We come from a legacy of people who, when they were told they were nothing and everything around them, every single experience in their life, said, "You are nobody. You are nothing" ….somewhere inside themselves, said, "I believe I’m better."
In 1935, just prior to leaving Charlottesville returning to Lexington, the Lord commissioned Minister Rawlings in a dream, …giving him the Vision to build a church in the city where he had received the Holy Ghost. The church in Lexington was pastored by Elder S.L., who was one of the best preachers and money raisers in the brotherhood. To the best of Minister Rawlings’ knowledge Elder Henry had no intentions of resigning. And if the popular pastor did give up the church, logic implied that senior ministers from around the country would be given top consideration as Elder Henry’s replacement. The dream baffled the young preacher, thus he consulted his spiritual advisor, Mother Fain. Her response was, "but if God said it; then it will come to past."
The General Convocation, which convene in Cincinnati Ohio, came a few weeks, after the newly weds moved to Lexington. Still without jobs, they move in with Carrie Sterling(?), Mother M.M. Fain’s sister, who lived on Charles Avenue. Their stay with her would be a brief one.
Elder Henry owned a truck. If you were willing to ride in the cab, the trip to the convention in Cincinnati cost twenty-five cent per person. Fortunately, Mother Fain was able to pay the transportation fee, and the $1 (.25 cent each) table fee for four of them to attend the 14 day convention. Bishop R.A.R. Johnson preached every night of the convention. On the last day of the meeting, it was his custom to asked for committee reports and make appointments.
Pastoral appointments were made on an annual basis. Following national auxiliary and committee reports, Bishop Johnson named the pastors. When he came to Lexington, he again appointed Elder Henry. Immediately Elder Henry jumped to his feet. "I wouldn't go back to Lexington, if it was the last church on earth. I wouldn't go back there if they gave me a $100 a week."
Members throughout the organization were without jobs due to the world-wide economic depression, and churches collected little tithing. Top pay for pastors was probably around $1 to $2. Taking this into consideration, one realizes that his statement express a profound reject to his reappointment.
Despite the depression the church at 429 Newtown Pike in Lexington was considered a prize congregation to pastor because its membership included persistent fund raiser like Mattie, Nannie, and Anna Mason. The church on the west side of Lexington made the largest financial report to all National General Convocations. Still Elder Henry's statement scared the potential list of ministers:
Elder Marvin Gay was the first minister offered the opportunity to replace Elder Henry. He refused, stating that he was going back to Washington, D.C. to live with his new wife. Elder L. Ball of Cincinnati Ohio was asked, but she refused, saying; "if they do Henry like that, and he's one of the best preachers we have, I’d hate to think what they'll do to me." Elder L. Campbell of St. Louis Missouri volunteered. Instantly Sis. Sophie Hill, who acted as spokesperson and ring-leader for the opposition to Elder Henry's return, stated an objection. Elder Campbell danced like an indian. "Bishop Johnson, if you send that man to Lexington, the people they will laugh us out of town."
Frustrated having gone through the list of available ordained ministers, pointing to Min. Rawlings, Bishop Johnson replied; "well all I have left is this boy." The people quickly gave their approval, and Elder Henry yelled; "send him. Let him go." Families in the church, when Minister S.P. Rawlings accepted the appointment included the DeWitts, Embry, Rowls, Jackson, Mormon, Robinson, Suber, Mason, Taylor, Let, and Kimberly families.
Mother Addie Brown recalled; "Bishop [Rawlings] was a lot like Bishop Henry. He was modern, and the young people liked him. I thought, …Lord why did they send this boy here. You know it takes me a while to get used to a young pastor. But we gave him a chance, and he really worked out. He really had the church at heart."
The congregation would endure several moves from the storefront on Newtown Pike in 1935. The following year they would move into a storefront at 325 Hickory street, in 1937 moved to a new building on Black Avenue at Douglas Park, and in 1938 to newly constructed edifice on Ash Street. The church had four homes in a three year period.
