highway construction on May 3, 1970, Israelite Spiritual Church’s congregation moved the sanctuary at our present location of 3000 Frenchmen Street, which remained in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Under the great leadership and theology teaching of the Late Archbishop Ernest Johnson the church grew in membership.
As the membership grew Israelite Divine Spiritual Church delivered traditional spiritual guidance. Our church was builded on a solid foundation the word of God.
After much fasting and praying on December 7, 1997, Archbishop Johnson was leaded by the Spirit of God to appoint the Rev. William “June” Wilson whom is now Archbishop Wilson to be the next Joshua to lead God’s People to the promise land. On February 8, 1998, Archbishop Wilson was installed as pastor of Israelite Divine Spiritual Church. Archbishop Wilson was sent by God chosen and anointed to be a proclaimer of his word and to accomplish and achieve the necessary challenges. Yes, he was indeed a Jonas. Maybe even the prodigal son, but in the words of the late and beloved Leader (Archbishop Johnson) “he’ll be back”. And surely God brought him back to our beloved Israelite for an assignment. The assignments were given to Archbishop Wilson to enhance and support our spiritual growth, which was not completed.
It is recorded that there has been five (5) assistance pastors serving our religious movement since our inception on September 5, 1930. The assistance pastors are the Late Rev. Roland Williams, Late Rev. Arthur Bernard, Late Bishop Herman Brown, Late Bishop Inez Adams, and Minister Christine Walker.
On August 29, 2005, history was made in the United States approximately 6:00 o’clock A.M. by a hurricane named Katrina. The hurricane came ashore in the city of New Orleans. There were severe winds, which begun to blow relentless rain. The continuous rain plunged on our city. There were breaches in the levees and the water begun to rise.
Our beautiful Israelite was destroyed by the flood waters. Archbishop Wilson has always been a praying Pastor whom was called by God. The Holy Spirit provided a vision to this praying Pastor regarding the rebuilding of our church.
After the devastation of hurricane Katrina our congregation started having church on February 5, 2006, with folding chairs; no electric, no walls, no music instruments other than tambourines, hands clapping, padding of the feet, but we knew that the spirit of the Lord was present. With the help and prayers of our faithful members and friends it was possible to restore our church.
Today, Israelite Spiritual Church has been restored. On May 21, 2006, the members, friends, and community marched back in this church praising the Lord. The lord restored our spiritual restoration that has enriched our lives and improves our resistance in ways beyond my dream. The Lord is good and his mercy endures it forever.
Archbishop Wilson vision is” Claiming New ground,” After must fasting and praying , on February 12, 2010 Israelite purchase property at 2138-2140 Treasure for our E.J. Johnson Fellowship Center, which was dedicated, December 26,2010 and a note burning celebration was held on June 22, 201
On August 15, 2013, Israelite Acquired new land at 2158-60 Treasure Street for renovation and rental income
On November 7, 2014, Israelite Acquired new land at 3012-14 Frenchmen Street for renovation and rental income.
On August 23, 2015, we dedicated the park in the honor of our Late Pastor, Archbishop E.J. Johnson.
Oh yes, the Lord has been good to us! And yes the Lord has kept his promise, and we tell God thank you. "We have seen God's blessings, and they are untold and manifold."
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.
Yes, we have come this far by faith - leaning on the Lord!
