OUR HISTORY
In the mid 1970's the Lord gave Elder Henderson S. a two-fold vision for his ministry. This vision included: a plan for the organizing of a gospel crusade team that would minister to the needs of the total man, and the founding of a church that would be named Saint Paul Church of God in Christ. Inc. Elder Ford shared this vision with his wife, Missionary Onnie M. Ford, and 12 individu
als who would become members of the gospel crusade. On Sunday afternoon, January 10, 1982, Bishop M. Mathis officially installed Elder Henderson S. as Pastor at 5420 San Francisco Boulevard and named it Saint Paul COGIC. Pastor Ford then instituted a financial system that was designed to: build the members faith in God and pay off the church's mortgage in 3 years. Three and a half years after the plan went in effect the church had made 3 balloon payments and had completely paid off the mortgage! On January 26, 1986, the mortgage burning ceremony was held. The church was totally debt free. St Paul and its ministries were thriving. The Lord then blessed Pastor and Missionary Ford and the Joyner Family with property at 2771 Grove Avenue. This property consisted of an acre and a third of land and 2 buildings: A church and a two story multi-purpose building. In the early morning hours of Saturday, February 17, 1990, Pastor Ford received a call from the Sacramento City Fire Department. The Saint Paul COGIC was aflame and the interior of the church was totally destroyed. On Sunday, February 18,1990, Saint Paul had their first service at this new location. Pastor Ford later decided to make the Grove Avenue property the permanent address for the Saint Paul COGIC. From the very beginning Pastor Ford Stated, "The Lord is in This Place." He spoke it with such compassion that it became our church motto. Thirteen years later we yet say, "The Lord is in This Place."