The History of Haughton Church of God in Christ Miracle Center

The recorded history of Haughton Church of God in Christ Miracle Center began in 1929 with two faithful women, Sister Melinda Simpkins and Sister Stella Wright. These two sisters brought the Church of God in Christ ministry from the Barksdale Field area into the Haughton community.

Establishing a sanctified church in the community was no easy task, especially for two women during that time. Yet they remained determined and faithful. Knowing they needed help, they prayed and asked God to send someone who could assist them in establishing and strengthening the work.

In 1936, God answered their prayers by leading Elder Kidd to the Haughton community.

As the ministry began to grow, the saints were permitted to use a section of a hay storehouse at the Wilson Place to hold revival meetings. During those meetings, many souls were saved and lives were changed.

However, opposition soon arose. Some people did not want a sanctified church meeting on their property. Yet the determination and faith of the saints would not allow the work to stop. They continued to trust God and pressed forward despite the challenges before them.

The congregation eventually moved its meetings to the home of Mr. Jeff Jefferson and later to the home of Brother Frank Hines.

In the spring of 1937, the saints built a Brush Arbor, which served as their sanctuary and place of worship until 1940.

In 1940, God blessed the congregation to construct its first church building, which became known as the Mission Building.

In 1945, Elder Kidd resigned as pastor. Elder J. H. Woods Jr. was then sent by Superintendent Morris to pastor the church. Under Elder Woods’ leadership, the ministry continued to grow, and 61 souls were added to the church.

In 1959, a new church was built. The members continued faithfully in prayer and worship, believing God would continue to bless the ministry and add souls to the church.

Elder Woods faithfully led the congregation for many years until his health began to fail. Under his leadership, Haughton Church of God in Christ became affectionately known as “The Miracle Center.”

In 1981, Elder Lytton Cleveland Jr. was appointed pastor. Under his leadership, the church experienced both spiritual and natural growth.

In November 1991, Elder J. H. Woods Jr. transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home, leaving behind a tremendous legacy of faithfulness and service.

A Vision for a New Sanctuary

In 2000, God gave Pastor Lytton Cleveland Jr. a vision for a new sanctuary. During that same year, 25 members were added to the church.

Also in 2000, the First Jurisdiction of Louisiana established a scholarship fund in memory of Sister Kameica Agee.

In 2001, following a successful building fund drive, the search began for property on which a new sanctuary could be constructed. Pastor Cleveland, being led by God, moved forward with the vision. During that year, 37 souls were added to the church.

In 2002, the ministry purchased nine acres of land, and the membership reached an all time high of approximately 230 members on the church roll.

In 2003, the land was cleared and architectural plans were drawn for the new sanctuary.

During this season, Elder Gerald Douglas, Elder Jeffrey Williams, and Elder John Johnson III undergirded Pastor Cleveland as he carried the responsibilities, challenges, and vision of the new building project.

In 2004, Missionary Josephine Agee was appointed District Missionary of the Trinity District.

Groundbreaking and Building the Vision

On April 4, 2006, the official groundbreaking service was held for the new sanctuary.

Among the longtime members and pioneers present were Deacon Lytton Cleveland, Brother E. J. Mims, Mother Pearline Cleveland, Mother Elenzia Mims, Mother Mary Taylor, Sister Sandra Minniefield Williams, and Sister Frances Lane.

Mother Addie Fizer and Mother Bertha Watson were unable to attend because of health concerns, but many of the saints gathered together to celebrate what God was doing.

Although Brother E. J. Mims was unable to stand alongside the others during the groundbreaking ceremony, he refused to allow his physical condition to keep him from witnessing the historic moment. He remained in his car, giving God glory and praising Him for what was taking place.

In July 2006, the foundation pad was laid. The members gathered and marched around the pad in faith.

This was more than a ceremonial march. It represented years of prayer, sacrifice, opposition, perseverance, and unwavering faith. The saints believed that no Sanballat or Tobiah, no spiritual opposition, and no obstacle working against the vision could stop what God had ordained.

God, in His infinite wisdom, had established the foundation, and because He had established it, the work could not be moved.

The prayers prayed in the Barksdale Field were not in vain.

The prayers prayed at the Wilson Place were not in vain.

The prayers prayed in Brother Frank Hines’ home were not in vain.

The prayers prayed in Mr. Jeff Jefferson’s home were not in vain.

The prayers prayed beneath the Brush Arbor were not in vain.

The prayers prayed in the Mission Building were not in vain.

The prayers prayed in the old sanctuary were not in vain.

And the prayers prayed in this present house are still not in vain.

