NAME OF CHURCH: Church of God in Jamaica, Pepper

LOCATION: Pepper, St. Elizabeth

FOUNDED: Early 1950s

FOUNDING LEADER: Sister Daisy Griffiths

CURRENT PASTORS: Leon Walters and Kenneth Smith

MEMBERSHIP: 97

NAME OF OLDEST MEMBER AND AGE: Sister Hilda Allen (87)

CHURCH HISTORY: The Church started in the early 1950's. Before the current building was erected, services were held at Sister Catherine Bennett's house. The church was built in 1953 by a contractor named Rev. K. Patterson and persons like Daisy Griffiths, Catherine Bennett, Wilfred Griffiths, Rachel Griffiths, Ivy Griffiths and Delza Allen-Gayle. On January 9, 1955 a service for the laying of a corner stone was held. It was said to be well attended by members of the community, other churches and representatives from Alpart Bauxite Company. The dedication of the church took place in April that year. Rev. Phillip Neil became the pastor for the church in the late 1950's. In 1981 brothers Dennis Flemmings and Adrian Gayle were ordained as deacons. In 1995 another group of six persons were ordained to serve as deacons and evangelists.

OUTREACH PROGRAMME: The men's and lady's groups visit the sick and elderly from time to time. The church holds Christmas concerts to raise funds to assist persons who are in need, treats for the children and members visit the hospital in Mandeville once per month to offer prayer and give counselling to patients.

ORDER OF SERVICE:

SUNDAY

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Divine worship - 11 a.m.

Gospel meeting - 7 p.m.

MONDAY

Bible study - 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Prayer meeting - 7 p.m.

THURSDAY

Youth fellowship - 7 p.m.

By George Henry