Our History
Community Worship Center
Springfield Gardens S.D.A Church | 1958
A History of Community Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists.
Through the evangelistic efforts of Elder George Earle, his wife, and Bible worker Elizabeth Small, thirteen souls were baptized on September 15, 1958, forming the initial body of believers. Organized into a company by Elder Frank Jones, former Secretary of the Northeastern Conference, on February 21, 1959, the fledgling congregation grew steadily. By February 27, 1960, the company, now about fifty members strong, was formally organized into a church.
Sister Earle named it the New York Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church. From its earliest days, the members were committed to securing a permanent home for worship. Brother Jesse Rowe gave the first $1,000.00 toward a building fund, and the Conference promised to match every dollar raised. Through prayer and sacrificial giving, the congregation soon accumulated enough funds to purchase their own building.
Elder E. A. Lockette succeeded Elder Earle in 1960 and initiated an “every-member canvass” program, which was continued by his successor, Elder William Alleyne. Under Pastor Alleyne’s leadership, the congregation moved into their new church home on December 22, 1962, located in Springfield Gardens.
The church was renamed the Springfield Gardens Seventh-day Adventist Church to reflect its new community. Pastor Alleyne led major renovations of the sanctuary and lower auditorium. New pews, pulpit furniture, an organ, and a piano were acquired, with the Deaconate paying the initial deposit on the pews.
Subsequent pastors continued building on this foundation. Pastor North oversaw the fencing of the parking lot and carpeting of the church, supported by members like Brother and Sister Peterson and Sister Ruth Spaulding and family.
In 1967, Pastor John Grayson was assigned to Springfield Gardens. Under his leadership, the church launched a “Pavilion of Peace” crusade, started a free community breakfast program, and opened a successful savings account.
Pastor Dennis Ross came in 1971 and initiated a plan to pay off the church mortgage, culminating in the burning of the mortgage on September 14, 1974, under the leadership of Pastor H. Nembhard.
From 1958 onward, Springfield Gardens SDA was served by many faithful pastors who nurtured its growth and spiritual life.
A New Season: Laying Foundations for the Future
On January 15, 2005, Pastor Clifford Manie became the pastor of Springfield Gardens SDA Church at a critical time. Faced with a deteriorating structure and halted construction that had languished for nearly fifteen years, Pastor Manie reignited the building project. By God’s grace, construction resumed in November 2006, and by May 2007, the congregation was able to worship in the newly renovated fellowship hall, now called the Crystal Ballroom. Despite various challenges, Pastor Manie led the church through a season of internal transformation.
In January 2011, the congregation adopted a new vision and mission, transitioning to a purpose-driven ministry. Reflecting this renewed focus, the church changed its name to Community Worship Center (CWC) — a name that embraced its growing commitment to inclusivity, outreach, and spiritual renewal.
Between 2011 and 2013, CWC experienced growth both spiritually and numerically, welcoming over sixty new members and establishing itself as a vibrant center of worship and community engagement.
A Season of Tremendous Growth: The Leadership of Dr. Abraham J. Jules
On January 17, 2015, Dr. Abraham J. Jules was installed as the new pastor of Community Worship Center by Dr. Daniel Honoré, then President of the Northeastern Conference.
Under Dr. Jules’ dynamic leadership, CWC experienced tremendous spiritual and numerical growth. His powerful preaching, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence strengthened the church’s ministries, expanded its influence, and drew many new souls into fellowship.
In 2022, Dr. Jules was elected President of the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, a testament to his exceptional leadership and service. His legacy at CWC continues to inspire and shape the church today.
A New Era: Pastor Jason Ridley
Following Dr. Jules’ departure, Pastor Jason Ridley was appointed as Senior Pastor of Community Worship Center SDA.
Pastor Ridley brings a vibrant passion for the gospel, a heart for people, and a fresh vision for ministry. Under his leadership, CWC continues to thrive as a place where worship is alive, community is central, and outreach extends beyond the walls of the church.
Guided by the motto, “Let’s G.R.O.W. Together!” (Guidance, Relationships, Outreach, Worship), Pastor Ridley is leading CWC into an exciting future, rooted firmly in faith and God’s purpose.
With God as our foundation, the best is yet to come.
