Newport Church

of

God In Christ

Newport (Madison), Illinois

 

The original edifice 711 Franklin StreetNewport, Illinois

 

 

This  page is an attempt to preserve the history and honor the people of my beloved hometown, Madison, Illinois.  The member list on this page is compiled from various sources, obituaries, church programs, newspaper articles etc.  Please feel free to email me with additional information, corrections or members which can be included on this page.  The member list on this page is compiled from various sources, verbal accounts, obituaries, church programs, newspaper articles etc.  Please feel free to email me with additional information, corrections or members which can be included on this page.

Dedication

I dedicate this site to Papa, Elder James Perkins Clemons and Aunt Myrt, Mother Myrtle Washington Clemons in appreciation for the spiritual training they provided my sister and I. We appreciate their faithfulness in seeing that we were able to go safely to and from church and for just keeping us close to them when our mother permitted. I have very fond memories and will cherish those years and their love forever.

 

Brief History of the Newport Church of God In Christ



In the summer of 1920, a Holy revival was conducted on the streets of Madison, Illinois, by two spirit filled twin missionaries, Sisters Mary and Martha Renfro. From this successful meeting, the first Church of God in Christ of (Newport) Madison, Illinois was organized in the fall of 1920.  The Newport Church of God in Christ was founded in the African American subdivision of Madison, Illinois known as Newport.

As their first place of worship, the members met in a house located at 806 Webster Street, Newport, Illinois which was owned by the late Elder Luther Clemons. Later the group purchased a building site at 711 Franklin Street just a few hundred feet east of the railroad tracks that now border Illinois Route 3, and constructed a building thereon, which became their place of worship for more than 40 years.


The Pastors of this congregation since its humble beginning were as follows:


1ST Elder Ulysses Gridine

2ND Elder Ben Washington

3RD Elder Churn Hollis

4TH Elder Harrison Causey

5TH Elder James Perkins Clemons

6TH Elder Clarence Woolfolk, Sr.  Asst. Pastor 1939 - 1969, Pastor February 1969 - July 17, 1969

7th Elder Novel V. Woolfolk B.A. M.S.


Members of the original congregation are as follows:

 

 

MEMBERS

 

 

The member list on this page is compiled from various sources, obituaries, church programs, newspaper articles etc.  Please feel free to email me with additional information or members which can be included on this page.

 

Church Musicians:

  •  

  • Charles Creath

  • Charles Gardner

  • Keith Gill

  • George Haynes

  • Malcolm Speed

     

    Members and Former Members

    Members throughout the history of the church: