| Ecclesia Church of God In Christ 1989 – 2005 |
another Church of God In Christ ministry. Elder Ernest Smith was appointed by Bishop Johnie James Johnson to oversee the people until a formal appointment was made during the Workers Conference Meeting. The church was named Ecclesia Church of God In Christ, “The Called Out Ones.” The second worship service was held at the Comfort Inn on Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina. Additional members were added to the flock and by the third worship service, God blessed the congregation to locate a Church building on 7532 Fairfield Road. I n the inception stage, Ecclesia only had one elder, Pastor Ernest Smith. Pastor Smith worked untiring in the Ministry, teaching, preaching and praying. All of the departments were functioning from the start of the church. Leaders were assigned for each department and board. The year of 1990 was a special year for the Ecclesia family; the Church purchased 7.3 acres of land on 533 Sharpe Road. Within four years the land was paid off. Pastor Smith preached “Unification” consistently. During his awesome years, God allowed many miracles to be performed. Pastor Smith taught and fed his flock on during Wednesday Evening Bible Study, Friday Evening Pastoral Services, Sunday Morning and evening YPWW services. Souls were saved and people were blessed by his wisdom and anointing. On December 23, 2004, Pastor Ernest Smith went home to "Glory"; to be with the Lord and the torch was passed to his spiritual son, Elder Luther Holmes, Jr. |
In Honor of our Founder
mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 |
