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Mission
Statement
"Our objective at Higher Ground is to take ordinary people, with ordinary backgrounds and introduce them to an extraordinary saviour. Who will forever change their lives for the better." Church History
The Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, Inc., 870 St. Clair Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, was founded and organized by its present pastor Dr. Sherman S. Watkins in March, 1970. It started as a little store front at 517 St. Clair Avenue with only eleven (11) members and a seating capacity of approximately 60 - 70 people.
Due to the rapid growth of this Assembly, we were forced to move to larger quarters (500 St. Clair Avenue) in June 1972; with seating for approximately 150 - 200 people. The men of the church met the challenge of completely renovating this double house into a beautiful sanctuary with God as the architect. The tabernacle was built for His edification! However, the church continued to grow rapidly and once again, we found ourselves without enough room to accommodate the area residents. The only solution was to expand toward the street. We did this by adding, as many feet of as the City of Columbus would allow us to without violating any codes or regulations.
People were continually being added and this building appeared to keep getting smaller and smaller. The Pastor began to seek another building for God's people. He was led to an old building located just over the bridge at 870 St. Clair Avenue. God had to open many doors and blocked out many obstacles. Through much opposition, we managed to purchase the land and renovate the building into a nice place of worship. Everything (plumbing, electric, heating etc.) had to be installed. Again, our willing congregation pioneered the way for a nice sanctuary, which contained seating facilities for 376 people upstairs; a Junior Church downstairs, which seats 80 adults or 100 children; a library; 6 classrooms; a beautiful fellowship hall; offices, nurses quarters and a commercial kitchen. We also had off street parking; something we never had before.
At this point, we really felt that we had reached our peak in the promises from God. However, the church would often be so crowded that some people had to be turned away on occasion. This grieved our hearts. Therefore, once again, our gracious Father opened the vision and sent the orders that we needed. Instead of looking for a new building, we were instructed to blossom where we were planted.
One of the personal desires of the Pastor was to have a cathedral ceiling, God answered the desire with the renovation of a portion of the upstairs sanctuary and the elimination of classroom. Now we had an additional 54'x 70'sanctuary with a total of 70'x 74'downstairs and a 20'x 70'balcony for a total seating capacity of 712 people. This also allowed a 200 seat overflow upstairs, which we used for classes and small gatherings. The nursery was enlarged and new restrooms installed.
The Lord continued to bless and add souls to the congregation. Yet, in l985, we again found ourselves in a difficult position. We could no longer accommodate all the people hungry for the divine word on a continuous basis. There was no other alternative but to increase the seating capacity of the main sanctuary. This was a challenge which was graciously accepted by the general assembly. This project was a combined effort, which consisted of contributions for the entire amount to construct the new phase.
Then in 1987, there were further accomplishments. The junior church and kitchen were completely refurbished. Also the parking area directly across the street from the church was paved and a new sidewalk installed.
The Lord also blessed us to purchase the entire block located on St. Clair Avenue between Starr and Third Streets. This also included our rental property, 865 - 865 1/2 St. Clair.
Now our church membership exceeds 3,000 people, and they are still coming as the Lord leads, Future additions are being planned as the Lord directs and opens doors for renovation.
On May 18, 1988, with instructions from the Lord to enlarge His dwelling, lengthen the cord and strengthen the stakes, Dr. Watkins took the necessary steps to launch out into the deep by organizing an independent organization under the charter of the Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, Inc.
These tough instructions were a challenge and they also placed full responsibility of establishing and overseeing satellite churches in various areas on Dr. Watkins. This Assembly had now become the Head Church (Central Business Office) with strict directions from the Lord to blossom wherever there was a need by expanding the Word of God throughout the nation.
Although this is a young organization still in it's infancy stage, the Lord has already shown His mighty works through spiritual growth and financial prosperity.
Ground was broken in late August 1988, for additional renovation repairs for the edification of Jesus Christ.
As we endeavor to spread the Gospel throughout the world, we accept the challenge of God's calling with a proud, but humble spirit.
As we embark upon the new millennium once again we are blessed with growth and prosperity. We will soon be launching our new building program with plans to build a new family life center, with offices, classrooms, exercise rooms. |