Unfortunately few documents exist that shades light on the early years of the local church between 1934-1950. And most of the saints from that time period, who are still alive have forgotten details of the early years. However, I learned from Elect Lady Addie Brown that Bishop S.L. Henry did not leave the church right away. Using that tidbit, I questioned his daughter, and learned that he [Henry] spent approximately one year in Lexington, before moving to New Bern, North Carolina for a year. Next, he moved to Charlottesville for awhile. After leaving Charlottesville, Virginia, he pastored in New York, before settling in Dayton, Ohio where he pastored over 40 years.
Staying in Lexington during the first months of Elder Rawlings’ pastorate made the transition from his [Henry’s] pastorate to Rawlings’ a smooth one. When asking Lady Brown what she remembers from those years, she recalled, "On Hickory Street we really had church. Every week it seemed they kept knocking down the smoke-stack on the old coal stove. You know they were always shouting and dancing and knocking that smoke-stack down." However, when asked about a specific event or person in a picture, she was able to give me an individual’s name, a street name, or other details. Like having bate, I’m sure that a couple of bits of information would stimulate others to recall the same, but with little bate to offer, memories are few.
Elect Lady St.Clair recalled receiving the Holy Ghost at the church on Newtown Pike: "We wore white the year round, and we had tarrying service most every night. I remember when I tarried, and received the Holy Ghost. I went all the way down the street praising God. I tried to keep still. But even after going to bed, the bed kept shaking. Embry received the Holy Ghost first, then Denson, then me."
Not only did Bishop Rawlings pastor the church in Lexington in the early years following his return to Lexington, but simultaneously pastored in Winchester, Kentucky on 3rd and Walnut. On a trips to Winchester the car broke down, and Elder and Sister Rawlings walked into town. Because they didn't have a ride back to Lexington, they stayed in the home of Sister Adams of the Chenault family. She had a small house with one bedroom and one bed. On this cold night, they all bundles up and slept in that bed: Mother Adams on one side, Sister Rawlings in the middle, and Pastor Rawlings on the other side.
In addition to pastoring, Elder Rawlings ran revivals. Lady Rawlings recalled a prophecy of his death: "Back in 1937, Bishop was preaching in Louisville, and I was visiting my mother’s in Charlottesville. Well, there was this flood in Cincinnati and Louisville. My sister-in-law, Christine, Bishop’s baby sister, was living at the house. And she wrote me a letter. She was saying, Sister Mary, you’d betta come on back home. We had a prophecy in the church. They said that Brother, that’s what they called him, was floating in the water with the Commandments.
The mail was running twice a day back then, and her letter came that morning. So, I turned on the news, and was listening to the news. It said that water had ceased in Louisville, and everything was getting back to normal. I went to my mother’s job and told her about me getting the letter, and that I was going to have to go home, because of the prophecy. I was really upset, and prayed. And, a voice spoke to me, just as plain, and said; "There are many false prophets."
Later that day, I got this letter from Bishop. And he was telling me, he would be in Lexington the next morning. And he wanted me to catch the first thing out of Charlottesville coming to Lexington. And for me to go to Western Union. Money would be there for me to get the ticket. And the train, that he was telling me to catch left Charlottesville at nine o’clock that night. I would get in Lexington at eight something the next morning. He was there, before I got there. So he wasn’t in the flood. It was so many blocks from where he was running a meeting."
Another of her fond memories was of Elder William Rawlings, the eldest brother to Bishop S.P. Rawlings. "In Sabbath School, he not only had us say the Twenty-Four Principles, but all the precepts. And every week, we tarried for the Holy Ghost, …every Sabbath day."
The piano playing singer and preaching minister continued to build the church on the reputation of quality musical talent and good preaching established during the Henry administration. And the House of God would become known for having some of Lexington's best singers. It would also be known for hosting some of the nations great singers and quartets. Great soloist and singing groups were a weekly feature of the services during his pastorate. These included the Walmack brothers, Dixie Hummingbirds, Staple Sisters, and Sister Pittman.
