NAC 50th Anniversary Journal

FEBRUARY 1, 1970 – JANUARY 15, 2006 BISHOP JAMES A. LEWIS - FOUNDER New Antioch Church, ‘Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you en- dured in a great conflict full of suffering’. Hebrews 10:32a Praise God for the past, trust God for the future. Continue to walk in faith in God as you do the work of the Lord and He will bless your many endeavors that pro- duce the profound fruit of the Spirit. Stay committed to touch- ing lives in a Godly way in your home, your community, across our nation and around the world. Fulfill the Call God has placed on your life. FULFILLING THE CALL Little did I realize that for 57 years I would hear your prayers and see you faithfully build fires under God’s people. Little did I realize the hours you would spend in the Word of God and with God for the edification of the church, families, the saints, our communities and the uttermost parts of the world. Little did I realize all of the chal- lenges and sacrifices you would experience as one of God’s faithful servants for the purpose of ‘Fulfilling The Call’. I thank God for your faithfulness to Him and for blessing me to share this journey with you. General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, Co-Founder 3

General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis Co - Founder General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis has been blessed by God as she stood beside her husband, the late Bishop James A. Lewis in providing outstanding leadership to a congregation that recognizes and serves to meet personal and spir- itual needs. Mother Lewis is a dynamic force locally, domestically and globally through the min- istry of prayer, education, counseling, encouragement, leadership, contributions and personal investments. Under her leadership and that of Bishop Lewis, New Antioch Church has been built upon a solid spiritual foundation that strives to im- pact lives and win souls for Christ. Many have been richly blessed by her life and ministry as she has and continues to follow in the leading of the Holy Spirit. The New Antioch Church salutes General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis for her faithful dedication to the ministry, the countless resources she has poured into the lives of many, her strength and de- termination, and her unwavering exemplification of holiness and godliness. 4

Preface.................................................................................... 6 Civic and Political Acknowledgements ...............................7 Our Leaders .........................................................................16 The Beginning......................................................................20 We Came In To Get Out ......................................................22 Growth, Blessings, and Expansion ..................................24 25 Years of Ministry ............................................................26 Passing the Mantle - Pastor Jeffrey Martin Lewis ............28 The Legacy Continues ........................................................29 Epilogue ...............................................................................33 Auxiliaries & Ministries of New Antioch ............................34 Families & Members of New Antioch.................................65 Friends of New Antioch ......................................................98 5

The year 2020 is significant to the New Antioch Church of God in Christ as we celebrate 50 Years of ministry. The chronicles of the New Antioch Church of God in Christ have been as- sembled for the purpose of maintaining the legacy of New Antioch Church for half a century of its existence. We pay homage to the New Antioch Church Founder, Bishop James A. Lewis, Co-Founder, General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, Senior Pastor, Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis and First Lady, Mrs. Floetta Lewis. We have captured key milestones which have proven vital in the church’s growth and development, its life- impacting ministries, community outreach endeavors, global missions, ac- complishments and acknowledgements. The resources for this publication are accredited to records, news articles, pictures and the memories of our Founders, Pastor and First Lady, Elder James A. Lewis, Jr., founding members Annie Bryant and Beverly Jones, current and former members of New Antioch Church, and fellow laborers in the work of the Lord. It is our hope and prayer that you will find this book unique in character, rel- evant in its content and attractive in its sequence. We commend this liter- ary gift to you and trust it will be a source of inspiration for generations to come. 6

