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Superintendent J.D. Jones, called to preach and qualified by the power of God, dedicated himself and his family to delivering the Gospel. Jesus came to build an empire that continues into eternity and likewise by divine inspiration, Superintendent J.D. Jones and Dollie Mae Jones built its legacy that expanded from 1963 through this present day and time.
After leaving Chicago in 1963 and relocating in Southern California, Superintendent J.D. Jones and his family fellowshipped with the late Bishop Louie Driver at Saints Home COGIC in Los Angeles.
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Several months later, the Lord lead Superintendent J.D. Jones into a pastoral mission. Elder Eddie Driver consented to the use of his edifice located at 37th and Jefferson in Los Angeles. So he gathered his family and friends: Henry and Ruth Anderson and Family, John and Alma Jones and Family, Joe and Queen McLaurin and Family, Mary Alice Jones-Carpenter and Family, Lula Baines, Bobby Jones and Mother Dollie Jones. The church was organized and appointments were assigned: Bobby was appointed the Musician, Joe the Business Manager, John as Deacon, Mary Alice as Church Secretary, Alma the Choir President and Queen the Choir Directress. The church grew as the Lord would have it and in October 1964, New Jerusalem branched out into a little store front on Hatchway in Compton, where God seemed to “meet you at the door.” The power, anointing and blessings of God seemed to fall from the windows of heaven. The good news spread like “wild fire” and many firsts took place on that hot Hatchway corner. The church was reorganized and Bishop J. Bernard Hackworth was appointed the 1st Assistant Pastor. But Elder Joseph Guilford was the longest Assistant Pastor in the history of New Jerusalem. As the praises went up, new members arrived and the church soon was at a standing room only capacity.
In 1965 New Jerusalem moved to a larger building located on Compton Boulevard. God continued to bless and He led him to an American Legion Building on Santa Fe Avenue in Compton and assured Him that “this was the place.” Mother Jones and Sister Carpenter and others made fried chicken dinners. Sister Althea Thornton and Sister Janice Birden pounded the sidewalk delivering chicken dinners to houses, businesses, hospitals, gas stations and anyone that would buy them. They raised the $10,000.00 down payment. Shortly thereafter, Bishop L. M. Driver appointed Pastor Jones to District Superintendent of the New Jerusalem District for the Southwest Jurisdiction. Sister Queen McLaurin was appointed YPWW Chairlady. It was her vision to establish the 1st Midnight Musical. And “we have been known as the Midnight Musical Church” since that time.
Many churches were birthed out of New Jerusalem: Testimonial Cathedral, Bishop J. Bernard Hackworth, Greater New Hope, Elder James Eddings; Bread of life, Elder Melvin Glass; Goodwill, Elder Joseph Guilford; (Elder Guilford by history held office as the longest Assistant Pastor); Azusa, Elder Willie Logan; New Hope, Elder Ellis Carpenter and Lighthouse Christian Center with Elder Samuel Jones.
In 1983 Superintendent J. D. Jones’ health began to fail and his son, J. T. Jones was appointed as Superintendent at J. D. Jones’ request. Superintendent J. T. Jones, a great man of faith and his wife, Mary D. Jones worked hard. He had a passion for the ministry, the people and the Sanctuary. Under their administration the church was remodeled three times, a hydraulic pulpit was installed, a security monitoring systems was installed, services were taped and aired on a local City of Compton TV station, the back of the church alley was enhanced for easy access, a custom PA system was installed, the mortgage was burnt and the Midnight Musicals continued. Superintendent J. T. Jones received a Doctorial Degree and elevation to Bishop J. T Jones. In 2003 the Lord called Superintendent J. T. Jones home and the paradigm shifted to the ever faithful Elder William Atlas and his wife Sister Mary Atlas. Their vision and purpose birthed new dimensions: Young Adult/Married & Singles/Youth/Men of Vallor Ministries, Street Evangelism, monthly “All” Night Prayer Service, quarterly fasting, free bread and more.
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