ntcg handsworth 50th district convention

New TesTameNT ChurCh of God

Friday 22nd - Sunday 24thOctOber 2010

240 - 244 LOzeLLS rOad, birmingham, b19 1nP

Friday 22nd - celebrating Our heritageSaturday 23rd - building On Our heritage

Sunday 24th - moving Forward

F e a t u r i n g

the Majestic Singers

2 ntcg handSwOrth diStrict 5Oth cOnventiOn

GreetinGs & Welcomef r o m t h e D i s t r i c t B i s h o p


ntcg handSwOrth diStrict 5Oth cOnventiOn 3

Dear All

On behalf of the District of Handsworth I greet our special guests, Bishop Dr Eric Brown, Bishop Dr Thompson, Revd David Shosanya, Revd Doreen

Makaya, the legendary Majestic Singers, delegates and friends of the District in the name of our Lord Jesus.

God has been good to us as a District over the past 50 years. We salute at this time the memories of those who have gone on to be with the Lord whose contribution to the development of the District should never be forgotten.

I also recognise the immense contribution of those who are present and others who are in different parts of the country or are overseas. I also remember at this time those who through ill health are unable to engage in a public way as they would desire. Thanks be to God for all His blessings and the gifts of these individuals to the work of the Kingdom.

I place on record my sincere appreciation for those upon whom the mantle falls to forward the advancement of the District, may God continue to order our steps.

I hope you will enjoy the weekend and the blessings of the Lord as we celebrate together God’s goodness over the past 50 years, looking forward to a God blessed future.

Yours in His service as we labour together with God,

Revd Dr Derek A Webley MBE DLDistrict Bishop


David Shosanya currently serves as a Regional Minister with the London Baptist Association where he is tasked with the care of Pastors,

encouraging Churches to be actively involved in community engagement, community development, civic life and evangelism.

David also serves as a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland Council - the policy-making body for the Baptist family in the UK. He is a co-founder of the Street Pastors Initiative and a member of The London Churches Group for Social Action.

David hosts and organises The State of Black Britain Symposium, an annual forum for conversations across African and Caribbean communities in the UK and the annual National Leadership Summit. In addition to his various ministry responsibilities

David speaks at business, civic, community and faith-based conferences across the country. David is married to Yvonne. They have two children and live in Surrey.

Guest speakerr e v D D a v i D s h o s a n y a


other speakers

revD Doreen makayaSenior Pastor, COGOP,

Farm St Hockley

revD Dr Derek WeBleyDistrict Bishop, Handsworth

Dr eric BroWn frsa

Administrative Bishop, New Testament Church of God, England & Wales


proGramme scheduleFriday 22nd oct

saturday 23rd oct

c e l e B r a t i n g o u r h e r i t a g e

B u i l D i n g o n o u r h e r i t a g e

7.15pm

7.30pm

8.00pm

Praise & Worship

Official opening of ConventionBishop Dr Derek Webley

Scripture – Psalm 136Read by Zoe Duncan

Prayer – Revd Stephen Barr

Worship in Giving - Revd Jacqui Newsome

Pastor’s Thought - Revd Hermilyn James, Handsworth

The Majestic Singers ministers

Short Address - Revd Dr Derek Webley, District Bishop

9.30pm Prayer and Close

9.00am Breakfast Conference at The Campanile HotelSpeaker – Revd Doreen MakayaTheme: Building on our Pentecostal Heritage