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BISHOP JAMES ARTHUR LEWIS New Antioch Church of God in Christ, Founder James Arthur Lewis, Sr. was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1942 the Lewis family moved to Los Angeles, CA where James Lewis received his formal education. Shortly after graduat- ing from high school James Lewis joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Hickman AFB in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In 1957 he received an honorable discharge and continued his career with the United States Post Office and Western Union Telegraph Company in Los Angeles. James Lewis would come to accept Christ as his personal Savior in November 1959. He was filled with the Holy Ghost shortly thereafter and acknowledged his call to the ministry on January 12, 1960. On June 9, 1962, James Lewis married his life partner, Barbara Ann McCoo of Los Angeles, CA, and in June 1963 he was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ at the Southern California Jurisdiction One Holy Convocation. Elder Lewis was mentored by the late Bishop L.C. Page of the Greater Page Temple Church of God in Christ. Committed to giving God and God’s people his best, El- der Lewis enrolled and studied at Life Bible College. Elder Lewis was divinely led into pastoral ministry in January 1970 holding the first organizational meeting of the New An- tioch Church of God in Christ in his home with his wife and five other adults. He immediately secured a small storefront building located at 1527 W Manchester Avenue, and established a building fund using the slogan, \"We Came in to Get Out.\" In 1973 the small congregation purchased a large building at 7826 South Vermont Avenue, where the New Antioch Church of God in Christ continues to prosper. Committed to the spiritual, educational and economic development of men, women and families, Pastor Lewis set aside the benevolent offering to support the church’s community outreach programs and home and foreign missions. Subse- quently, in 1980, Pastor Lewis merged the outreach programs and the home and foreign missions to form one unit called the Outreach Department with a focus on ‘Serving the Community through Ministry’ which became the motto of New Anti- och Church of God in Christ. In 1985 Bishop Lewis formed the New Antioch District and served as its Superintendent. For the first few years the District meetings were bi-monthly and hosted at a different church within the district. Over time, the District grew to as many as eleven churches. Responding to the Los Angeles riot and community unrest in 1992, Pastor Lewis established the New Antioch Community Training Center which offered computer training, resume writing, job interview skills and literacy development classes, workshops and training. Materials and classes were facilitated by professional volunteers from the congregation at no cost to participants. In May 1999 an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree was conferred on Pastor Lewis by the Southern California School of Ministry for his biblical knowledge and instruction, exemplary deportment, far-reaching spiritual services, and distinctive influence throughout the City of Los Angeles and surrounding communities. That same year Dr. Lewis organized the Basic Bible Institute. The curriculum is a five (5) month course comprised of basic bible knowledge and the doctrine of the Church of God in Christ. As it was in the beginning of his ministry, Pastor Lewis wanted God and God’s people to have the best. Pastor Lewis re- tired as the Senior Pastor of New Antioch Church of God in Christ in January 2006, however, he remained faithful to the ministry serving as Pastor Emeritus and advisor for the New Antioch District. Bishop Lewis worked and served with Southern California First Jurisdiction as Central Region Youth President, Secretary of United Jurisdictional Auxiliaries (UJC) Convention, Jurisdictional Tithing Fund Treasurer, Jurisdiction Executive Board member, Jurisdiction Convocation Program Committee Chairperson, Institute Sessions Coordinator, Annual Jurisdictional Men’s Gathering Organizing Coordinator, Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistant and Senior Administrative Assis- tant. On the national level Bishop Lewis served in the General Assembly as a member of the Standards and Extensions Com- mittee, the Screening Committee and was a member of the Executive Committee. In November 2014 Pastor Lewis was honored for his faithful, diligent and loyal service to the Church of God in Christ worldwide and was consecrated as an Auxiliary Bishop during the 107th Holy Convocation. 16

