New Life Tabernacle Church was founded in February 1981 at the home of Elder William and Sister Irene Jones, along with their children, the late Kenya and Rochelle Jones.
The first location of New Life Christian Center was at 3380-C South Arville Street, (Spring Mountain/Arville). After meeting at this location for 2-1/2 years, the church relocated to St. Luke Episcopal Church, located at 832 N. Eastern Avenue. After leasing this property for one year, we inquired about purchasing this property, which resulted in them asking us to move.
In January 1984, New Life Community Center was established with the purchase of a day care center at 1027 West Adams Street. New Life Community Center provided social programs for the community. The programs included a feeding program, a men’s housing facility, and a tutoring program. The church met at this facility for four years.
While hosting out services at the day care facility, Pastor Jones had a vision for intercessory prayer. In 1984, we started intercessory prayer, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. Pastor and Sister Jones, along with three other members would come every day to pray. In 1988, the church moved to the Best Western Hotel on Washington and Main. After meeting there for a few months, the manager thought there was a conflict of interest and gave us four days to move. As pastor was in prayer, the Lord showed him a vision of a shopping center on Stewart and Eastern. He went to the shopping center, to speak with management about leasing two spaces. While meeting at this location, a Greek Orthodox Church came on the market for sale. Pastor called about this property and the realtor told him, “If you don’t have $100,000, we are not entertaining any offers”. Pastor told him “God said that is our church and you won’t be able to sell it to anyone else”. After three offers fell through, the realtor came to the church during intercessory prayer one Monday night, looking for Pastor Jones. He stated to Pastor Jones, “churches are difficult to sell, are you and your congregation still interested in that church?”.
Pastor Jones used his faith to raise the $100,000 needed to purchase this facility.
Founders of New Life Christian Center
New Life Christian Center was founded by the late Bishop William and Dr. Irene Jones in February 1981. The first service was held on a Sunday morning in their home, along with their late children Rochelle and Kenya Jones, plus one visitor Diana Mystal, Sister Jones’ friend.
The late Bishop William Ralph Jones passed away November 10, 2022. Dr. Irene Jones is faithfully working in this Ministry as a Staff Pastor. Dr. Jones is here to serve God’s people in any capacity needed, and to give full support to the present pastor, Bishop Victor Hinds. Here education includes Bachelor in Christian Education, Masters in Church Administration, and a Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Grace Bible College, San Diego, California.
