In 1978, seven people discussed forming a new church. They were Sis. Ira McFarley, Sis. Virie Lewis*, Sis. Utha White, Sis. Marazine Brown, Sis. Fannie Howard, Bro. James Howard and Dea. William Brown*. After prayerful consideration, they believed the Lord was in the plan and proceeded with the vision.

Others joined the original seven and met at the home of Bro. James and Fannie Howard to get organized. Sis. Virie Lewis reported on the site that would later be rented at 1900 NW 36th Street. The name of the church was to be New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church. Bro. Embry Webb*, Sis. Carrie Webb*, Bro. C. H. Gaines*, Bro. Embry Webb, Jr. and Sis. Elaine Webb, Bro. Percy Brown and Sis Evelyn Frazier attended this meeting and the first officers were elected as follows:

The late Elder S. P. Kilpatrick, Moderator, constituted the church on September 27, 1978. After resigning from Greater Israel Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, Elder A. V. Ward became the first pastor and faithfully served for two years.

In the midst of tremendous growth, The late Elder F. E. Wrease was called to lead the church in April 1981. Under his leadership, we acquired our second location and it was dedicated on February 28, 1982. Elder Wrease made his transition into the presence of the Lord on a Sunday in 1995.

Our current pastor, Elder Kenneth A. Duke was installed as Senior Pastor with great vision and a heart for the people of God. Under Elder Duke’s leadership, God continued to add to our numbers daily. On Saturday, April 11, 1998, we took possession of our current multi-million dollar facility at 777 NW 85th Street. On May 30th, 1998, it was dedicated to the building of God’s kingdom. With the blessing of space to accommodate the vision, new ministries accelerated to serve the body of Christ.

In 2001 two significant resources for parents and children came to be. The first was the Safe Haven Summer Camp that serves children ages 2 – 11. The second was the Safe Haven Child Development Center serving children from infants to preschool age. The center provides a nurturing, safe and secure environment with a holistic approach to child care.

In February 2003, our Community Development Corporation was established followed by the opening of the New Jerusalem Christian Academy in August 2003. The academy provides a quality educational experience for children from kindergarten through 4th grade.

Committed to excellence in the kingdom, many significant renovations and upgrades continue to be made in our facilities. As we press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus and the fulfillment of the vision, it continues to be the mission of New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church to exalt God, edify the body of Christ, educate the community and to evangelize through local and global ministries.