Bishop Rawlings inspired his people to excel in their preaching, singing and fund raising skills by providing the opportunity for fellowship and competition. Competition inspired the ministers to seek God for a message, study their bibles, and perfect public addressing skills. Singers spent countless hours learning and practicing songs. The children went door to door collecting nickels dimes quarters, and dollars. And the older saints friend and sold chicken and fish. Good sportsmanship was always a key to competitiveness.
Ministers participated in pew services, where they were given a specified amount of time to present a messages. Fund raising included soliciting and selling dinners, special events with a prize being given to the one or group who raised the most money. Some of the fundraising program included mock weddings, old maid conventions, style shows, and basket meetings. Singers won bragging rights.
Elect Lady Juanita Eaves of Carson California, remembers: "I was 14 years old, when I first came into the church in 1948 in Detroit, Michigan. My sister Ola-Mae and a few others of us formed a singing group called the Spiritual Flames. Bishop Rawlings had a group called the Troubadours (Julia, Stella, Naomi, Sister Babe (Fanny Haskins), Sister (Mary Embry), Shelton and Russell West, and Sister Elizabeth Taylor.) Bishop Rawlings told us; the Troubadours are going to blow out the Flames."
In 1950 Bishop Rawlings stepped into the position of Chief Apostle of the church. The 50’s seemed to be the years when the off spring of the 30’s generation doubled the size of the church. And like their parent, they were ready to take their place in the singing and preaching ministry of the House of God. Every now and then, you affectionately hear the saints talk of singing groups that sprang up in the 50's and early 60's, such as: the Rawlinettes organized in 1952 by Sis. Julia Rawlings,the House of God Harmonizer, organized by Bro. James Holloman, and the Guiding Lights, organized by Sister Jean Brewer. The Rawlinettes included Naomi Faulkner, Estella Gay, Mary E. Embry, and little Juanita Rawlings. Julia Rawlings and Isacc Hamilton played the piano, Albert Morrison Sr. played the guitar, and Oliver Mabson Sr. played the drums. Around the same time, Bro. Tom Gay formed a male chorus. It’s membership included James Holloman, Oliver Roy and William Mabson, Bethel Ward, Shelton West, and Robert Jackson. Also, in the mid 50's, there was a group composed of Madge Ellen West, Barbra Ann Ross, Alice Brand, and Doris Jean Johnson. As that group dissolved, Jean Brewer would organize the Guiding Stars in the early or mid 60’s, consisting of Frances Carroll Brown, Madge Ellen West, Juanita Rawlings, and Geraldine Figgs, who had returned to Lexington after spending a few years in Dayton, OH.
When the Male Chorus dissolved in 1957 Bro. James H. Holloman, started The House of God Harmonizers with Windell White, James Freeman, Authur Johnson, Calvine Lee Mabson, J.B. Holloman, Donald (Sanky) Lee, and Willie Morrison.
Bro. Shelton West, who was thought by some to be quite resolute, used that leadership characteristic to shape the church's most talented choir. This choir would be featured on Bishop Rawlings' recording, "The Brook Dried Up.", singing songs like "The Love of God", and "He’s Keeping Me Alive." Anytime the choir of that day is mentioned in the local church, inevitable the firm teaching style of Bishop West and its amazing results are also addressed: "He was good, but hard. I mean you had to know your part. He selected your voice part, and made you sing it. It didn't matter what you thought you should sing. He told you what to sing, and worked with you until you got it."
After being sent to Los Angeles California to pastor, Minister West’s unique contemporary gospel style would influence the singing style of many professional gospel singers on the Pacific Coast. West’ style of singing resembled a mixture of gospel, New Orleans jazz, and St. Louis blues. In the 1990’s it can be detected in personal styles of recording artist like James Moore and Daryl Coley.