GENERAL SUPERVISOR MOTHER BARBARA MCCOO LEWIS New Antioch Church of God in Christ, Co-Founder Mother Lewis is a native of Los Angeles. She received salvation and was bap- tized in the Holy Ghost at the age of nine. She is a third-generation member of the Church of God in Christ and a life-time member of her jurisdiction. Mother Lewis has been married to Bishop James A. Lewis Sr since June 1962. They co- founded the New Antioch Church February 1970 in their living room with five oth- er adults. They are the proud parents of Elder James A. Lewis Jr and Administra- tive Assistant/Supt Jeffrey M. Lewis (wife Floetta) who was appointed senior pas- tor of New Antioch by the Jurisdictional Prelate now Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake at the pastoral retirement of Bishop Lewis in 2006. Her pride and joy are her adult grandchildren Shannon and Jeffrey Jr. She has served in multiple administrative, leadership, teaching and training roles from the inception of the New Antioch ministry and is presently the president of the Mother’s Board. Mother Lewis rendered distin- guished service on the District and Jurisdictional levels under Jurisdictional Supervisors Mother L O Hale and Mother Lillian A. Morris. She was selected in May 1988 by Bishop Blake to serve as the Jurisdictional Supervisor and received her appointment at the National Holy Convocation in November from the Gen- eral Supervisor Dr. Mattie McGlothen. Bishop Joe L. Ealy is currently the Jurisdictional Prelate. Her educational achievements include an Associate of Arts degree from West Los Angeles Community College, Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University at Los Angeles. She stud- ied at Fuller Theological Seminary. She holds both a Master of Arts degree in Theology and an honorary Litterum Doctorate degree from the Southern California School of Ministry. Her community efforts in Los Angeles earned her formal recognition by the Mayor for her extensive out- reach work in Juvenile Halls, Door to Door Street Ministry and Drug Rehabilitation Centers. Local Los An- geles newspapers honored her as “Woman of the Year” and the “First Ladies” Community Impact award. Many new programs and ministries have been implemented in the Jurisdictional Department of Women since the beginning of her tenure in 1988. A servant-leader Mother Lewis has implemented monthly Ur- ban Initiative workshops, annual gatherings for spiritual and intellectual empowerment along with six weekly prayer lines sensitive to the diverse needs of the women. Not only a renowned prayer warrior she is also an anointed writer and authored “The Christian Woman’s Guide to Church Protocol and Saintly Decorum” which appears on the best seller list of the COGIC Bookstore in Memphis, Tenn. Dr. Lewis was also the managing editor of the Curriculum Guide for the Jurisdictional School of Licensing for Missionar- ies as well as the individual Handbooks for Regional & District Missionaries; Aspiring, Deaconess and Evangelist Missionaries; Clergy Wives and most recently Auxiliary & Unit Leaders. She is currently work- ing on a Handbook for Assistant Supervisors. Her most significant accomplishment was the completion in March 2002 of the 41-unit Hale Morris Lewis Senior Complex (named after the three jurisdictional supervisors). The $4.7 million development is oper- ated by the 501c3 Southern California COGIC Economic Development Corporation where Dr. Lewis is President and CEO. This housing site is the focal point of an annual community distribution in December to hundreds of community residents of food, clothing, toys, and health/hygiene products sponsored by the Jurisdictional Department of Women. With a full-time staff Program Coordinator weekly bible studies, computer classes, quarterly health-screening and senior awareness workshops are all part of life- enhancing services offered to the residents, seniors of the community and the Jurisdiction. She is also President of the 501C3 Barbara McCoo Ministry Inc. which partners with social and economic entities that focus on improving the quality of life for men, women and children in urban America. 17

SUPERINTENDENT JEFFREY MARTIN LEWIS New Antioch Church of God in Christ, Senior Pastor Pastor Jeffrey M. Lewis was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He ac- cepted Christ at an early age and was filled with the Holy Ghost shortly thereafter. He is the youngest son of Founding Pastor, Bishop James A. Lewis and Co- Founder General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, and is a fourth- generation member of the Church of God in Christ. He married Ms. Floetta Bryant on March 5, 1988 and have two adult children; Shannon and Jeffrey, Jr. Pastor Jeffrey Lewis (frequently referred to as ‘Pastor Jeff’) acknowledged his call to ministry in 1995 and was ordained an Elder of the Church of God in Christ in Southern California First Jurisdiction in June 1997 by Jurisdictional Bishop Charles E. Blake. Shortly after ordination he was appointed Youth Pastor, and in 1999 he was appointed Assistant Pastor at his local church. In January 2001 Pastor Lewis was appointed Co-Pastor of New Antioch. After thirty-six years as Senior Pastor, Bishop James A. Lewis retired and passed the baton to Pastor Jeffrey M. Lewis, who was appointed Senior Pastor during the Annual Worker’s Meeting January 6, 2006 by Jurisdictional Bishop Charles E. Blake. Since his Pastoral appointment, New Antioch has continued to grow and thrive. Pastor Lewis’ unwavering commitment to the neighborhood and the surrounding community allows New Antioch to stand as a place of refuge and hope for the hurting, the loss and the disenfranchised. On a weekly basis New Antioch ministers at Eastlake Juvenile Hall, His Sheltering Arms Women’s Shelter and South Bay Convalescent Home. Monthly New Antioch does door-to-door witnessing, ministers at Can- on Drug Rehabilitation, distributes hygiene products on skid row and provides groceries to the less fortunate in our community. Annually, since 2014, in the month of June, New Antioch sends a team of educators to the nation of Haiti with educational materials and supplies to train and prepare Haitian teachers and admin- istrators for the upcoming school year. To God be the glory! Pastor Lewis was appointed Superintendent of the New Antioch District by Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Joe L. Ealy in the Annual Worker’s Meeting in January 2011, and he serves as Jurisdictional Secretary for the Ordination Board. In June 2016, he was appointed Administrative Assistant by Bishop Joe L. Ealy. Pastor Lewis has done theological training at West Angeles Bible College, First Church of God School of Ministry and Life Bible College. Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis counts it an honor to have been chosen by God and his goal in ministry is to assist as many as possible to make it to heaven while at the same time letting them know they can achieve God’s best for their life here on earth. 18

