Elder Mose Mack, his wife Irene, and two daughters, Ola Pearl and Mozell, began a small mission in Newberry, Florida around 1940 or 1941. As far as can be remembered, the first person to be saved was Mrs. Alberta Brown. Later, Elder Mack was blessed to get a small building about two miles outside of Newberry where they had service about twice a week. After which, Sister Brown’s husband, Tom Brown was saved. The mission began to grow. There were others that were saved including Mr. Clarence Kanty and his wife Mrs. Beatrice. Mrs. Beaulh Johnson whom was already saved came and joined the mission. Her husband got saved after she joined. He was called Slim Johnson. After which, Mr. Cheesebourgh came and got saved.
Elder Mose Mack and his family would walk from their house into town on Sunday mornings and meet with the others saints. Then everyone would stay there all day. Sunday services began with Sunday school followed by Bible Lesson. After which, there would be recess for dinner. Everyone brought their dinner in pots and pans. After dinner, everyone would lay around on the benches laughing and talking until time for next service to begin. Night service would adjourn around ten o’clock p.m. After night service everyone would walk back to town together, and then split up, some going two more miles in one direction and Elder Mack and family going two miles in the other direction. (Everyone was happy).
Later in the 1940’s a frame church was built by Evangelist Nathaniel Scippio (picture on the right). It was a beautiful place of worship. Many more souls were added to the church. Other Shepherds were sent to pastor after Elder Mack. Elder Sheppard pastored for one year (1967). Mother Alberta Davis and her family joined in at that time. Elder Roosevelt Jones was appointed to Newberry in 1968 to keep the church moving forward. All of his days weren’t easy. He would tell us about the time he had to stop on his way to church and get behind a hill and pray, but he knew God was on his side. During his pastoralship, four ministers came from under his leadership: Elder Otis Howard, Minister Theodore Robinson, Evangelist Alvin Robinson and Minister Earl Davis. Mother Freddie Mae Harrington was one of our dear laborers’ who worked hard and went out and won souls for Christ. Elder Jones had a vision and he quoted, “The Lord spoke to Moses saying speak to the people at Israel that they bring me an offering and let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:1-2.
On April 26, 1987 the Lord blessed us to dedicate a new sanctuary and at that time it was renamed Jones Temple Church of God by Faith after Elder Roosevelt Jones because his vision had come to pass. Elder Jones retired in 1987 after 20 years (1968-1987) as our pastor. God then sent Elder Jackie Reynolds, Sr. to be our shepherd (1988-1998) for 11 years. After which, Elder Earl Davis pastored for one year (1999) followed by Elder Jessie Hampton, Jr. who served for 11 years (2000-2010). After he retired, Elder Jackie Reynolds, Sr. was re-appointed as our Pastor in January 2011.
The following men have served as Shepherds at Newberry COGBF:
Elder Mose Mack ~ Elder Stubb ~ Elder Dan Gram ~ Elder Lee Brewer ~ Elder Timothy Reid ~ Elder Harrington ~ Minister Sheppard ~ Elder Roosevelt Jones (20 years) ~ Elder Jackie Reynolds, Sr. (11 years) ~ Elder Earl Davis (1 year) ~ Elder Jessie Hampton (11 years) & Elder Jackie Reynolds, Sr. (2011 to January 28, 2018. Upon his return in 2011, he reminded us often that: “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” He also reminded us that salvation is a growing process and we must prepare ourselves daily for a higher calling; thereby he established the following Motto "Equipping Souls for a Higher Calling" for Jones Temple.
As Elder Reynolds and Lady Carolyn exited on January 28, 2018 for a calling on their lives, Elder James and Lady SheliaTaylor was appointed as the new Leaders of Jones Temple COGBF. We are now Celebrating 78 years (2018) of service in the City of Newberry and the surrounding Community.
Prayerfully Submitted,
Mother Mozell Mack Mongo ~ Author (deceased)
Sister Pamela Woods ~ Amender One (2014)
Lady Carolyn Reynolds ~ Amender Two (2015-2018)
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