Our History

The Beginning

The Redeemed Church of Jesus Christ started out with a group of praying women (Sis. Evelyn Jordan, Sis. Sarah Rooney, Sis. Mae Hallie Penn, Sis. Evvie Wynn) who were called, “The Prayer Warriors”. Going from house to house they began to reach out to those that were hurting and lost in sin. Through their praying together, they sensed a need for a covering. It was at this time that God connected them with Elder Kelly L. Basnight, an itinerant preacher evangelizing all over the metropolitan area. Elder Basnight sensed the Lord calling him to cover them and started mission work that turned into the Redeemed Church of Jesus Christ. After meeting in a house for a few months, the Lord blessed them to incorporate as a church on April 16, 1966 and buy an apartment building with two storefronts 148 East Third Street.

The Continued Work

Elder Kelly L. Basnight was elevated to the office of a Bishop and faithfully served the Church and community. He was a Godly and humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. In July 1985, Bishop Basnight was led by Lord to appoint Elder Richard Garner as Pastor of the Redeemed Church of Jesus Christ and he then relocated to North Carolina. Elder Garner served faithfully under Bishop Basnight’s leadership and ministry. It is through his life and example that Pastor Garner was mentored.

The Redeemed Church has been a blessing to many who have had the opportunity to be under the teaching of Pastor Garner. The main focus of our Church is the Word and Prayer. We are intentional about “Being and Making Disciples”.

“Changing sinners into disciples who become part of a growing and healing community, passionately modeling the life of Christ in all relationships.”