Ajalon Missionary Baptist Church History

The first officers were Lola Bell Crawford, Mission President; L.D. Wash, Chairman of the deacons; Lorraine Rayson, Church Clerk; Arleen Brunagh, Financial Clerk; Alice Howard, Treasurer; Lurlean Autry, President of Baptist Training Union; Reverend A. Cribbs, Sunday School Superintendent. Seven deacons were ordained: L.D. Wash, Ivory Murrell, James Murrell, Willie Mays, Exo Chandler, Bro. Bums, and C. L. Wash. C. L. Wash were called into ministry.

Like Nehemiah Pastor Autry saw a need to build. During the period between 1959 and the 70's five lots and a parsonage were purchased. In the mid 60's the ground breaking ceremony was held. In the late 60's God allowed us to lay the foundation. The people of God had a mind to work. Through fasting, praying, and God's grace we were blessed beyond measure.

Bruce Crawford, a licensed carpenter from Desert Hot Springs was hired along with many volunteers to begin construction of the sanctuary. Many sacrifices were made to make it possible for the congregation to meet its obligations. The roof, furniture, fence and parking lot became a reality because of the generosity of members and non members. All things are possible if we only believe. With the building near completion in March 1972, we moved in to host the Little Book Singer*s annual Session.

In 1971 the process of purchasing a single family dwelling and a duplex began. Reverend Thaylord C. Wilder became pastor in June 1981 - July 1997. Our Mortgage Burning* service was held in November 20, 1983. It was during this period that one of the rentals became the fellowship hall and used for classrooms. During Reverend Wilders*s pastoral ship, God added to the church daily. Three deacons were ordained: James Cager, Charles Metcalf, and Moeses Moffett. Four members became sons in ministry: Roy Hall, Tim White, Robert Benn, and Rollie Calloway.

Reverend Clifford Harris was pastor from April 1998 - December 2001. During this period, April 21, 2002, the cornerstone was laid by the most worshipful Sons of Light Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M., Jurisdiction of California, Oregon, Inc.

On September 30, 2002, Ajalon received ONE of God*s greatest gifts,
Pastor C. W. Parker who has brought many innovative and visionary changes to the spiritual and physical life of this church.

Ministerial Accomplishments:
**From auxiliaries to ministries
**Leadership training classes
**Intense emphasis on Sunday School and bible Study attendance
**Family and Friend's Day
**Special summer activities for children and youth ministry
**Van Ministry
**Strategic Outreach Ministry
**Interior renovations

The church has grown qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The property purchased in 1997 was paid for in 2003.

The ordination of three deacons was held in 2008. They are: Ruben Harrell, Edward Madison, and Joe Gant. This year a new air conditions unit was purchased.

We are looking forward with great anticipation to the height God will take us. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit through Pastor Parker we are striving for Ajalon to continue to be a place of refuge to:

****Praise God in Devotion to His Person
****Pursue God in Discipline to His Precepts
****Proclaim God in Declaration to His Promise
****Promote God in Duty to His People
****Present God in Dedication to His Purpose

To God be the glory for the great things you have done. We trust, God will lead us, the Ajalonians, to greater work in the years to come.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid-----for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you He will never leave you nor forsake you
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Church is the term used in the New Testament most frequently to describe a group of persons professing trust in Jesus Christ meeting together to worship him and seeking to enlist others to become His followers. It is also seen as a body of Christ; God's new creation and a fellowship of faith with its members described as the saints.

In the summer of August 24, 1958, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit aroused the hearts of Reverend George Bell and Reverend Earl J. Autry and by divine Influence they traveled to this hot arid desert to ascertain information concerning the need for and interest of a Fellowship and those desiring to become a part of the body of Christ. The results were positive and thus, birth was given to the Ajalon (city of refuge) Missionary Baptist Church. It was the first church founded in the northern area of Palm Springs.

The pastoral ship of Reverend Autry began in August 1958 - January 1981. Ajalon held its services at the Carpenter*s Union Hall located at 399 Radio Road. It was rented for two days a week: Sunday and Wednesdays for prayer service.

In the summer of 1958 the Lord Jesus inspired the hearts of Reverend George W. Bell and Reverend Earl J. Autry to canvas the newly found community, known as the North-End section of Palm Springs, to ascertain the need for a church by obtaining a positive interest from the unchurched toward writing into a fellowship with the body of Christ. The polling of various residences In the area was very encouraging and the Ajalon Missionary Baptist Church was born. The Church was organized on August 24, 1958 with seven members; Lurlean Autry, Lorraine Rayson, Arleen Brenagh, Janice Watkins, O'livla Renee Watkins, Lena Watson and Alice Howard. Organizers were, Reverend Earl J. Autry co-worker of Reverend George W. Bell, Pastor of Ajalon Temple of Truth Church, In Los Angeles, California. The Ajalon Missionary Baptist Church was the first church established in the North-End section (now known as Desert Highland/Gateway Estates)of Palm Springs. The church offered much opportunity to preach, baptize and witness to many in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Carpenter's Union Hall located at 399 Radio Road, Palm Springs, was rented two days per week; Sundays for worship service and Wednesdays for prayer service. The first church officers were, Reverend Earl J. Autry, Pastor; Lola Bell Crawford, Mission President; LO. Wash, Chairman of Deacons; Lorraine Rayson, Church Clerk; Arleen Brenagh, Financial Clerk; Alice Howard, Treasurer, Lurlean Autry, President of Baptist Training Union; Reverend A. Cribbs, Sunday School Superintendent. The first member added to the church was Victoria Calloway. The first candidates for baptism were, Robert Murrell, Johnnie Rayson, Theopolis Reagins, and Carl Brenagh. The first church wedding was Mary Amos, uniting in holy wedlock to Benny Bolton. The first baby blessed was Arieen Brenagh's baby girl.

