Local Church History

The First Church of God in Harvey began in ministry under the Pastoral Leadership of Dr. E.J. Morris,Jr. It was a great vision that the Lord gave him.

On April 6. 1975, the First Church of God in Harvey was dedicated as an extension of the Langley Avenue Church of God.

To Further extend the outreach mission; E.J. Morris Community Child Care Center was opened in 1980. This Center meets the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the children in the community.

In 1983, the liquidation of the mortgage and properties of the First Church of God in Harvey was accomplished. This included the church, church parsonage, the Harvey Community Child Care Center, parking lot and two garages.

The following ministers served at Harvey Church:

Rev. Van Cornelous Sr., Rev. Shedrick Casimere, Rev. Willie Applewhite, Rev. George Wealhington, Rev. Robert Sivels, Dr. Gabriel Dixon, Counselor Rev. Ellis Jenkins, and Rev. Adolph Coleman.

Some of the beginning members of Harvey were:

Velma Southern, Ruthie Kitchen, Bessie Lyles, Ethel Holland, Van Sr. and Jennie Cornelous and family, Donna Carter, Ronald and Janet Wideman Sr. and family, Isaiah Harris and family, Shedrick and Eather Casimere, Willie and Ruby Applewhite, Louis and Beverly Brooks, Paul and Margaret Hickman and family, Pricilla Murff and family, Donna Green (Phelps), Pamela Jackson (Kimerson, and Toni Porter (Hillman).

A chain that links in the history of First COG Harvey were forefounders of the Church of God in Chicago: Rev. Luther Hill (grandfather of Shedrick Casimere), and Dr. S.P. Dunn.

Dr. E.J. Morris had a vision of an outreach church, which became a reality as the First Church of God in Harvey. Rev. Van Cornelous Sr. was installed as Pastor, September 16, 1984. He served until August, 1986.

After the death of Rev. Cornelous, Rev. Shedrick Casimere was elected as Interim Pastor to Harvey for a year term.

In September 1988, Rev. Stanford Simmons from California served as Interim Pastor, and Pastor from 1988 to 1991.

Through much prayer and fasting, the Lord blessed us by sending the Thompson family from Mt. Pleasant Church of God, Cleveland, OH. ( Derrick Sr., wife Isolyn, and three children: Karen, Derrick Jr. and Duvol).

Installation Service were held on Sunday, September 4,1994 at 4:00 P.M.