Church History
It was June 13, 1982 that the inspiration that was given to Bro.C Robinson, now pastor of the Newark Church of God of Prophecy, to start a Sunday School. This date is of great significance in the history of the Church, this side of the dark ages. God’s purpose was fulfilled for the Arise Shine of the Church of God of Prophecy in Paterson, New Jersey. From there on, a small group of
faithful believers studied the word of God bearing in mind 2 Timothy 2:15 which admonish us to “study to shew thyself approved unto God.”
Words came to reality in 1983, when the National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy appointed Pastor Manton Morris to lead the faithful little flock at 12th Avenue in Paterson. The location of the church however caused inconvenience to some community members as they were complaining about the church. According to one song writer, “when it rains it pours”. The faithful little group of Paterson members had one more thing to pray for (a building). For a short period of time, services were held at Sis. Dobbs’ house. God heard their prayers and so they were blessed with a little building on East Main Street, which they referred to as “the ark”. According to some members it really looked like an ark, the building only had one door and one window! In 1985, soon after the members of the Paterson Church of God of Prophecy arrived in their new building, the national overseer appointed Pastor Denzel Lee to be the Pastor of the Paterson church. The members were happy for their new shepherd. The ministry began to grow and the organization of the various departments started. There was the Victory Leaders band (VLB), Band Leaders (ABM), Women’s Missionary Band (WMB), and Sunday School which has always been a vital part of this local church. After a few years, the membership increased by 50%. Members worked hard to get their family members in Jamaica to migrate to the United States, and they became members of the church as well. The Ark became smaller as the membership increased. They prayed and began church hunting, but it was not long before one member heard of a little church that was a block or two away from where they were located. Pastor Lee and his flock were very happy to find a bigger place to worship. In fact it was not exactly what they were looking for, as it had a lot of complications and inadequacies. Nevertheless the faithful members including their pastor worked fervently on it so that many of us could come and find not the best but a comfortable place to worship. Approximately eight years ago, Bishop Denzel Lee and his members realized the temple was getting too small for the growing number of worshippers yet again. This led them to go in search of an even larger facility. Once again the faithful members prayed and interceded with God for a bigger place to worship. The almighty and faithful Jehovah heard their fainting cry and favored them with a huge sanctuary located at 25 Rosa Parks Blvd. It may seem small or ordinary to the outsider, but to the Paterson members it is enormous compared to where they are coming from. Like the previous building it was not exactly what they were looking for, but thank God for men, not just men, but faithful men of the Paterson Church of God who dedicated their mornings, evenings and even some nights to making the sanctuary what it is today. Today the Paterson Church of God of Prophecy continues to increase in it membership and facilities. Like any other organization, people come and people go. Nevertheless the Paterson Church of God of Prophecy is going on strong and vibrant in the service of the Lord with Bishop Denzel Lee and his beautiful wife, Associate Pastor Lena Lee, as their leaders. Presently the church is blessed with over 200 members. Among the ministries of the church are; Children’s Ministry, Sunday School, Youth ministry (formerly VLB), Pastoral Care (Cell Ministry), Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, and the Evangelism Team. There is also a men’s choir, a combined choir and a children’s choir. “We’ve come this far by faith leaning on His everlasting arms.” With this theme in mind, the desire of our pastor and the members of the Church of Prophecy is not only to be in the heart of the city but to let the city of Paterson be in their hearts.