11.30am Close

4.00pm An Audience with Bishop S U ThompsonFacilitated by Patrick Spence

5.00pm Formal opening of the Bishop Thompson Suite and Cllr Sybil Spence Room

5.30pm BREAK

6.30pm Praise & Worship

Scripture – 1 Corinthians 3:1-5 Read by Sandra Rose

Prayer – Alison Anderson

Worship in Giving - Revd A Watson

Pastor’s Thought – Revd Janet Corlis, Castle Vale

Handsworth District Choir

Speaker – Revd David Shosanya



proGramme schedulesunday 24th oct

m o v i n g f o r W a r D9.00am Prayer

10.00am Praise & Worship

Scripture – Hebrews 12:1-7Read by Samantha Hall

Prayer – Revd Ruben King

Worship in Giving - Revd Hermilyn James

Pastor’s Thought - Revd Albert Watson, Kingshurst

Handsworth District Choir, supported by Inspired to Dance

Speaker - Revd David Shosanya


5.00pm Youth Ministry - The Future

6.00pm Praise & Worship

Scripture – Philippians 3:1-16Read by Sophie White

Prayer – Revd Janet Corlis

Worship in Giving - Bishop Dr Derek Webley

Pastor’s Thought - Revd Jacqui Newsome, Erdington

Handsworth District Choir, The Majestic Singers, supported by Inspired to Dance

Speaker - Dr Eric Brown, Administrative Bishop, England & Wales



handsWorthntcG

h i s t o r y o f

The birth, growth and continued development of the New Testament Church of God in Handsworth, Birmingham represents a triumph of conviction and

determination over the obstacles of adversity, hostility, outright oppression and discrimination, all characteristics which the pioneers and founders of the church contended with.

It was that climate into which our parents, grandparents and great grandparents would arrive during the late 1940s and years afterwards, in response to the direct appeal for manpower from the British Government to help rebuild this country after World War II.

Amongst those to emerge from the “Windrush Generation” was one Oliver Augustus Lyseight, who possessed both the fervour and foresight to seek Christian fellowship and moral support from his fellow countrymen.

During the early to mid 1950s, Lyseight and others would meet in a variety of venues, ranging from everyday houses to the vast expanse of the Birmingham Methodist Central Hall. The remainder of that decade would be characterised by the gradual evolution of the church in Handsworth as it sought to establish a base for itself, whilst at the same time making room for the continuous arrival of others from the Caribbean during that period.

The end of this first period and the beginning of the second would come with the purchase of the former building, on the corner of Lozells Road and George Street, formerly home to the Aston Villa Methodist Church. This second period was characterised by dedicated evangelism and hard work. The church experienced its first change of pastor from the popular G A Johnson to the more austere figure of Dr G F Barnes.


There was a second change of pastor in 1967 as the year brought with it the arrival of Sidney Uriah Thompson who continued to build upon the foundations from which we are beneficiaries today.

The late 1960s and 1970s welcomed the rapid growth of youth ministries as well as a more outward facing church, with the community being impacted by the congregations’ endeavours.

The 1980s presented a time of significant upheaval and external factors within the community of Handsworth and the country at large contributed to inner-city areas of Britain exploding in a violent uprising against the Government of the day.

The church continued to grow during the 1980s and 1990s and was increasingly establishing itself as a lighthouse in the local communities of Lozells and Handsworth. In 1996 there was to be another change of pastor; only the third change in 43 years.

Derek Anthony Webley, fresh-faced, familiar and popular to Handsworth members, ushered in a more direct, if not confrontational approach to the issues and affairs of the surrounding community. Engagement with the community continues to be a central plank of the church’s ambitions.

September 2007 we held our last service in the former church building more than 150 years after the first stones were laid.

handsWorth ntcG (continued)h i s t o r y o f


Upon leaving the former building in readiness for its demolition and a new build we returned, by choice, back into a school hall just as in those early days at Boulton Road School, in order that we could maintain our presence in the Lozells/Handsworth community

The Great Hall of King Edward VI Grammar School for Girls in Handsworth became our place of worship. God blessed us with a most beautiful hall. The hall had just been completely refurbished to mark its 100th Anniversary. We occupied that space a few days after its completion and the classrooms gave us the opportunity to maintain and develop our ministry to the children and young people.

Having held our last service on 6th December 2009 in the Great Hall, a place which we will always hold in great affection as a significant part of our journey to where we are today.

