It was about 2:30 A.M. in November of 1989 that the Reverend Livingston Gibbs received a vision from God to go preach the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At around 4:00 am, still confused and troubled about the vision, the Holy Spirit led him to call a friend and a brother, Evangelist Simeon Dixon who never ceased from praying that the Lord would restore him back into the fold. Evangelist Dixon relayed the good news to Archbishop Sidley Mullings, who was his pastor at that time. A few days after, the Holy Spirit led both men to the home of Pastor Gibbs where they prayed with him, anointed him and handed him the right hand of fellowship.
As Pastor Gibbs continued praying and pondering the vision, he was guided by the Holy Spirit to the Fire Baptize Church of God in Mount Vernon and to Pastor Viola Jacques. He told her that the Lord sent him to help her. It was there he confirmed that God really wanted to use him for his Glory. After working with Pastor Jacques for one and a half years as President of the Youth Department, in March of 1991, we began having Sunday evening prayer meetings and bible study at the home of Reverend Gibbs along with about 7 or eight ladies, including his wife and two daughters. God blessed those prayer meetings and the group soon outgrew the living room of Pastor Gibbs and Sister Gibbs. With the encouragement and advice of Archbishop Sidley Mullings and Bishop Noel Gibbs, the group moved to a basement at 1438 Taylor Avenue in the Bronx and immediately formed a youth group and started Friday night youth meetings.
On July 13, 1991, the church held its first Sunday morning worship service in the basement at Taylor Avenue with 75 people in attendance and Archbishop Sidley Mullings as the speaker. Hence the church was born. The name given at the time was “The First Holiness Christian Church of the Bronx.”
At that time, we had no facilities to hold baptismal services, so we prayed and trusted the Lord and were led by the Holy Spirit to the Late Reverend Cleveland Henry and the Outreach Baptist Church who did not hesitate to open their doors and hearts to us. We held our first baptismal service at the Outreach Baptist on April 17, 1992 and had many more baptismal services their over the years.
As more and more people heard the gospel and souls were being saved, the need for a larger and more convenient place became apparent. With much prayer and soul searching, Pastor Gibbs and his wife decided to refinance their home in order to purchase a property to accommodate God’s people. Three good Samaritans also saw his vision and loaned their money, interest free, towards this cause. In July, 1993, the property at 975 Burke Avenue was purchased. Much time and money by the brethren were put towards renovating the property and on March 12, 1994, we had our first worship service in our newly renovated building. On April 10, 1994, the sanctuary was dedicated to the Lord.
On May 23, 1994, the church was incorporated and officially became the “Holiness Christian Church of the Bronx.” Officers were established, and the foundation was being laid to begin our journey.
Not long thereafter, on July 5, 1994, an agreement was made between Pastor and Sister Gibbs and the members for the church to take over ownership of the property, and on August 19, 1999, the Holiness Christian Church of the Bronx became the official owners of the property at 975 Burke Avenue.
The church was growing exponentially because of the strong foundation that was laid by Pastor Gibbs, and the love and fellowship that were shared among the brethren. It became necessary to expand the property and expansion work began.
In late 2003, the Building Committee was formed under the leadership of Pastor Gibbs, which adopted God’s vision to establish a mighty place of worship here at 975 Burke Avenue. There were many false starts, setbacks and disappointments along the way, but the fruition of God’s work is right before our eyes. While Pastor Gibbs and a group of faithful brethren took on the challenge to move this great work forward, we were favored by the Board of Education to meet for Sunday worship at P.S. 111 on Baychester Avenue for 6 years. We were finally able to move back to 975 Burke Avenue and to our new Sanctuary in 2014. On Good Friday, 2015, we held our first Baptismal service in our new sanctuary. Because of God’s great favor and strength, Pastor Gibbs’ obedience to God’s will, through tireless efforts, his hard work and dedication and the dedication and hard work of the members and help from the Lord, we have been able to erect this beautiful facility in this community.
Holiness Christian Church has been a mainstay in the community, has held many baby christenings, funerals, weddings, vow renewals and has supported community efforts and international missionary excursions. We have been a place of redemption, renewal, restoration, healing and hope. “Come and see the works of the Lord. He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.” Psalm 66:5