History

1952

 

Eld. Benjamin Betters and his wife Sis. Dovevater Betters answered the Macedonia Call of Bishop U.S. King, son of Bishop Judge King, founder of Christ Holy Sanctified Church of America, Inc. (CHSC), who said there needed to be a church in Los Angeles area.

 

Eld. Betters, Sis. Betters and two of their five children, James and Jimmy, came from Ft. Worth, Texas to the Los Angeles area.  About a year later, they were to bring the rest of their family (Gladys, Benjamin, Jr., and Betty) who were residing in Waco, Texas with grandparents.

 

The first worship services were held in the home of Eld. James and Sis. Lillie Mae Brown.  Eld. James and Sis. Lillie Mae not only opened their home and their hearts, they worked untiringly and contributed financially and spiritually to the growth of the church and the up-building of the kingdom.

 

As Pastor Benjamin Betters would soon to become Supertindent Betters, he and his wife, First Lady Dovevater Betters (known then as Sister Betters), worked diligently in the vineyard and many souls were blessed.

 

Supt. Benjamin Betters served in the capacity of Supt., Pastor, Musician, National H.Y.P.B.S. President, and President of the Ministerial Alliance.

 

1953

Deacon Gus McDaniel and his wife, Sis. Frankie McDaniel, began to worship with the Betters.

 

1954

 

A young man (Bro. Eugene Brown) full of the fire and of the Holy Spirit came out to Los Angeles from Clinton, Oklahoma.

 

1956

 

Macedonia Christ Holy Sanctified Church moved from its 27th and Western location to 35th St. and San Pedro.

 

Bro. Eugene Brown and Sis. Alpha Searcie Brown are united in Holy Matrimony.  Their family was to later be a faithful asset to the Church.

 

Bro. Eugene Brown serves in the United States Army until 1957.

 

1957

 

Another family, Bro. Jesse Lane of Los Angeles, CA and his new wife, Evang. Janny T. Searcie-Lane of Portland, OR were to be added to the church.  Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. Janny T. Lane and their daughter Evangeline Lane continue to work in the church to date.

 

1958

 

Evang. Missionary Geneva Jones and her husband, Deacon Isaac Jones come to Los Angeles from Beaumont, Texas.  Missionary Jones was a dutiful church worker.  She was president of the Women’s Department and worked diligently to uphold the kingdom.


 

1962

 

Macedonia Christ Holy Sanctified Church is blessed to purchase a home located at 208 E. Santa Barbara (now Marlin Luther King) and converts it to a worship edifice.

 

1963 - 1967

 

Many are joined to the ministry of CHSC and the congregation experiences much growth.  There are many youth and young adults as well as seasoned men and women of God.

 

1968

 

Eld. Eugene Brown and his family, along with Mr. James Hayes, Mother Hayes and a small group of members start another Christ Holy Sanctified Church at Budlong Avenue and Santa Barbara Avenue in Los Angeles.

 

1969

 

Supt. Benjamin Betters requests Eld. Eugene Brown to Pastor the Macedonia Christ Holy Sanctified Church located on 208 East Santa Barbara Ave.  Later, the name of the church is changed to First Christ Holy Sanctified Church.

 

1975

 

Eld. Alexander Howard, Jr. comes to Los Angeles and marries Sis. Gwendolyn Griffin.  He is also installed as Assistant Pastor.

 

1976

 

The “Volume of the Book” weekly radio broadcast is launched on KMAX radio station.

 

1977

 

Adjacent property to the 208 E. Santa Barbara is purchased for parking and expansion.

 

1978 – 1982

 

Several “feasibility” studies and architectural renderings are undertaken and it is determined that the 208 E. Santa Barbara and adjacent property are not suitable for a new edifice administrative offices and parking.

 

1983 – 1984

 

Repairs on the existing church prove not to be cost-effective and the search for a new facility commences.  As a result of its location to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, private companies lease the church parking lot for the 1984 Summer Olympics.

 

1985

 

Hallelujah!  A new building with parking is found and escrow is opened in March 1985.  Due to legal battles and court issues involving the seller, the purchase is not completed until October 1985.  Unfortunately, the unscrupulous broker-realtor uses the adjacent parking lot as a “bait and switch” and only the 1432 property is purchased.

 

Eld. Eugene Brown served in many capacities in the Christ Holy Sanctified Church organizations – He was Choir Director, Deacon and President of the Youth Department, Vice President of the National Youth Department.  Eld. Eugene Brown was Superintendent of the Southern California District.  A member of

the National Board of Presbytery of the C.H.S.C.  He was Overseer of the Western Diocese.  Then on June 17, 1995 he was consummated Bishop of C.H.S.C.