LADY FLOETTA LEWIS New Antioch Church of God in Christ, First Lady Floetta Lewis was born in Arkansas, but raised in Compton, California. She was trained in the ways of holiness and holiness became her lifestyle. As such, she accepted Christ as her Savior when she was eleven years old and received the Holy Ghost shortly thereafter. She is a lifetime member of the Church of God in Christ. Floetta married Elder Jeffrey M. Lewis in March of 1988. As First Lady she is af- fectionately called “Lady Flo”. Pastor Jeff and Lady Flo have two adult children; Shannon Denise and Jeffrey Jr. As a longtime member of the New Antioch Church of God in Christ Lady Flo served faithfully in various ca- pacities of the ministry including the Choir, Praise & Worship Team, Youth Sunday School teacher, Youth Sunday School Superintendent, Auxiliary Account Secretary, Outreach Team member, Chairlady of Wom- en’s Day and President of the Young People Willing Workers (Y.P.W.W.). Her life and role at the church changed significantly when her husband was appointed Senior Pastor in 2006. She faithfully assists her husband and Pastor Jeffrey M. Lewis in doing whatever her hands find to do. She currently serves as President of the Women Aware Organization which consists of all women of the church 18 years and older. She is the Church Administrator and matriculated at the University of La Verne where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 2016. She began her career with the City of Los Angeles in 1986 where she worked for 15 years and is a full-time California licensed Real Estate Agent. Lady Floetta (frequently referred to as ‘Lady Flo’) is a woman of wisdom and insight. She has an “eagle eye” and is sensitive to the needs of people of all ages in the congregation. She is a tremendous asset to the ministry of her husband. She often proclaims that “our goal is to win souls for the Lord and encourage believers to walk in the fullness of life”. As the First Lady of New Antioch Church, Lady Flo has continued to demonstrate leadership as Church Ad- ministrator, Director of Women’s Ministries consisting of the Women Aware Organization, (where Lady Flo currently serves as President), Young Women Christian Council (YWCC), Women in Ministry, Mother’s Board, Christian Women’s Council, Deaconess Board, Prayer and Bible Band and Oversee Support Minis- tries. Over the past eight years, Lady Flo has served as the Director of Operations working with auxiliary leaders providing them with guidelines and procedures for creating successful events that empower the body of Christ to win souls. In addition, she troubleshoots, fills in the gaps and provides spirit-led counsel every step of the way. 19

New Antioch Church of God in Christ originated out of the home of our Founder, Bishop James A. Lewis and Co- Founder, General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis in January 1970. The two were excited and committed to minister to all and share the gospel with anyone willing to listen. Joining our founders in organizing and building the church were Elder Willie Bryant, Sister Annie Bryant, Sister Johnnie Iglehart, Sister Charlene Johnson and Sister Bever- ly Jones. Under the direction of the Holy Ghost, Bishop Lewis stepped out on faith and rented a small storefront building located at 1527 West Manchester Boulevard where he conducted the first service of New Antioch Church of God in Christ on Sunday, February 1, 1970. It was on that mo- mentous day that approximately 60 family and friends at- tended the service and God began to bless the New Antioch Church ministry. Since its origin, Bishop and Mother Lewis instituted Church of God in Christ protocols and instilled biblically based prin- ciples throughout New Antioch Church. They recognized the importance of community outreach and impacting the lives of those outside of the church walls. Both Bishop and Mother Lewis focused on winning souls for Christ and building the ministry. Mother Lewis frequently gathered young people for door-to-door witness- ing. As a result of the missionaries witnessing in the Long Beach Area [who were referred to as the ‘Long Beach Group’], several families became faithful members. Those impacted included Evangelist Grace Mar- tin, the first convert at New Antioch Church, and her family. Within just two years of its inception the late Mother Sue Addie McCoo was appointed as New Antioch Church’s first church mother. She continued to serve faithfully as the church mother for forty-five years. Bishop Lewis fervently preached and prayed for the saints every Sunday morning and evening, and mid- weeks services. Soon New Antioch Church became known throughout the brotherhood for the anointing placed upon Bishop Lewis. 20

