Church History
New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, 2515 Mission Rd. North Pole, AK 99705
New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ (COGIC) started in Delta Junction, Alaska; Elder Otis McCormick drove the 165 miles roundtrip from his home in North Pole to Delta three times a week. After years of faithful service, God gave Elder McCormick a vision to erect a church in the North Pole area. The New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, North Pole, started in late summer 1980, with a Bible study in the home of Mother Michelle Stalder. Through anxieties and disappointments, the vision was kept in motion and with the Lord’s help the saints took courage. Pastor McCormick continued during this time, traveling to Delta Junction.
On January 8, 1984 the first full Sunday service of New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. was held in the Eielson-Area Grange facility located in North Pole. There were 7 adults and 12 children present. Sunday School continued to be held in Mother Stalder’s house. Pastor McCormick’s first message in the newly acquired church home at the Grange was titled, “The Three Looks.” They were: 1) The Backward Look, 2) The Upward look, and 3) The Onward Look. The church began to grow after God blessed in adding some saints from Ft. Wainwright, among them Minister Alan and Deaconess Cynthia Burgess, who remain to this day.
As the membership grew, the congregation moved to Pastor and Mother McCormick’s home. A Saturday Children’s Church was started and it experienced rapid growth. It was moved to Brother Sam and Sister Carol McCormick’s home. A Soul Winning Society Class was started and was held every Saturday at Brother Greg and Sister Pelzeitha (PJ) McCormick’s home. The bus ministry under the direction of Pastor McCormick was started by Mother Stalder with Brother Swopes and Brother Crain as co-workers.
Later in 1984, God touched the heart of Reverend Don Nelson who agreed to the use of the KJNP Chapel. Sunday School and morning service was conducted in the KJNP Chapel and the evening services were held at the Eielson-Area Grange. In the spring of 1984, God touched the heart of Brother David Ainsley, who blessed the saints to acquire land on Mission Road. Yes God not only gave the church a Vision but also a Mission! The saints praised God for his blessings! On May 30, 1984 the ground-breaking ceremony was held. Present was: Bishop C.D. Williams (Presiding Bishop, Church of God in Christ, Alaska Jurisdiction), North Star Borough Mayor Bill Allen, Pastor Harold Decker of First Assembly of God (Fairbanks), Pastor and Mother Parham of Lilly of the Valley Church of God in Christ (Fairbanks), Reverend Don Nelson of KJNP Radio and Television Station, Brother David Ainely, Elder James White of First Church of God in Christ, and a photographer-reporter from the Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Even though it was raining, 40 people were there for the ceremony.
Construction began in August 1984. The following contributors on the building project were: Mr. Willie Smith, Mr. George Taylor, Mr. Leon Cooper, Reverend Cleaver, Mr. Willie Hill Jr., of Fairbanks, and Elder Elbert Hawk of Anchorage, Alaska. Deacon Swopes and Deacon Williams helped with the electrical wiring for the downstairs. Even though they were small in number the Lord certainly blessed!
On November 18,1984 first service was held within the church. The saints praised God because they were in their own place of worship. They entered the building on that day singing, “We’ve Come This Far By Faith.” Prayer was led by Elder McCormick. The Scripture was Psalm 122. Communion was given, and the choir came forth under the direction of Sister Denise McCormick. The choir sung ” Somebody Cares.” In the summer of 1985 the parking lot was paved, the second floor was framed with a permanent roof. The base board heaters were installed and office equipment for the secretary’s office was purchased. Mother Michele Stalder and sister Diana McCormick scaled high heights to stain the cedar siding of the church. In 1987 God blessed the Youth Department to grow and do great things. They purchased the carpet for the second floor and in 1988 and 1989 furnished the second floor conference room. Elder and Sister Lynch joined the congregation in the fall of 1987.
Though many of the members moved to different cities and states as many of the members were military. God always blessed in bringing in more members to take their place and add to the numbers. With the help of the new members they were able to complete more of the vision such as: completing the administration office; placing curtains and blinds to the windows; laying the foundation for the children’s playground; installing fixtures in the men’s bathroom; finishing the pastor’s bathroom; hanging the kitchen cabinets; and installing the PA system. Though the congregation was small God blessed in all through the faithfulness of his people. To this day the blessings of God shows in all parts of this church. In April 1997, a number of saints from the Eielson Gospel Service joined the family under the wise leadership of Pastor McCormick. The church has continued to grow in number, but most important of all, in the Holy Ghost and the strength of Jesus Christ. When God is the author of your plans nothing can stand in your way. The church’s motto is “Backward? Never! Forward? Forever!” They have caught the vision and are determined to continue to run the race (Hebrews 12: 1-2).