One of the many benefits of being a member of a small singing groups at the headquarters church was an opportunity to travel with The Bishop as he preached throughout the United States and Canada. In fact, much of the membership of the local church may never have ventured outside of Lexington, Kentucky, if not for traveling with the General Superintendent of the House of God. It was not uncommon for Bishop Rawlings to proclaim a free trip for the choir or singing groups, and occasionally everyone. Drivers of the vans, buses, and/or cars often received free room, meals, and spending money. Both young and old sit together, and share stories of trips with the church. When the saints talk of the 50’s and 60’s, Bro. Ethel Bert (EB) Taylor’s name is often mentioned as the one who drove for the group on these trips.
Some of the fond memories Lady Estella Gay Mayberry-White holds are of trips that the group would take with Bishop Rawlings: "I remember Bishop coming to get us out of school at Dunbar. He would be all dress up and looking good. He looked like a big shot, and everybody would see us go out with him. It made us feel so important." And, St. Mary Mabson Brown and St. Beverly Mabson-Baker recalls him giving the Rawlings Ensemble a gas card and the van to meet him as he traveled to the various Divisional Meetings in the early 80's.
The black religious community in Lexington was dominated by the Baptist movement, but for good gospel singing and preaching there was no better place in town than the little holiness church on Ash Street. People would flock to its programs, revival, and religious Feast celebration. And, some came regularly on the Sabbath (Saturday,) but were reluctant to change their membership: A very common phrase you heard was: "I'm Baptist breed, Baptist born, and when I'm dead, I'll be a Baptist gone."
Madge Elaine (West) Johnson recalled Passover: "People came from everywhere. The church would be so crowded. We would eat the Passover meal. Mamma-nim would cook ...seems like for days, and would wrap the food and bring it to the church. And Sis. Willie B. Lewis would always cook the greens, until we stopped eating them. We fed everybody." The excitement in her voice continued to heighten, as she continued: "Everybody loved to see us do the (Passover) march. They came early and stayed until we had the hymn outdoors around 2:30 or 3:00 in the morning."
Cecil Madison, Technician, Federal Document Team of UK's WT Young Library, and member of Antioch Missionary Baptist church in Lexington, KY, recalls:
"I remember, this was back in the 50's, when they use to have (street) service over on third street in front of Cottrells selling things like food, pies, fish etc, raising money to keep Jesus' house. They would be out there just singing and having a good time. They did that all the time. Another things I can remember: You could always see the saints, up and down Georgetown Street. They would be at that store across from Charlotte Court. They wore their white, and was always talking about the goodness of the Lord. I remember the little church on Ash Street. They used to roll in that place. When Julia Mabson was younger, she used to be the lead singer. And her dad would always have her sing "How Great Thou Art," or maybe that song Aretha Franklin use to sing at her fathers church, .."Never Grow Old." They had some good singers in the House of God back then. I went all the time. I started to join that church one time, but I was a Baptist, and decided to continue to follow the Baptist."
Tone Vernon has a shop on the corner of Race and Second Street. He would allow the House of God to hold services on his lot as often as they wanted. Not only did he give Elder Rawlings this privilege, he and Mr. Jackson, who owned a barber shop across the street, would close their doors while during services.
The church grew as a result of the missionary efforts on the ministers, under Bishop Rawlings leadership. One of those Missionarys was Mother Morton. One morning she visited the small neighborhood off Deweese, on Gunn Street, behind the Lyric Theatre, where she met Ms. Williams, who was had severe back problem, from multiple sclerosis, and could not walk without personal assistance. Ms. Williams also used a walker. When Mother Morton knocked on the door she could see the woman sitting in the chair, but the women couldn't come to the door. So she talked to her, through the screen door. After telling her [Williams], who she was and the church she belonged to, Mother Morton asked the resident if she could come in and pray with her. While ministering, Mother Morton asked Ms. Williams if she believed in Jesus. When she replied yes, Mother Morton told her, that if she would be baptized in the name of Jesus, she could be healed.
Later that night the Ms. Williams brother-in-law brought her to services at the church on Ash Street. After preaching the word, Bishop Rawlings gave the invitation and asked Williams, "do you believe God is able to heal you?" She believed. He also asked if she was willing to commit her life to God, and to join the church? She agreed. The saint began to pray and call on the name of Jesus. As he laid his hand on her, she stood up and began to walk.