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The Lord blessed the New Antioch Church ministry tremendously and as the church grew, Bishop Lewis was led to establish a building fund. The building fund theme was titled “We Came In To Get Out”. As the fund grew, Bishop Lewis and then Deacon Bryant began a search for a new church home that would accommo- date the growth of the New Antioch Church Ministry. The search led them to 7826 South Vermont Avenue, the current church property, which at the time was a large warehouse. Believing this property was preor- dained by God, Bishop Lewis invited the church to come and see the place that would become the new home of New Antioch Church of God in Christ. Impressed with the size of the building, there were discussions about the design of the sanctuary and church offices. Shortly thereafter, the property was purchased. The New Antioch Church sanctuary was originally located in the front of the building (off Vermont Avenue) and remaining resources were used to furnish and beautify the sanctuary, provide an office for Pastor Lewis, and an administrative office for the deacons and church clerk. To enhance the look of the sanctuary, stained glass windows and new doors were installed, nine pews were purchased, and red velvet yardage was pur- chased and made into beautiful drapes by Evangelist Grace Martin to enclose the ladies’ restroom area. Bishop Lewis constructed the pulpit platform and second-hand leather chairs along with a pulpit lectern were donated. The church was able to purchase carpet for the altar and aisle areas. Oh how a few saints worked and sacrificed together to make our place of worship as beautiful as possible! Bishop Lewis also made sure there were adequate funds to complete renovations and pay for necessary pur- chases by having small fundraisers such as ‘Buy a Window’ for $100.00. It was at the request and desire of Bishop Lewis that the church would not go further into debt, and that everything be done ‘decently and in or- der’. The financial responsibility was great, and many months Bishop Lewis would supplement the offering with earnings from his secular job; yet God never failed to meet the need and He continually added souls to the church. 22

While the physical conditions of the church were addressed, the growth and develop- ment of the work of the Lord yet remained the top priority. Mother Lewis, who estab- lished the first office as church secretary, also lead noon day prayer, organized the Youth Sunday School in the rear section of the building, and organized and served as presi- dent of the Young Women’s Christian Council (YWCC). Bishop and Mother Lewis not only invested in the ministry themselves, but they taught their children to love the Lord and His people. Elder James A. Lewis Jr., the eldest son of Bishop and Mother Lewis, supported his father and the ministry while carrying out a vital role at New Antioch Church. He was faithful to the Lord, his leaders and served the small congregation as the first Sunday School Superintendent at an early age. Elder James A. Lewis Jr. has remained faithful and currently serves as an integral part of the New Antioch Church even now. Their youngest son, Elder Jeffrey Lewis, who would one day serve as the successor to his father, allowed the Lord to use him during the time of his youth and was instrumental in the music ministry. 23

Bishop Lewis desired to see more souls be saved and more individuals become a part of the body of Christ. As such, he regularly encouraged the members to invite family and friends to church and he would remind us that ‘sheep beget sheep’. Bishop Lewis would secure seasoned evangelists to host revivals, the men’s fellowship would play basket- ball with other churches and the women hosted workshops, seminars and local outings which all, in its own way, con- tributed to the growth and development of our membership and staff. In 1980 Bishop and Mother Lewis es- tablished the Community Outreach min- istry. Members would meet at the church for prayer and break off into teams to minister at the drug rehab cen- ters, juvenile hall, convalescent homes, conduct door-to-door witnessing, visit the sick and shut-in, correspond with those in prison, feed the hungry, and so much more. Since 1980 the Outreach Department has served the greater Los Angeles communities on a daily basis providing food, clothing, shelter, transportation, family services, educational supplies, computer and literacy classes, employment, financial assistance, targeted social resources, financial and personal counseling and, spiritual growth and wellness. Over the years the investments, contributions and services of the Outreach Department volunteers have made an immeasurable impact in countless lives resulting in local, state and fed- eral representatives, along with non-profits, and ecumenical organizations that ceremoniously recognized Bishop Lewis for his outstanding leadership. 24