The Lord blessed us tremendously, the church membership flourished, many were children who were successful in winning their parents.

The work of building began. Efforts were great. Yes, problems arose, some met discouraging times, but people had a mind to work and it was by faith through God's wonderful grace, fasting, and much prayer that we were blessed beyond. measures.

Under the pastorate of Reverend Earl J. Autry, five lots were purchased, three in 1959 and two in the 70's. A parsonage was added in 1960 for our pastor and his wife. In the mid 60's ground-breaking services were held and by the late 60's we were blessed with laying the foundation by various members donating loads of cement.

Bruce Crawford a licensed carpenter from Desert Hot Springs was hired to work along with members donating their labor. David Howard, James Murrell and others spent countless hours assisting in the building. There were many donations made which assisted in the completion of our building. One lady donated the roof. Exhausting hours were spent preparing and selling barbecue dinners. After construction began, materials were ordered and delivered as needed.

We were facing some difficult times. Finances through pleas made to the congregation and public offering became Inadequate. Creditors were making demands for payments, not only then, but on many occasions. Pastor Autry, Deacon Ivory Murrell, Deacon C.L Wash (now Reverend), Sister Teretha Davis and Sister Victoria Calloway in secret, went into their pockets and made it possible for the church to meet their obligations.

Two apartments were acquired in 1972. At first, both were rented. Later, one was set aside and became known as the Fellowship Hall which is also used for classrooms. More donations from members and non-members made our fence and parking lot possible.
The building was near completion in March of 1972 when we moved in to host the "Little Book Singers Annual Session". The church furniture was donated by both members and non-members who had thru-out the building process taken an active part.

Although, Reverend Autry's tenure ended on January 23, 1981, prior to our "Mortgage Burning services", provisions to pay-off the balance owed on the church loan had already been provided. During Reverend Autry's twenty-three years as pastor of Ajalon, seven deacons were ordained; LO. Wash, Ivory Murrell, James Murrell, Willie Mays, Exo Chandler, Bro. Bums and C.L Wash. One member, C.L Wash a11nounced his calling to the ministry.

During the several months we were without a pastor, the Lord used Deacon Ivory Murrell in a magnificent way to lead his people. It was through much prayer that we became more cohesive. Prayer meetings were not always once a week, but often all week.

In June 1981, the Ajalon Church congregation, being led by the Holy Spirit, voted to accept Reverend T.C. Wilder as pastor. Installation services were held August 9, 1981. Under the pastoral-ship of Reverend T.C. Wilder, the church membership continued to flourish.

In October 1981, the church's first copy machine was donated by Carlton Aaron Jr. and several years later our first computer was donated by Henry Pollard.

Our "Mortgage Burning" services were held on November 20, 1983. Pastor Wilder ordained three Deacons; James Cager, Charles Metcalf and Moese Moffett Four members became son's in the ministry; Roy Hall, Tim White, Robert Bean, and Rollie Calloway.

Pastor Wilder and the congregation launched a drive to build a multi-purpose educational building. Plans were approved by the city council on July 17, 1996.

In April, 1997, God blessed Ajalon to purchase debt free the vacant lot on the comer of Granada and Sunview Avenue. The lot will be used for parking. Reverend T.C. Wilder, pastor for sixteen years resigned on July 12, 1997. His resignation was effective July 27, 1997.  

During the short time we were without a pastor, history repeated itself at Ajalon. Fifteen!  families: Deacon   Sister James Cager, Brother James Murrell, Sister Evelyn Roberts, Brother &
Sister Robert Carraway, Mother Teretha Davis, Deacon & Mother Ivory Murrell, Deacon & Sister Charles Metcalf, ·Deacon & Sister Connie Greer, Reverend & Sister C.L Wash, Brother & Sister Alvis Hatley, Reverend & Sister Roy Hall, Brother & Sister Bill Young, Sister Ceatrice Murrell, Sister Victoria Calloway, and Sister LaVerne Wash, made the purchase of 420 W. Sunview Avenue. Escrow closed on September 25, 1997.

On April 19, 1998 Reverend Clifford Harris accepted the position as pastor of Ajalon. Installation services were held on May 31, 1998, Reverend Clifford Harris began his teachings in the book of Nehemiah and the church was inspired. Our membership continues to grow as we look forward to many great things.

With God's help, we're optimistic that the educational building will be completed, debt free, by the end of the century.

Yes, we have come this far by faith. We now join in the psalmist in saying "The lord has done Great Things" whereof we are glad. To God alone be the glory.