God healed Sis. Williams and restored her independence. Prior to this miracle healing, she could not walk without personal assistance and the use of a walker. Now she was walking on her own, and riding the city bus to church alone. She lived 6 or 7 years after joining the church on Ash Street, and expressed her appreciation to God and Bishop Rawlings, by serving both God and the church until her death.
In the late 50's and early 60's Bishop Rawlings had a regular Sunday night radio broadcast. He took advantage of this forum to feature his talent, and to spread the truth about the Sabbath(s) and Feast recorded in Leviticus chapter 23 of the bible. Though in Atlanta, Georgia for the 40th Annual General Assembly in 1959, Bishop Rawlings would broadcast live. And would broadcast from the General Convocation in Cleveland, Ohio in 1961. The theme song was "All Night, All Day, the angels watching ovah me." In the 70's the Junior Church selected, "Let's Go Higher" as its theme song. One of the features of the radio broadcast was the prayer by Elder William Rawlings, the pastor's elder brother. Bishop A.I.J. Swanson, of Cincinnati said that he enjoyed Elder Rawlings prayers so much, that he wanted to record and market it.
During those early years of broadcasting, Bishop S.P. Rawlings often preached against the idolatry of Christmas and Easter. He was greatly resented for his teachings, and was dubbed the Appletree Preacher, because his used Song of Solomon 8:5, to support his belief that Jesus was born outdoors under an apple tree, ..probably in warm weather, before being wrapped and laid in manger, and not born during the rainy winters of Israel. In these sermons he often quoted Matthew 15:8-9, saying; in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. He also read Romans chapter 1, putting strong emphasis on verse 25, which reads; who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature, (which he interpreted as Santa Claus), more than the Creator (God/Jesus), who is blessed forever.
He publicly declared, "Santa Claus is not God. And told his listeners, that Jesus didn't tell you when his birthday was, because he didn't want you to celebrate it. He came to draw men unto the Father." Bishop Rawlings preached, that Jesus told us to remember him, saying as he administering the bread and cup (body and blood of Christ) to his disciples, "this do in remembrance of me." He also said, "No one always knows when you are good or bad, but God. And no one can fly across the world in one night, visiting all the inhabitants of the world, but God." He condemned parents for lying to their children; saying "Why do you get upset when they lie to you, when you lie to them every year."
The Church On Georgetown Place
What was only a local church on Ash Street, became both a local church and national headquarters in 1951 when Bishop S.P. Rawlings was elected General Superintendent of the House of God. The local church membership had grown tremendously, the national church was expanding, and the small building on Ash Street could no longer comfortably accommodate the weekly attendance, much less the national meetings. On June 17, 1959 the House of God purchased property on Ash Street near the corner of Ash and Georgetown Street. The 40th Annual General Convocation in 1959 would convene at this sight in a large tent. The use of this lot would be reconsidered, when it became known that a large building, which stood vacant for 15 years around the corner on Georgetown Place was up for sell.
Chandler Arms was Lexington's first all black college. It operated from 1889 to 1923, with an all white faculty. Sitting on the corner of Georgetown Street and what would become known as Georgetown Place, was Webster Hall, which served as a faculty dorm. Isabelle Mack-Overstreet recorded in her book, Heritage, The Lexington African-American Discovery Guide, The school served as a private educational institution for Lexington's prominent African-Americans. Among its noted alumni is Vertner A. Tandy, who was the first African-American registered as an architect in New York state. It would become Chandler Normal School.
The historic landmark laid waste for many years, and was in very bad condition, but Bishop Rawlings understood the church's needs and saw the possibilities. The national church needed a larger auditorium for conventions, and this building had a large sanctuary. The local and national church needed classroom, office space, and a large cafeteria. Chandler Arms was a three story structure, which several classrooms, and a large cafeteria. It would take a lot of work, but he was a man of faith. The church purchased the historic landmark for 35,000 dollars.
