By Chanel Bingham | Special to the Advertiser

During the 1950s, Leora McCoy and her siblings would walk together with their mother down a long, dirt road to attend church services at the Kincheon Road Church of God. At the time, the church was just a small building with no air conditioning, but McCoy recalls this time in her life with great fondness.

“I remember the choir singing so loudly that you could hear them way down the road,” McCoy said. “They sounded so happy, and it made me happy.”

And it is that joy, along with a rich history of prayer, which has led to this Sunday’s celebration of the 124th anniversary of the Kincheon Road Church of God.

Kincheon Road Church of God was founded by the Rev. Sister Tucker in 1891, when a small congregation would gather in her home to worship. From its humble beginnings in Sister Tucker’s home, the church now has its own building and a long line of faithful pastors who have shepherded the congregation throughout the years.

Kincheon Road’s current pastor, Otis Williams Jr., said prayer has brought the church this far.

“Prayer is the access that we have to unlimited power and resources,” Williams said. “It is the oil that keeps the motor running in our lives today. We have breakdowns on the road of life because we don’t have that oil. Prayer is essential.”

In celebrating the 124th anniversary of Kincheon Road Church of God, it is only fitting that the theme revolve around prayer.

Pastor Carl L. Johnson of Greater Evangel Ministries International will share from a passage that reminds the congregation of the great importance and power of prayer: “For mine house shall be called a house of prayer…” (Isaiah 56:7 King James Version).

As church members reflect on their heritage of prayer this Sunday, Pastor Otis said he hopes they will remember their history and celebrate the many people who have been saved, blessed and filled with the Holy Spirit. He also hopes the congregation will look to the future.

“Our church is on the outskirts of town,” Williams said. “We would like to create programs that would address the needs of the elderly citizens in this area. We hope to start a computer class and sewing class for the seniors.”

Reflecting on God’s faithfulness and his great works of the past is what provides Kincheon Road Church of God with the stepping stones that will lead to a fruitful future.

As members gather this Sunday, they will not merely celebrate another anniversary; rather, this community of believers will celebrate the amazing works of God that have become the foundation of their church history, the wonderful relationships formed with one another and a future that is built upon a heritage of prayer.

Kincheon Road Church of God will celebrate its 124th anniversary with a special service on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. The church is located at 4129 County Road 9 in Clanton.

Pastoral lineage

1891: Founded by the Rev. Sister Tucker

1901-1949: The Rev. A.B. Craig

1949: The Rev. Sister Mattie Rhodes Brown

(Date not available) The Rev. William E. Ruthledge

(Date not available) The Rev. Sister Algene Ruthledge

(Date not available) The Rev. Charles Thompson

(Date not available) The Rev. Elmore Bolling

1998-2000: The Rev. Doctor Samuel Bryant, Jr.

2000-2002: Sister Emily Johnson (Interim pastor)

2003-present: Pastor Otis Williams Jr.