The Mission of the Church Continues under Great Leadership
Under the self-sacrificing leadership of Dr. Morris, the church continued to proclaim the Gospel of Truth. He believed that a sound knowledge of the scriptures is the Christian’s most enduring resource in these times of apostasy. He gave our congregation a leadership that helped to preserve those traditions that serve to make strong Christians. We have a moral obligation to defend these virtues that continue to give us Christian character. Upon the death of Dr. E.J. Morris, the mission of the church was carried on by Rev. Van Cornelous, associate minister, Rev. Shedrich Casimere, special assistant and Rev. Leon Drane, associate minister.
Reverend Adolph Coleman was chosen Interim Pastor of the Langley Avenue Church of God in 1984. Never idle, he accepted the challenge with great zeal and enthusiasm. Under his pastorage, many souls accepted the Lord as their personal Savior and many saints rededicated their lives to which we give God the glory.
In May, 1985, Reverend Coleman was appointed full time pastor of the Langley Avenue Church of God. He taught and preached the word of God each Sunday; taught the Monday Night Faith Study Class and the New Converts Sunday School Class, in addition to giving guidance to the New Life Support Class. Reverend Coleman was active in humanitarian services and attended many conferences. He was affiliated with the Church Federation of Greater Chicago; served as the Vice-Chairperson of the Northern Illinois General Assembly Church Extension. In his efforts to keep the vision alive, Rev. Coleman launched “The Parking Lot” drive, and instituted an emergency food pantry for the disadvantaged.
During the years, 1987-1988, the congregation was under the leadership of Rev. James Crews, associate pastor and Rev. Alcurtis Jackson.
The Pastoral team of Drs. Noah William and Carolyn Waddy Reid
In 1989, Drs. Noah W. and Carolyn Waddy Reid became pastor and co-pastor of Langley Avenue Church of God. Their innovative ministries enhanced the progress of the church. These creative ministries were implemented:
- The Langley Community Commission
- Community health fair
- Education and vocational Fair
- The tutorial summer and after school program
- Summer lunch program
- African American males program
- Premarital counseling
- Marriage enrichment
- Singles counseling and enrichment
- Seniors program
- CEDA/Headstart program
- The Center for Christian Leadership/Theological Education of the Church of God.
With Regard to Property: Completion of the parking lot fundraising, facility and dedication, purchase of church van, outside lighting installed around the church edifice and other sites, purchase and rehabilitation of the 16-unit apartment building at 6156-58 South Langley Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
Services to Community: Crisis Intervention, counseling, ecclesiastical ceremonies, leadership to local public school council, service to and adoption of Sexton School.
Dr. Noah W. Reid has served as Chairman of the General Assembly of the Church of God in Illinois, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the National Association of the Church of God, and is currently Director of the Central Midwest Region of the National Association of the Church of God. He has also served as Chairman of the Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship. Other services rendered include serving as member of the Division of World Service, Anderson, Indiana.
Our pastors encouraged the congregation to pursue “Project Lift”, a program designed to install an elevator to accommodate the handicapped and older saints. Their compassionate, dedicated ministries are reaching onward, outward, and upward to God and His people. Strong emphasis has been placed upon prayer, faith, service, evangelism, and stewardship.
Langley Avenue Church of God continues to accept the tremendous opportunity to fulfill the “Great Commission of Christ.” We must bring the good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, recover sight to the blind, free the oppressed, provide for the disabled and senior citizens, as well as announce that the Lord has come to save His people. We will continue to be a loving, serving, giving, and redemptive church.
Our beloved pastors Dr. Noah W, Reid, Jr. and Dr. Carolyn Waddy Reid retired from Langley Ave Church of God after 22 years of faithful service to the Lord.
“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” Psalms 126:3
Rev. Cynthia Thomas
Rev. Cynthia Thomas, an ordained minister of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), is following in the footsteps of her mother; the late Pastor Christine Hawkins who began her ministry in Birmingham, Alabama, and her sister; the late Dr. Johnnie Mae Brown, renowned evangelist.
Sister Thomas began serving as Interim Pastor at Langley Avenue Church of God in Chicago, Illinois after the retirement on June 30, 2011 of Dr. Noah W. Reid Jr., Pastor, and Dr. Carolyn Waddy-Reid, Co-Pastor. Sister Thomas lead the church from the theme Pressing Forward…I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 3:14 KJV. Sister Thomas, a faithful servant was confirmed October 14, 2012 as pastor of Langley Avenue Church of God.
Sister Thomas endeavors to keep before her the personal mission statement that the Lord inspired her to create which is: “To remain a yielded vessel through which the love and ministry of Jesus Christ may flow at all times, in all circumstances and to all persons.”