 

1986 – 1992

 

The 1432 building undergoes a series of refurbishing as walls are added and rooms are repaired.  The entire roof is replaced as a result of dry-rotting (the sanctuary literally a “pool” whenever it rained).  A new dais is constructed.  The rocks and other debris from the construction are, unfortunately, used to fuel the civil unrest and the subsequent beating of Mr. Reginald Denny in the intersection of Florence and Normandie Avenues in April 1992.

 

Eld. Dwight McCoy and his congregation become part of the Sunday Morning and weekly services in early 1992 for approximately 11 months while they transition to a new building.  Bishop Brown’s “fatherly and spiritual” influence reaches out and draws gang organizers and leaders and he establishes the Los Angeles Brotherhood for Excellence (LABfE).  God saved and delivered many of these former street leaders, some of who were:  Michael Rowles (now Chief Apostle Michael Rowles), La Dell Rowles, Dawand Rowles, Terry Jones, Leon Jones, Herb Brown, James Harbin and Deon Hawkins.

 

1993

 

Being led by God, several families and individuals from the fellowship church join under Bishop Brown’s leadership:  Elder Ricky Logan and family, Sis. Mary Ross, the late Mother Mary Logan, the late Mother Georgia Ross, the late Mother Ola Robinson (and family), and the late Deacon Ricky Henry.

 

1996

 

The mantle is handed down as Bishop Eugene Brown answers a higher calling and joins that great cloud of witnesses on high on April 23, 1996.

 

Assistant Pastor Craig Brown takes up the mantle as the interim pastor

 

1997

 

Supt. Craig Brown is “officially” installed as pastor of 1st Christ Holy Sanctified Church on February 8, 1997 by the late Bishop James Williams.

 

A new central heating and air conditioning is installed along with new flooring

 

1998

 

Realizing the need for more space, particularly parking and offices, the search is on to move to another location.

 

Pastor Sandra Osborne starts Liberty Life Community Christ Holy Sanctified Church in Van Nuys, CA., and serves faithfully until she relocates to the state of Alabama.

 

1999

 

After 3 years of untiring service, the 1st appreciation service for Pastor and 1st Lady Debbie Brown is held.  An inaugural banquet is also held at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton.  The name of the church is changed to Praise Tabernacle in honor of the late Bishop Eugene Brown.

 

Praise Tabernacle Church also welcomes in fellowship and into the C.H.S.C. family, Co-Pastors Bishop William and Pastor Wilma Wilson, who are shepherds of Peace and Joy C.H.S.C., in Carson, Ca.

 

2001

 

After a brief illness, Elect Lady Alpha Brown goes home to be with the Lord on March 24, 2001.  On that same evening, knowing this is what his parents helped prepare him for, God gives Supt. Craig Brown the strength to install Pastor-designate Ricky Logan and Sis. Renee Logan as Pastor and First Lady of Pillar of Truth Christian Center CHSC in Carson, CA.

 

Praise Tabernacle is incorporated as a California Non-Profit Religious Corporation.

 

In October 2001, Pastor Brown proclaims, “We have to purchase the entire block if we are to stay in this location!”  Little did he know that he was speaking by faith as they began their quest in purchasing properties on the block.

 

2002

 

Adjacent property (1438) is negotiated and placed into escrow. 

 

Supt. Craig Brown continues to carry out the vision of “Project: Nehemiah”, which his father, Bishop Eugene Brown originated.  “Project: Nehemiah” is a California Non-profit Public Benefit Community Development Corporation.  Its purpose is “building hope and dignity in the people while building the walls of strength in the Community.”

 

In October of 2002, Bishop Ray Ross and High Praise Ministries join the Southern California District.

 

2003

 

Praise Tabernacle purchased an additional piece of property – next door at 1438 W. Florence Ave.  Praise Tabernacle is on its way to gather more property in order to acquire the entire block which will make way for Praise Cathedral.  Research and analysis for this new Praise Cathedral, a 1,000 seat sanctuary and ministry complex is now in process; a project that is not far from fruition.

 

2003-2004

 

Over $40,000 of additional repairs is spent to bring the sanctuary up to date with current fire and safety code is accomplished.  

 

2005-2006

 

Negotiations for additional properties begin and placed into escrow. 

 

2007

 

Praise Tabernacle has purchased another property – two doors down at 1446 W. Florence Ave.  To God Be the Glory!