The following is recorded in the minutes of the Fortieth Annual General Convocation (August 1959) of the House of God, page 15:
The purchase of the property commenced on June 17, 1959. He had the original deed to the property, and read it to the convocation. The property costs $35,000 (total). The down payment was $10,000, which will be paid in full September, 1959. This property will be used for our National Headquarters and Chief Apostles' Parish. It is now being remodeled and is expected to be completed in 1960.
When asked to describe the work needed to make the building habitable, Deacon Oliver Mabson said; "Pigeons had taken over the place, and waste was everywhere, especially on the third floor where they have broken through the steeple, and come through the chimney. And hobos were sleeping in it. It was in real bad shape. It already had a sanctuary, but it had two staircases going to the second floor. One on each side of the building. We tore them out and put one in the back. We had to clean the whole building, and everything had to be painted." Bishop Walter Houg oversaw the project. And, Bro. James Holloman was contracted to do the painting. Everyone joined in the painting.
The church frantically prepared for the upcoming General Convocation, and it seemed that the work would not be completed in time. Brother Happy (Elder Embry), who was an undisputed prophet in the church, prophesied that the Lord did not want us to go into that building. Bishop Rawlings felt that this building answered the churches needs. Therefore, he admonished the people from the book of Jonah, and asked God to give him the answer.
Like the King of Nineveh in Jonah chapter 3, he called for the whole church to go on a fast. They fasted seven days, meeting at the church on Ash Street every morning at 6 am and in the evening at 6 pm for prayer. On the last night, they had a "shut-in" (close the doors to the church and remain together all night.) Elect Lady Blonzetta Demaree Hamilton, who joined the church in 1950 said; "I don't believe we could have gotten in there, if it wasn't for the fast."
Just like the Lord repented of his decision to destroy Ninevah, Bishop Rawlings was assured of God's approval. Despite this assurance, anxieties where high as they continued working on the building. When the saints arrived for the General Convocation, they joined in the work. And, on the day of the march from 426 Ash Street to the temple at 548 Georgetown Place, they were still painting and setting up chairs.
The following appeared in the Lexington Herald, Colored Notes, dated August 21, 1960: The 41st Annual General Convocation of the Holy Church of the Living God, Pillar and the Ground of the Truth, the House of Prayer for all Peoples Inc. and the House of God, where the general headquarters will be set up at 548 Georgetown Street, will open today and run through August 28. The following are general officers: Secretary, Sister M.E. St.Clair; assistant Secretary, Sister J. Mason; treasurer, Deacon David Sessoms; Commission of Welfare Department, Bishop William Denson, who also is the Superintendent of the Northern Division. Other Divisional Superintendents include; Eastern, Elder Irene Butler, Western, Elder Anna Ricks, Midwestern and Southern, Bishop S.P. Rawlings who also is the Chief Apostle, and will preside. At 11:00 am dedications services will be held in recognition of the decoration of the new temple. Members will parade from the old to the new church on Georgetown Street.
On August 21, 1960 at 11:45 am the delegates to the Convocation marched victoriously from 426 Ash Street to their new headquarters at 548 Georgetown Place. The Executive Officers of the church accompanied by a team of nurses clad in gold capped made by Sis. Addie Brown lead the procession. The gold and white colors proudly announcing that this event was taking place in the Mighty Mid-West District of the House of God. The order of marchers were as follows: Executive Officiers, ministers, National Choir, Missionary Department, then general membership. General secretary St.Clair recored, "the march was a beautiful sight to see."
Elder Ida Bell Sessom of Norristown, Pennsylvania was mistress of ceremony for the dedicated service. The congregation started the service singing the him Holy, Holy, Holy. After a solo by _________________and the disciples prayer, Elder F.C. Scott of Cincinnati, Ohio led the church in the responsive reading found in __________ and The Ten Commandments. The National mass choir sang "Great Day." They were followed by St. Mary Campbell with a solo, and a dedication prayer by Bishop Scriven, both from Beufort South Carolina. Mother C.L. Harris of Los Angeles California read from the decalogue, and there were remarks from Mr. Leland Hanks, President of Smith-Haggard Lumber company, who donated __________________. ________ sang, How Great Thou Art.