On Saturday 12th December 2009 at approximately 2pm the ribbons were cut, the doors were officially opened and we finally returned home. We rebuilt, on the footprints of the former church, a beautiful edifice built for the glory of God. We built a place we believe will provide the congregation and community with the facilities and conveniences necessary for the Ministry of the Holy Scriptures and the many other activities that will take place here. This building stands as a lighthouse, a beacon of hope and a legacy for generations to come.

handsWorth ntcG (continued)h i s t o r y o f


kinGshurstntcG

h i s t o r y o f

In January 1969 Revd L.L. Thomas and Revd P.L. Thomas responded to the call of God and went to Chelmsley Wood which was a multiracial estate with a population

of approx 60,000. They went back to the District Overseer Bishop Dr S.U. Thompson with a good report having the spirit of “Caleb and Joshua”. A school hall was rented and Sunday school was started which progressed to 200 extending to a Youth Club.

In 1971 the church was organized with 4 members (one of the original members Sister Gwendolyn Lewis is currently still with the church). The church moved around to different places for services and different activities. 1981 the church sponsored an extension Sunday school in the Kingshurst Youth & Community Centre. At that time we were privileged to share the St Andrews church for Sunday Worship and this gave us some stability. During this time the late Deacon Barrett heard that the Methodist would be selling the church building on Gilson Way, which had been closed for some time. The church was able to purchase this building even though the congregation was mainly youths and juniors.

On Saturday May 21st 1983 the building was rededicated as The New Testament Church of God – to the Glory of God. The dedication was officiated by Revd J McIntyre National Overseer. With God’s help the building was paid off before the time expected. Phase 1 extension was done to the building in terms of Baptismal Pool, Pastors office and other renovations.

In May 1994 for the first time on the District, the District Y&CE Director was appointed from Kingshurst church. This was welcoming for the church as previously all Directors came from the Handsworth church. Phase 11 extension was carried out – Community centre. This was dedicated on Saturday 15th October 1994. The dedication was officiated by Bishop R.O. Brown - National Overseer.


In March 1995 the late Rev. L.L. Thomas retired from the Pastorate and returned to Jamaica with her husband, Revd P. Thomas. At the Bema they will be greatly rewarded for their faithfulness and the many lives they have touched for the sake of Christ in order to build the Kingdom. Bishop Dr L Hayles succeeded the Pastorate bringing with him his family and boosted the local church membership.

In May 2002 under the Leadership of Bishop R. O. Brown & District Overseer Bishop Dr D. Webley, Revd Dr V. Trought was appointed as Assistant Pastor of the church (recommended by Bishop L Hayles). Revd Stephen Barr also played a key role in the senior leadership of the church and Men’s Ministry.

In 2005 Bishop Dr L Hayles with his assistant, Church & Pastors’ Council and members agreed for Phase 111. This was affirmed by the Administrative Bishop, National Secretary Treasurer and District Overseer. In September 2007 with this Phase 111 Building Project, the church has completely turned around “having a different view”. Yet again we shared the St Andrews Church. On August 17th 2008 with God’s help we moved back to our new church.

Over the years the members have worked hard in the various external activities, Summer Play Scheme, Under 5’ Nursery, Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade and can now see some of those children as prominent members of the churches also responsible contributors to society. Internally church activities continue with revolving offices allowing members to be experienced in leadership. Sister Velma Dore and Sister Geraldine Cohen have been in the church from its infancy and they are still around playing their role as best as they can

In December 2009 Bishop L. Hayles took time out from ministry therefore was given an Appreciation Service and send off. The interim Pastor for 6 months was Revd Michael Stephenson. July 4th 2010 was the Induction Service for the new Pastor of Kingshurst church, Bishop Albert Watson who will take the church to the next level under God’s leading. On the 1st of October 2010 the Kingshurst Development Trust was launched, this is for the community activities and will give rise to job opportunities.

kinGshurst ntcG (continued)h i s t o r y o f


castle ValentcG

h i s t o r y o f

The Castle Vale Church came into existence about 1972 when faithful members from the Handsworth Church began evangelistic work in the area. The

Handsworth Church was then under the leadership of Revd S.U. Thompson who sent an evangelistic team into the area. This dedicated group attended Handsworth for morning service and then witnessed to the residents of the Vale on the Sunday evenings and later also on weekdays. Their persistence and fervour bore fruit when they started a Sunday school with 60 children in attendance. Monica Douglas fondly known as “Mother Douglas” was part of the original group. Still a member of Castle Vale she recalls that during that time the church was established with 8 members.

