Our History
The first worship service of New Jerusalem Cathedral was held in what was then the YWCA on Pearson Street in Greensboro, North Carolina. There was no media blitz to announce the founding of the new church movement, just a few public announcements and word of mouth; yet the building rented for the Service was filled to capacity. A volunteer choir of 60 people sang at the service. A volunteer group of ushers served as stewards. As a testimony to God's will for this ministry, 167 answered the call to become New Jerusalem.
New Jerusalem has continued to show growth over the years - not only in membership, but also in various church programs that have become an integral part of its ministry.
New Jerusalem has, since its inception, followed the directive of "going into the world, preaching the gospel," and compelling people to come to Christ. In the years since its founding, various methods of fulfilling this commandment have been established through city outreach groups, an outreach prayer line, a community service program, an evangelistic Bible Study Program, a literature/tract ministry, a weekly radio broadcast, and regional crusades.
After worshipping in the YWCA for about one and one-half years, the church purchased an available church building on McConnell Road, and there seemed to be a special anointing that hovered there. The Lord further developed the New Jerusalem Ministry while at the McConnell Road location. Many were saved, healed, and delivered; many miracles were seen and testified to; the crusades ministry continued to expand and flourish, and the choir was blessed to receive national awards and honors, as well as recording contracts.
In addition to those events, one of the most precious and anointed events to take place at the McConnell Road church was the Bishopric Consecration of the Pastor, Bishop Frank Williams. This consecration ceremony took place on September 12, 1981, and was presided over and attended by several prominent, auspicious, and anointed Bishops in the community and surrounding area.
Because of city progress and expansion, the decision to raze the McConnell Road church was made. Although this left New Jerusalem Cathedral without a physical facility for a period of time, the Lord's work did not stop. Even as city plans progressed, the Lord's plan for New Jerusalem continued forward and services were held in the Greensboro Coliseum. Even though the services were held in one of Greensboro's largest public facilities, the anointing of God was just as close as it had been at the YWCA and McConnell Road. People were still being healed, delivered, and saved through the power of God.
In November 1984, the New Jerusalem body moved to 1606 Phillips Avenue. The Lord blessed in that the building offers plenteous space and is in an accessible location for spreading the Word of God throughout the community. In the 16 years since purchasing the building, New Jerusalem has continued to make improvements in the building's infrastructure by providing new heating units, placing new roofing, and most proudly, adding a church steeple to the Sanctuary.
In September 2005, New Jerusalem Cathedral moved into its new sanctuary at 1822 Sharpe Road.
Although the history of any church is important, and the foundation of that church a necessary record, what is just as important is that church's future. It is endearing to look backward, but it is a revelation to look forward. The Word of God states that, "where there is no vision, the people perish." It is not God's will that the vision of New Jerusalem perish, but that its people work together toward making the vision a reality.
It is the belief of the New Jerusalem Cathedral church body that as God has willed, this will always be so.