Elder Lucy Small-Wilkerson of New York, New York preached the dedication message. Her text was from I King 8; 29-30, and her subject was "A dedicated people, for a Dedicated House."
Regrettably, one person was missing from the opening celebration, and would not come into the new facility for several months. Brother Happy was not only a respected prophet in the church, but lived with the Rawlings family in the parsonage on Ash Street. He was a eunuch, who was highly trusted by Bishop Rawlings to stay at the house with his wife and daughters in his absence. As Jonah was disappointed at the reversal of God's decision concerning Ninevah, Elder Embry was disheartened. He began to loose faith, as he watch the church progress and grow in their new location. However, when finally deciding to attend the Sabbath service, he confessed that the church was holy ground by taken off his shoes before entering.
The minutes of the 42nd Annual General Convocation in 1961 would record the following details of improvement to the headquarters building: $1,220.00 was paid by the local Lexington, KY., Church No. 1 to buy and install a furnace in the headquarters church. Also, the local Lexington, Ky. Church No. 1 has raised $500 to help finance the remodeling and equipping the dining room at headquarters.
It was stated that the total cost for the remodeling of the headquarters auditorium is $18,703.82; $4,000 has been paid by credit of a good check, and the balance owed is $14,703.82.
Though no longer being used for worship. The building on Ash Street harbored evidence of the presence of God's anointing for years following the churches move to Georgetown Street. Armentha DeWitt was a young lady living in the house on 4th Street with her mother, when the Rawlings moved to Lexington in 1935. She said, that everyone in the house, most of the people in the little Ballard Street area where members or came to the little holiness church, but she loved going to the Monday night dances too much to join the church. She wouldn't join the church, until approximately 30 years later. And her joining was a result of the power of God's anointing in the building on Ash Street.
Armenthia Bledsoe, owned a daycare center. In 1965 her mother [Mother Dewitt-Scott] asked Bishop Rawlings to let Armenthia used the building for the daycare. As the gray haired Mother and Prophetess sat and talked to me on one quiet Sabbath morning in November 1998, I could hear the fear in her voice, as she looked me in the eye and began to talk about the life giving power of God, she experience on Ash Street. At some point in the conversation her words slowed down, and her head bowed in reverence to the Creator, as if God had suddenly walked into the room. "I didn't want that building, cause I was afraid. There was too much pow-ah in that place. But momma went and talked to Bishop Rawlings. Lord, there was so much pow-ah in that place. That's when I joined. I mean, I had to straightened-up, ..and fly right."
In the early 80's Sis.Blesoe, led a youth group for about three years. Her daycare center on Ash Street became an after hour youth center for the church. During the churches 69th and Pastor's 7.5 Anniversary service, talking about her 70 years around the church, she mentioned the youth club. "A lot of good preachers came out of that group. Yeah a lot of good preacher. There was Evang. Sharon [Robinson], Elder [William] Mabson, Elder Best, Elder [George ] Dailey, and Elder [David] Wallace. I can't think of all of them, but a lot of good things came from that youth group."
Independent of Elder Marvin Gay, Minister Rawlings was able to establish his own credentials as a preacher. He would become known as one of Lexington's finest: A man who captivated his audience: ...a singer, a musician, a radio evangelist of 11 years experience; ...a man with a recorded album. In his early days as a pastor, one of the local pastors told him; "Come on over to the Methodist church. You'll never be anything in that old holiness church." Like a wise man: Bishop Rawlings responded; "If God fails me, I'll look you up." Many years later, that minister visited the church during the General Convocations in 1960. He admitted to the General Superintendent, "God didn't fail you, Bishop Rawlings. It looks like you really made it."
In 1974, former Chandler Arms went through another renovation. A two floor addition was added to the building. The addition included a complete basement cafeteria and baptismal.
Record in minutes of the 55th Annual General Convocation page 38