Our History
Church of God of Woodycrest Avenue is the first Church of God in New York City. The church was organized in 1934 by nine Church of God members who relocated to New York City from the South. The congregation was pastored by Rev. Elizar Johnson. The founding members were Rev. and Sis. Elizar Johnson, Sis. Caroline Brown, Rev. and Sis. N. S. Heastie, Sis. J. Dean, Sis. Gertrude West, and Bro. and Sis. William Outten.
After seeking God for a place to worship, the Lord provided suitable accommodations. The congregation first worshiped on 134th Street near Madison Avenue, before relocating to 119th Street, then 129th Street, and later 105 West 11th Street in Harlem in 1944.
In the mid-1970s, recognizing the challenges brought about by a changing neighborhood and other socioeconomic conditions within New York City, Pastor Charles Marcelle, Jr. and the members of “105” recognized the need for a new location. They took their need to the Lord, believing that nothing was impossible with God.
In 1977, God answered their prayers, and the church purchased its current home at 923 Woodycrest Avenue, Bronx, New York.
In August 1980, Pastor Milroy A. Grant and his family assumed the pastoral leadership of the Church of God of Woodycrest Avenue. During his tenure, the church experienced many significant milestones. One of the most notable was the burning of the church mortgage in 1986, marking a tremendous accomplishment for the congregation.
In June 2011, the Church of God of Woodycrest Avenue welcomed Bishop Julian Stephenson, his wife, Dr. Ingrid Stephenson, and their three children. Outreach was at the heart of their ministry. Under their leadership, the church continued to serve and connect with the Highbridge community through community prayer walks, summer outreach block parties, Vacation Bible School, and the food pantry, while continuing to seek God's direction for the future.
Our Current Pastoral Leadership
In April 2025, the Church of God of Woodycrest Avenue welcomed Bishop Dr. Edward Nyarko and his wife, First Lady Rev. Esther Nyarko, as the church's new pastoral leaders.
Since accepting the pastoral appointment, Bishop Dr. Edward Nyarko has embraced the congregation with humility, faithfulness, and love. His heart is to serve, encourage, and lead God's people while honoring the calling God has placed upon his life.
His prayer and vision for the Church of God of Woodycrest Avenue is to see the congregation grow deeper in its relationship with Christ, discover and fulfill its God-given purpose, and faithfully serve the Lord and one another—all for the glory of God.
Under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Edward Nyarko and First Lady Rev. Esther Nyarko, the Church of God of Woodycrest Avenue continues its legacy of faith, prayer, service, fellowship, and community outreach, trusting God to guide the church into its next chapter.
Our history is rooted in faith. Our future is in God's hands.