New Antioch Church was challenged when the City of Los Angeles required the church to meet earthquake standards by having the building retrofitted with steel support beams, a task that posed an enormously unex- pected expense. The sanctuary was later flooded following a heavy storm; yet the faithful members quickly pulled together and cleaned the sanctuary to mitigate damage and prepare the sanctuary for service. Ongo- ing needs continued to surface as the church membership grew additional parking was required. The adja- cent space next to the church was a vacant lot and Bishop Lewis coordinated the activities necessary to con- tact the property owner of the connecting parcels of property and negotiate a sale price. Bishop Lewis kept the church apprised of the status of the negotiations including the chance that the owner may sell the land to someone else and admonished the church to pray and be patient. God blessed and the additional parcel of land was purchased, paved and striped. In 1985 Bishop Lewis formed the New Antioch District and served as its Superintendent. For the first few years bi-monthly District meetings were held and hosted at a different church within the district. Over time, the District grew to as many as eleven churches. The trajectory of the New Antioch ministry continued upward as Bishop Lewis, in excitement for his wife, announced that First Lady Barbara McCoo Lewis was being considered for the position of Jurisdictional Su- pervisor of Women for Southern California First Jurisdiction. In May 1988, Bishop Charles Blake selected Mother Lewis to serve as the Ju- risdictional Supervisor. She received her appointment at the National Holy Convocation in November from the General Supervisor, Dr. Mattie McGlothen. With this appointment Mother Lewis was the youngest Ju- risdictional Supervisor in the Churches of God in Christ. God continued to add to the church and additional staff was added to support the ministry. Amazingly the New Antioch Church ministries and congregation outgrew the existing sanctuary! Thus, construction began to relocate the sanctuary to the rear of the building, renovate the offices and restrooms as well as add a formal dining room and kitchen within the existing space. In 1992 civil unrest broke out throughout the City of Los Angeles. Recog- nizing economic, educational and social depression was at the core of the unrest, Bishop Lewis developed and initiated the New Antioch Community Training Center. The Community Training Center offered computer training classes, resume writing, job inter- view skills and literacy development designed to result in a degree, employment and/or upward mobility in an existing career path. Class instruction and materials were facilitated by professional volunteers from the con- gregation at no charge. The New Antioch Training Center was successful and a blessing to the community in many ways and, as God would have it, the church was blessed with new converts as a result of the New Anti- och Community Training Center. 25

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In February 1995, the New Antioch Church family celebrated 25 Years of ministry and 10 Years as a District. All of its ministries were active and flourishing, the church calendar was full, a large part of the membership was serving in one or more ministries while others sought training and development. It was during this time when the hearts of the New Antioch Leaders and Members were warmed as Jeffrey M. Lewis, who had significantly contributed to the music ministry as the church drummer and Choir Presi- dent, acknowledged his call to the ministry. Meanwhile, New Antioch Church continued to progress while remaining committed to holiness and being good stewards over everything God placed in our charge. An example was the success of the church’s newly established Training Center which proved to not only be a blessing to the community; however, it was a blessing to the new converts and seasoned saints. To motivate saints to read the Bible and study the scriptures, Bishop Lewis organized the Basic Bible Institute in 1999. The curriculum consists of basic Bible doctrine taught over a five-month course that concludes with a culmination cere- mony every year. 27

PASTOR JEFFREY MARTIN LEWIS Bishop Lewis retired as Senior Pastor of New Antioch in January 2006, yet he continued to serve as Senior Pastor Emeritus. Having served the New Antioch Church ministry all of his life and spent the subsequent seven years as Assistant Pastor followed by Co-Pastor, Elder Jeffrey Martin Lewis was concurrently appointed and installed as the Senior Pastor of New Antioch Church of God in Christ by Jurisdictional Prelate – now Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake. 28

With gratitude for the founda- tion that Bishop Lewis has laid, Pastor Jeffrey Lewis continues to strengthen each of the New Antioch Church auxiliaries and ministries As the work of the ministry continued to expand so did the staffing and the need for addi- tional space. In 2007, 3,300 square feet was added to the original structure for much needed classrooms and office space. With the new configu- ration of the building, the din- ing room and kitchen were moved to the front of the build- ing, additional restrooms were installed and the entrance from the parking lot became the designated entrance into the church. New Antioch Church has been New Antioch Church continues to flourish under Pastor Jeffrey Lewis who is sup- blessed beyond ported by his wife, First Lady Floetta Lewis. Highlights attributed to their leadership measure and is include: New Antioch Live, a broadcast of live video streaming services via the worldwide web; Women In Ministry; Meals for Missions; New Antioch Community truly destined for Assistance Action Project (CAAP); Missions Outreach in Haiti (including materials greatness in the and financial aid to schools); Expansion of foreign mission work to Africa; Monthly years to come… Community Outreach (including food, clothing and other resources provided to the Los Angeles community); Partnering with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 77th Division Community Assis- tance and Support; and a host of Town Hall meetings for pro- jects such as the Figueroa Street Sex Trafficking Cleanup Initiative. With almost 40 auxiliaries and ministries New Antioch Church has a full-time administrative staff, parking and security staff, licensed professional services staff who volunteer their exper- tise and resources, a media de- partment and a quarterly news- letter. New Antioch Church has been blessed beyond measure and is truly destined for great- ness in the years to come… 29

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I feel an almost overwhelming sense of ineptitude to find the words that would adequately express my praise to God for what He has done through my father, Bishop James A. Lewis, Sr., my mother General Supervisor Barbara McCoo Lew- is, and the New Antioch Church of God in Christ family over a half century. As children my brother and I were given the spiritual nurturing and Christian disci- pline that enabled us to commit the days of our youth in service to the Lord. Under the tutelage of my God-fearing parents and grandmother Mother Sue A. McCoo, I totally surrendered my life to Christ and committed to serve God and His people by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Having a prayer life and staying grounded in the Word of God keeps me excited for my life in Him, as well as the many, many souls that have accepted the Lord as their personal Savior by way of the New Antioch Church ministry. We have an amazing legacy that has been gifted by our Founders, Bishop James A. Lewis, Sr., and General Su- pervisor Barbara McCoo Lewis. Therefore, let us honor this 50th Year in ministry with thanksgiving and praise to God for the life work and commitment of our Founders and the New Antioch Church ministry. Let us enter into this new season with praise, adoration and a renewed commitment to God and the New Antioch Church ministry. Let us celebrate in holiness and with the love of Christ – growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We all have a call on our lives to win souls to Christ. Let’s move forward together in excellence – working to strengthen the auxiliaries and Community Outreach ministries, believing God will bless beyond our expectation. 33

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New An och Church of God in Christ AFRICAN AMERICAN APPRECIATION SERVICE Extends Congratulations to SUPERINTENDENT AND MRS. JEFFREY M. LEWIS as you Celebrate the 50th Year Church Anniversary 35

Congratulations on 50 years of service and ministry!! We praise God for the many lives that have been impacted through New Antioch Church of God in Christ. May the blessings of God continue to flow throughout this ministry. With Love, The New Antioch ANNOUNCERS & VOICES OF HOSPITALITY Sis. Tanya Anderson, Sis. Barbara Cunningham, Miss’y Rosalyn Lee, Sis. Tracey Lyles, Miss’y Rika McNair, Miss’y Mary Perkins, Sis. Victoria Portor, Sis. Juanita Rose, Sis. Aurelia Rhymer, Sis. Mia Smith, Sis. Marvella Waters, Sis. Doris Whitmore CONGRATULATIONS FOR 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENT MINISTRY OUR FOUNDERS; BISHOP & MOTHER LEWIS SUPT. JEFFREY LEWIS, PASTOR & LADY FLOETTA LEWIS, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR CARING AND SHARING TO THE INTENT OF DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE IN OUR THE CHURCH FAMILY. HERE AT NEW A NTIOCH C.O.G.I.C, WE SALUTE YOU FOR LIVING IN GOD'S GRACE, THAT ENRICHES US. SISTER JOSANN DAVIDSON, PRESIDENT & THE ENTIRE BIBLE BAND CREW 36

