ABOUT US

                                               Our Church History

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Late in the fall of 1972, Elder George A. Hagler heard the voice of the Lord speaking, saying, and “Establish a place of worship in my name. Name the church, True Vine Church of God in Christ.” He sought the Lord again and again concerning this matter, but the hand of God was upon him and the voice kept saying. “Open a place of worship and I will be with you.”

 

He told his pastor, Superintendent William Campbell, about the leading of the Lord. His words of encouragement were: “Go ahead, may God bless you. I’ll help you in any way I can. It’s winter now, my son; you may use our church for your services.”

 

In January 1973, the True Vine Church of God in Christ was established in the home of Sister Brenda Thomas. After a few services there, it was moved to the home of Brother and Sister Willie Lymon. The Lord continued to bless True Vine and the church moved to the home of Elder George and Missionary Florence Hagler.

 

Our Deacons were: Brothers Eddie Clincy, Willie Lymon and Harley Hagler. The Trustee Board consisted of Brother Harley Hagler, Vice President; Brother Willie Lymon, Treasurer: Brother Eddie Clincy, Ways and Means Chairman; and Elder Willie Riddly. Secretaries were: Sis. Clotee Faulkner, Executive Secretary; Sis. Emma Hagler, Recording Secretary; Sis. Gwendolyn Clincy, Financial Secretary.
 

The church grew rapidly and we sought a larger edifice. In 1974, the True Vine Church moved to the property at 3911 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois. In June 1975 we purchased and remodeled property at 3915 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago, for the upbuilding of God’s Kingdom, where the Spirit of the Lord was greatly demonstrated.

 

Missionary Gloria Lymon organized True Vine Christian Academy. She became the principal and Missionary Mary Riddly the Director of Preschool and Head Start. It was a fully accredited institution with grades preschool through twelfth.

 

On January 10, 1988, our church on Roosevelt was gutted by fire. For the next several months we worshiped on the second floor at the House of Prayer C.O.G.I.C. at 3535 W. Roosevelt where Elder Lincoln Scott was the pastor. On September 4, 1988 the Lord blessed the True Vine Church to move into a newly purchased church at 23rd Avenue and Oak Street, Bellwood. As an honor to Pastor George Hagler, the Administrators of the Village of Bellwood renamed Oak St. (between 23rd and 25th Avenues) Rev. George A. Hagler Drive.

 

On November 27, 1988, we dedicated our beautiful edifice. The adjacent property was purchased for a parking lot that was orchestrated by Pastor George Hagler. Our borders then extended from 23rd to 24th Avenue Oak Street. In March 1993, True Vine Church, being greatly blessed, held a mortgage burning ceremony.

 

Under the leadership of Pastor George Hagler, this vibrant ministry has expanded into a host of departments and auxiliaries. These active and fully functioning ministries include the Sunday School, Evangelist, YPWW, Music and Missions Departments. Also, the Prayer and Bible Band, the Sunshine Band and Purity, Mother’s Board, Pastor’s Aide, Artistic Fingers and the Nurses and Usher auxiliaries have been very instrumental in making this God blessed successful ministry what it is today. To God be the Glory for the things he has done!!

 

In January 2008, Administrative Assistant George A. Hagler honored his son, Elder Harley E. Hagler by appointing him Pastor of True Vine Church.  Under the leadership of Elder Harley Hagler several improvements have been made as well.  We added a new roof, installed hardwood floors and made improvements to the plumbing system. Pastor Hagler has been working without tiring to win souls and continue the legacy of his father.

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”