Elnora Jarrell Worship Center History

In October of 2001, Pastor Valley K. Woodley began holding services in different homes. As she and others began making inquiries concerning a place of worship, Minister Roy Daughtry mentioned this to Minister Charlie Allen, Berean Light Ministries. Minister Allen informed him that their Church, The Way of the Cross, located at 307 Halifax Street in Emporia was unoccupied a great deal of the time. He suggested we ask his Pastor, Dr. Martha S. Parker if we could use the building in their absence. Indeed, “It was nothing but a word”.

EJWC rented the Halifax Street facility from October 2001 until June 2002. Services began on October 28, 2001. A revival meeting conducted by Pastor Woodley was held followed by Sunday morning worship service at 11 am. Wednesday and Friday night services were then scheduled for 7pm each week. As God began to bless, the church was formed. A keyboard, cordless microphone, amplifier, and drum set were some of the first items donated by Pastor Woodley and Deacon Lawrence Woodley. Minister Gwendolyn Butts and Elder Florence Daughtry donated a microwave; a refrigerator was donated by Sister Chiffronia Parker, and Bibles were donated by Sister Latasha Branch and Missionary Alma Branch. Since that time many other items have been donated.

As the ministry grew, there was a need for expansion. On Saturday, March 16, 2002, after having attended a Women's Conference sponsored by The Way of The Cross Church, Pastor Woodley, Missionary Dorothea Miles and Evangelist Shirley Edge were in route of giving Mother Walker a ride home (Mrs. Walker's home was on Liberty Road in Emporia). Upon her leaving, Pastor Woodley noticed a FOR SALE sign displayed on the property at 490 Liberty Road. Immediately, plans were underway to purchase the property.

On Tuesday, June 4, 2002, the property became the Elnora Jarrell Worship Center. To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done. Deacon Shelton Seaborn and Elder Ella Seaborn provided platform furniture until the new platform was built. Since that time, there have been additions such as, new seats for the sanctuary, small chairs for the nursery, the baptistry, installation of the restroom in the Pastor’s Study, painting of the sanctuary, installation of a new platform, carpet for the sanctuary, new dining room tables and chairs. The Seaborns donated furnishing for the Pastor’s Study. Ceiling lights and a sound system were added.

From the beginning, so many have given food, money, accessories, time and energy towards the growth of this Ministry. God has placed His anointing upon this work. Thank God for the people who have the mind to work.

On March 2, 2008, a ground breaking ceremony was held to mark the location of the NEW SANCTUARY. This ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in Elnora Jarrell’s history.

In September, 2009, EJWC held the dedication service for the New Sanctuary.

Renovations have been made in building #1 (original sanctuary) to include a full commercial kitchen, daycare rooms, dinning/banquet hall, multi-purpose rooms, clothes closet, and food pantry.

!!!!!To God Be the Glory!!!!!