New An och Church of God in Christ BASIC BIBLE INSTITUTE Extends Congratulations to Superintendent and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Lewis as you CELEBRATE THE 50TH YEAR CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OUR STAFF SUPT. JEFFREY LEWIS, CHANCELLOR; BISHOP JAMES A. LEWIS, FOUNDER; DR. EDDYE RAMBO; ADMINISTRATOR/DEAN | INSTRUCTORS: DR. BARBARA BEAN; BARBARA BRYANT; DR. EVELYN BRUCE; RONALD BRUCE; RONALD COLEMAN; DR. ROSALYN LEE, J.D.; DR. MARY PERKINS; DINAH TYLER Motto: “Serving The Community Through Ministry” PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Basic Bible Institute will provide continuing education for the general population of the church community who may not have access to other institutes of higher learning. PROGRAM GOAL Participants are encouraged to continue to support the teaching ministry of the COGIC as they are strengthened through the teaching of God’s word during the years to come. OUR MISSION The Institute promises to be exciting, spirit filled and dedicated to the service of equipping the Saints for a greater work by providing basic Bible knowledge. 37

God used Our Founders, The Late Bishop James A. Lewis and Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis to start a legacy of strength, a legacy of love & a legacy of order. This legacy will continue through those who have and who will embrace it. 50 Years of Excellence...... Bigger, Better & Greater is sure to come. XÄwxÜ ^Ü|Çà|á _A [xÇwxÜáÉÇ 9 XätÇzxÄ|áà `|áá|ÉÇtÜç gtÅ|~t _A [xÇwxÜáÉÇ Co-Presidents NEW ANTIOCH C.O.G.I.C. CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEW ANTIOCH DISTRICT YOUTH DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT 38

VÉÇzÜtàâÄtà|ÉÇá yÉÜ HC lxtÜá Éy fxÜä|vx g{ÜÉâz{ `|Ç|áàÜç The CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S COUNCIL is honored to celebrate with our New Antioch family, 50 Years of Service in our community and throughout the world. We thank God for our founders; Bishop James A. Lewis and Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, as well as our Pastor and First Lady; Administrative Assistant Jeffrey M. Lewis and First Lady Floetta Lewis. To God be the glory for the things He has done! `Éà{xÜ TÇÇ|x TÇwÜxãá Christian Women’s Council President Southern California First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 39

Congratulations New Antioch for 50 years in ministry! The DEACON’S BOARD 40

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Congratulations to Pastor Jeff, Lady Flo, and the entire New Antioch Church for 50 YEARS OF MINISTRY AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY! We celebrate and honor the life, legacy, and foundation established by our beloved founders, Bishop and Mother Lewis. With love, The FINANCE TEAM Deacon Charles Andrews, CFO Assistant Pastor Ronald Bruce Administrative Assistant Rosalyn Lee Sis. Aja Rose Johnson 42

Congratulations New Antioch on 50 years of excellent service! The Golden Voices 43

Congratulations New Antioch on 50 years in Ministry! From the IN-REACH MINISTRY 44

Congratulations New Antioch on 50 years in Ministry! The Inspirational Choir 45

Congratulations New Antioch on 50 years in Ministry! *** Meals 4 Missions 46

VÉÇzÜtàâÄtà|ÉÇá New Antioch COGIC From the MEN’S MINISTRY on your 50th Church Anniversary *** Director Elder Maurice Walker 47

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In Loving Memory of our Church Mother Beloved Mother in Zion December 20, 1920 – September 12, 2017 Thank you for the many years of sharing your wisdom, profound knowledge of God's word, and unconditional love to the young and old. 49

CELEBRATING 50 GOLDEN YEARS OF MINISTRY The New An och Missions Team salutes our visionary founders, the late Bishop James A. Lewis, Sr. and Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, our dynamic leaders, Pastor Jeffrey M. Lewis, Sr. and Lady Floe a Lewis, as well as, the New An och congregants for 50 years of faithful service to the community and abroad—demonstra ng love without borders! Any day now, we’re expec ng greater heights in transforma ve and impac ul ministry [tÑÑç HCthat wài{ll touch genera ons to come. V{âÜv{ TÇÇ|äxÜátÜç4 Evangelist Rosalyn D. Lee Coordinator Evangelist Lorna Gregory Evangelist Rhona Jackson Sister Andrea Small Sister Marvella Waters 50