The Pastor at that time was Revd Gilbert Beason who nominated Sis Valda Robinson as the first Church secretary. The fledgling church having no place of worship began holding its meetings at the home of Sis Robinson. As membership increased the church moved to the Pegasus School Hall and then to St. Cuthbert’s Church on Castle Vale. This time marked a period of great revival for the church.

The Mission focus of the Church has seen the church reach out to the community witnessing at the annual Castle Vale Carnival, Bibles have been purchased for Churches in the Cameroon and support given for building schools in Africa. The church also supports an outreach mission in Edinburgh under the leadership of Rev. John Grey.


37 years have passed and the church has had several pastors: Revd Leon Hayles, Revd Carver Anderson, Revd Lincoln Davies, Revd Michael Stephenson and the current Pastor, Revd Janet Corlis since January 2010. In common with any thriving fellowship, Castle Vale has faced many challenges but God has been faithful and we believe that there is still much evangelistic work to be done to reap the harvest in Castle Vale and to continue to be a beacon of hope for the community.

We thank God for what he has already done in Castle Vale and look forward to greater works in the future, continue to pray for us.

castle Vale ntcG (continued)h i s t o r y o f


In 1962, Erdington New Testament Church of God started as a home fellowship with just three members but quickly grew after three months which necessitated a

move to Slade Road school hall. Reverend Morris was the Pastor at that time but at points was assisted by Reverend Joseph and Reverend Morgan.

For many years without a permanent home, the fellowship moved between school halls and other Christian churches in the Erdington area and despite the inconvenience and difficult situations that went with this nomadic existence, God is to be praised for the favour and provision He made for Erdington NTCG in those challenging years. Then finally under the leadership of Pastor Winston Bucknor, Deacon Cyrene Bent and the officers at the time, in 2002 the Lord blessed Erdington NTCG with its own sanctuary at 10 Goosemoor Lane, Erdington.

Many have served the body of Christ faithfully for years and continue to do so to this very day. Some have moved to other pastures, new gifted individuals have come and sadly some founding members have gone on to be with the Lord. I give honour to God for their lives and commitment to furthering the work of the Kingdom. Special recognition is due to God’s servants who chose to give pastoral oversight to the beloved brethren at Erdington: Reverend Morris; Reverend J Beckford; Reverend K Clarke; Reverend W Bucknor; Reverend S Anderson (temporary) and Reverend Mullings.

Today I have the privilege of serving the present fellowship as Pastor as we move from strength to strength.

Compiled by Reverend Jacqui Newsome and Sister Melvy Anderson

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h i s t o r y o f

Dr E A Brown

Bishop D Bolt

Revd P Thompson

Revd R King

Revd M Brown

Revd A Gordon

Administrative Bishop

National Secretary/Treasurer

Director of Education

National Director of Youth

& Christian Education

National Women’s Director

National Men’s Director

Bishop Dr D Webley

Revd H James

Revd J Newsome

Revd A Watson

Revd J Corlis

Revd D Brown

Revd G Hayles

Mr D King

Mrs C Spence

Miss E Irving

Chair - Handsworth

Handsworth

Erdington

Kingshurst

Castle Vale

District Youth Director

Minister of Music Ministries

District Men’s Director

District Women’s Director

District Secretary/Treasurer

acknoWledGementsn a t i o n a l o f f i c i a l s

D i s t r i c t c o n v e n t i o n e x e c u t i v e c o m m i t t e e

ntcg handsworth 50th district convention

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