Holy Ghost Church Ministries

In the spring of 1958, a group of saints from various churches began fellowshipping and holding prayer meetings. The group desired to seek and know the Lord on a personal level. This small group of believers was called the Prayer Band of the Congregational C.O.G.I.C. and it is the foundation of HolyGhost C.O.G.I.C. Some of the Prayer Band's members were: Sis. Folks,, Sis. Daisy Green, Sis. Lena Hamilton, Sis. Mattie Johnson, Sis. Cora Lewis, Sis. Mamie Patterson, Sis. Julia Render, Sis. M Scott, Sis. Annie Claude Smith, Sis. Averie Smith, Sis. Jerzine Smith, Sis. Minnie Smith, Sis. Charlie Mae Strong, Bro. Herman Strong, Sis. Susie Taylor, and Bro. William P. Taylor.


The band 's first meeting was held at the home of the late Mother Julia Render at 4406 Industrial Ave. For the next ten months, the Prayer Band met weekly at various homes. The band was cemented together with love for God and each other. They were criticized, scorned and treated as outcasts. Some members turned back, but the Prayer Band continued doing God's will. In 1959, prophecy was given to move to a building with three steps at the corner of Addison and North Streets. The building at 801 Addison St., which was heated by a coal furnace, was purchased for $14,000. The first service was held August 14,1959, 22 people attended the service and an offering of $3.59 was raised. Elder Boyd was the first pastor. The congregation often fellowshipped with the late Pastor Gus Nelson at the House of Prayer Church of the Trinity on Mississippi St. and the late Bishop I.W. Winans of the Congregational C.0.G.I.C., better known as Mack A venue in Detroit Michigan.

The congregation was nourished by several ministers including: Elder Thomas Stewart, Elder Jedders, Elder Bums, Elder Jessie Stacks, Elder Mansfield Samples and Elder McAlister. Elder Jether Vinson served as pastor for many years. Several former members were called to begin ministries: Pastor Louise Gates, Pastor Jessie Richardson, Pastor J. P. Sanders, Pastor Jether Vinson, Pastor Zack Smith, Pastor Ricky Tasley, and Pastor Becky Dye. Elder Herman Strong served as pastor 1972 to 1995. Under the leadership of Pastor Strong, in 1979 the storefront building was renovated. Through his vision, the church pursued the goal of erecting a new Sanctuary. The new sanctuary was dedicated to the Lord, April 29, 1990.

In November of 1995, Pastor Strong went home to be with the Lord and Elder Robert Burrell Sr., succeeded him as Pastor. Pastor Burrell's vision is to see the Church restored to its original glory and become the biblical New Testament Church. By teaching the word of faith, the saints will learn to trust God and move in obedience to God for the edification of the body of Christ.


Today we offer outstanding spiritual fellowship and an opportunity for Bible Study, Sunday School Training. Youth Group, Sunshine Band, Men & Women's groups, Mission Outreach, Marriage, Life, Youth Seminars, & New Believers Mentoring.
Our Music department consists of a Children's & Adult Choirs and Praise Team.