Through every trial, every storm, and every challenge, Haughton Church of God in Christ Miracle Center survived. Not only did the church survive, but through the grace of God, it continued to flourish and blossom.

On July 8, 2007, the saints proudly marched into the newly completed sanctuary under the leadership of Pastor Lytton Cleveland Jr.

It was the fulfillment of years of prayer, sacrifice, vision, and faith.

Continuing to Make History

In May 2011, the youth of Haughton Church of God in Christ, including members of the Sunshine Band and Purity Class, joined with the First Jurisdiction of Louisiana and gave an outstanding performance during the International Women’s Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Under the leadership of Elder John Johnson III and Sister Rosalind Taylor, the young people presented a puppet ministry performance that received a tremendous standing ovation. Their performance became another memorable chapter in the history of Haughton COGIC and was shared online for others to witness.

On January 22, 2012, Mother Pam Barnes was appointed Church Mother.

Throughout the leadership of the late Elder J. H. Woods Jr. and Superintendent Elder Lytton Cleveland Jr., numerous elders, pastors, ministers, missionaries, prayer warriors, singers, youth leaders, praise dancers, and other workers were developed and prepared for ministry.

Among those connected to the ministry were:

Elder Alfred Ladell, Pastor of Hollywood COGIC; Elder Jeffrey Williams, Pastor of Tillman COGIC; Elder Gerald Douglas; Elder John Johnson III; Elder Harold Vanarsdale; Elder Clinton Agee Jr.; Elder Andre Harrison; Elder Scottie Fizer; Elder “Bud” Roger Fizer; Elder Fredrick Lawrence; Elder Roger Cox; Elder Oliver Lane; Minister Doug Summage; and Minister Clinton Agee Sr.

The ministry also included faithful women such as Missionary Evangelist Josephine Agee and Missionary Evangelist Essie Fizer Rye, along with many other missionaries, ministers, preachers, prayer warriors, and laborers in the Gospel.

The church was blessed with gifted songsters, including Sister Vera Green, as well as youth leaders, praise dancers, teachers, and many others who faithfully contributed to the ministry.

There were also individuals who were not members of Haughton COGIC but remained connected to its ministry and legacy, including Elder Maurice Rogers, Pastor of Red River COGIC, and Elder Frank Million Jr., Pastor of St. Luke COGIC.

The Legacy of Superintendent Lytton Cleveland Jr.

The accomplishments achieved during the leadership of Superintendent Elder Lytton Cleveland Jr. are numerous.

Pastor Cleveland gave himself faithfully to the church through prayer, supplication, teaching, wisdom, sacrifice, and leadership.

Because of his vision and dedication, the congregation was blessed with a beautiful and spacious sanctuary, a fellowship hall named in honor of Elder J. H. Woods Jr., a fully equipped kitchen, dining and lounging areas, spacious restrooms, classrooms, a conference room, business offices, adequate parking, and facilities designed to support the mission and ministry of the church.

Pastor Cleveland also instituted a seven day Shut In twice each year, during which the saints devoted themselves to prayer, fasting, teaching, and seeking God.

These seasons of consecration became a significant part of the spiritual foundation of the Haughton Church of God in Christ Miracle Center.

On December 23, 2014, God called Superintendent Elder Lytton Cleveland Jr. from labor to reward, from the land of the dying to the land of the living.

Following his passing, Prelate Bishop Roy H. Winbush appointed Bishop Alton E. Gatlin to oversee the ministry.

During this transitional period, Elder Gerald Douglas and Elder John Johnson III worked side by side in assisting Bishop Gatlin and helping maintain the strength and stability of the congregation.

Bishop Gatlin faithfully served the Haughton Church of God in Christ Miracle Center until October 23, 2016.

A New Chapter of Leadership

On October 23, 2016, Elder John R. Johnson III was installed as Pastor of the Haughton Church of God in Christ Miracle Center.

His appointment marked the beginning of another chapter in a legacy that began with two praying women in 1929.

From the Barksdale Field to houses, from the Brush Arbor to the Mission Building, from the old sanctuary to the Miracle Center of today, God has remained faithful.

What began through the prayers of Sister Melinda Simpkins and Sister Stella Wright continues generations later.

The buildings have changed. The leaders have changed. Generations have come and gone. But the mission remains the same: to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, win souls, develop disciples, serve the community, and continue building upon the foundation established by those who came before us.

Haughton Church of God in Christ Miracle Center is a living testimony that prayer works, faith endures, and when God gives the vision, no opposition can stop what He has ordained.

Today, we continue carrying the legacy forward as “A Church Where Everybody Is Somebody and Jesus Is Lord.”