383 Bergen Ave, Jersey City · Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
383 Bergen Ave, Jersey City · Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
From a small building on Harrison Avenue to a landmark stone sanctuary on Bergen Avenue, this is the story of God’s faithfulness to Cotton Temple.
Early years
Harrison Ave
The church began as Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in a small building on Harrison Avenue, later moving to Seidler Street and then Union Street. In those early years it was led by Bishop Reid, Elder Johnson and Bishop F.D. Washington.
1941
Union Street
Under Bishop Cotton’s anointed leadership the church flourished and grew until it outgrew the Union Street building. He sought God’s direction for a larger church home.
1970
September
In September 1970 the congregation marched “victoriously” into the present building, later renamed Cotton Temple COGIC in Bishop Cotton’s honor.
1992
June
Elder Embria Sconiers became pastor. The parish house and sanctuary were remodeled, preserving the building’s historic character, and a new baptismal pool was installed.
2003
May
The Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy honored Cotton Temple for its Extraordinary Window Setting during National Historic Preservation Week. Boyd Avenue beside the church was renamed Bishop Charles H. Cotton Plaza.
2016
August
Pastor Sconiers was appointed Senior Pastor and Elder Mario Moody appointed Pastor. A ramp and awning were added, and the property at 377 Bergen Avenue was purchased.
2021
August 28
Following Pastor Sconiers’ homegoing in July 2021, Elder Mario Moody Sr. was installed by Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop James Pullings Jr. In-person worship resumed in April 2022 after two years of conference-call services.
Today
2022 and beyond
The Missions Department feeds the community three times a month and delivers 200 hot meals a week. First Lady Loran Moody leads the 6 AM Monday prayer call, the Evangelist Team and the Women’s Department.
Under Pastor Sconiers and Pastor Moody, the congregation has kept improving its church home.
2003
Stained-glass entrance doors, fencing and a paved parking lot
2005
New church roof (April); sanctuary painted (August)
2006
New furnace (October); digital outdoor sign
2009
Pastor Sconiers appointed District Superintendent
2010
Pastor Sconiers receives Doctor of Divinity degree
2012
New security system
2016
Accessibility ramp and awning; 377 Bergen Ave purchased
2018
Stairlift, air conditioning and heat for the fellowship hall
2019
Full church renovation completed
2020
Evangelist Loran Y. Moody installed as District Missionary
2022
Food program expanded to the wider community
2023
6 AM Monday prayer and devotion call begins
