Sis. Lena Claybourn, one of the women working with Founder, Mother Mattie L. Thornton Branch
In the year of 1908 A.D., a group of women (eight (8)) came to Chicago from New York City, being led by Mother Mattie L. Thornton Branch. These were Evangelist Hay Craft, Sister Lena Clayborn, Sister Brown, Sister Lula E. Bynum, Sister M. Johnson, Sister Susie Lightfoot, Sister McDowell and Sister Bula Miles. Due to many obstacles they pitched tents in various parts of the city. On July 23rd of that same year, at 3:00pm in a tent on the corner of Wabash and 26th street, the eight women, with Mother [Bishop] Mattie L. Thornton Branch as the lead, began a three (3) week Evangelistic Campaign in which many souls were added daily to the Church. On Coming, they were converted, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Ghost, and with water as evidence of their faith, then confirmed by the Elders of the Church and members of the Holy Nazarene Tabernacle.
In that tent meeting the Presbytery, Elders, Teachers, Governors, Helpers and Deacons were established in office. They worked hard singing, praying, and preaching. Not only were souls saved, but they were healed as well. The Lord gave Mother [Bishop] Mattie L. Thornton Branch the name “NAZARENE” (Matthew 2:23, KJV) for the Church – and also head coverings for women (1 Corinthians 11:5-6, KJV),(See Archives page: “1908 – 2008” Nazarenes in Chicago centennial presentation). The Holy Nazarene Tabernacle A.F. was founded by Mother Mattie L. Thornton Branch in 1908 A.D. in the city of Chicago, IL and incorporated March 26, 1913 A.D. (See Archives page: Secretary of State document)
Holy Nazarene Tabernacle moved from the tent to the humble little mission on 26th Street between Armour and Lasalle, and continued the search for larger quarters in which to worship. Finally, they were relocated at 2963-5 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL in a beautiful church building. There were white, as well as black members, worshiping the LORD in the church.
During 1913-1915, Mother Mattie L. Thornton (Branch) faced a huge obstacle (recorded in legal documents and periodicals), when she temporarily traveled to spread the word – as she often contributed to the growth of God’s ministry – upon her return a bold issue ensued. Prior to leaving she placed an “Elder B.” in charged until her return; however, she returned to find that he (and colleagues) provoked members of congregation in contention against Mother Mattie L. Thornton’s work and “Elder” had been named “Bishop B.” After TWO years, she was able to return to her founded efforts of Holy Nazarene Tabernacle Church A.F. and goodness prevailed.
Many obstacles blocked their way making it necessary for them to move back into the streets holding tent services. At times they were arrested and carried to jail in police wagons. In the jails they would sing and pray, knowing Jesus was there with them. The Lord opened up the streets of Chicago for worship. Thru their suffering, they pitched more tent meetings: East 35th Street, Cottage Grove at 32nd Street, 75th and Vincennes and many in Morgan Park, after going from jail to jail, and courthouse to courthouse, they came to the Appellate Court. There the Lord worked with the judge and the saints gained the victory for the women to freely (in terms of the law) be able to carry the Gospel, in the beauty of Holiness and God’s perfect will. Surely we suffered, BUT GOD made the way. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, KJV). To God be the Glory!
In 1920 Brother Hughlet M. Hooper (photo below, left) visited the church for the first time. In 1922 he received the Holy Ghost, and in 1931 he was made Bishop. Sister Ella Hunter (see photo) was saved in 1925 under Mother Mattie L. Thornton Branch. Mother Effie Bell (see photo below) was a great person and Nazarene Church at 31st and LaSalle Street, in Mother Hunter’s home. Later they moved to 101 East 31st Street. From there they moved to 34th and Michigan Avenue. Souls were saved and the sick were healed. Sister Mary Carter Jenkins was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost under their leadership. She was ordained an Evangelist in 1935 by Bishop Hughlet Hooper.
In the latter part of 1935, Bishop Hughlet Hooper organized and named his church, Risen Holy Nazarene. Souls were added to the Church, both white and black members. Evangelist Jenkins worked hard with him in helping to bring souls to Christ. They later moved to 3628 South Wentworth Avenue. The Lord blessed Mother Hunter with a great work at 3155 South Michigan Avenue. At this location they were blessed with a home and Church.
Pastor Louis W. Hooper was made a Traveling Bishop in 1940. On April 6, 1940, Mother Mattie L. Thornton Branch fell asleep
Bishop Hughlet Hooper comforting the Mother of slain 14 year old Emmett Louis Till (left, to her right), 1955 – Burr Oak Cemetery, Worth Township, IL.
to grace. Elder McCray, Bishop Bell and others carried on the work. Mother Ella Hunter passed away in 1941.Later on, the building at 29th and Dearborn was purchased by the City of Chicago. The group bought another building at 42nd and Cottage Grove Avenue. Elder E. Spaulding was the pastor.
The 1st Colored Holiness church wasestablished in the City of Chicago onJuly 8, 1940, at 11458 S. Duvol Street, Chicago, IL. Bishop Effie Bell succeeded the office of our founder and first Bishop, Mother Mattie L. Thornton Branch. The church has been wandering through the wilderness in the work where Bishop Mattie L. Branch, William H. Wilson, John Washington, William Washington, Wade Perkins, Robert McDowell, David Burdell and Robert Acklin missioned.
In the year of 1957 thru fasting and prayer the Lord moved on Deacon Aaron Hicks, Mother Pallis Hicks, Rev. Willie S. Lawhorn and Supt. Cardelia Lawhorn to try to build a new Nazarene Church for the Lord. Deacon Aaron Hicks said the Lord led him to an old woman and he presumed it was Mother Effie Bell, He told her what the Lord said to him, and laid the plans out before her, she said the Lord had told her He was going to send her a people. With the Aid of others she set up the body at 7351 South Princeton Avenue. Bishop Bell worked with Rev. Willie Lawhorn and Minister Aaron Hicks (as he was ordained Minister at a later time). The Lord blessed them to build a new church from the ground up at 7055 South Carpenter Street, Holy Nazarene Tabernacle. Bishop Bell also set up church in Morgan Park, Branch Memorial Nazarene Church. This Church was pastored by Elder Clyde Towns. Bishop Bell passed away in 1977.
On September 11, 1968, Evangelist Mary Carter Jenkins established Beacon Holy Nazarene Church. Mother Jenkins named the church, Beacon Holy Nazarene utilizing the biblical reference, Isaiah 30:17.
The church was incorporated by the State of Illinois on November 25, 1969. Beacon soon outgrew Mother Jenkins; home and therefore, moved to 1516 W. 69th Street in Chicago Illinois.
The Lord continued to bless the ministry, and on October 26, 1972, under the leadership of Reverend Mary C. Jenkins, a church building located at 10957 S. King Drive was purchased; where it remains today.