Our Pastoral Team
Darlene Thomas, Pastor dthomas@lrcsda.com (708) 774-3073
Jimmie Strong, Head Elder - firstborn52@yahoo.com
Nathaniel Williams, Head Deacon - natewilliams@ameritech.net
Patricia Williams, Head Deaconness/Church Clerk - willow9934@ameritech.net
Our History
It was at the end of the summer of 1973 that Chicago's Straford Memorial Church was organized. Elder John Douglas Simon was asked to serve as Pastor. The following summer Straford Church had an eight week tent effort, "The Sanctuary of Joy," on West 103rd Street from July 21st to September 14th, 1974.
After baptism of the 68 members, Pastor Simon decided that instead of increasing the membership at Straford that we should organize another church and select a name for it. At a church meeting, names were passed in and checked out. Roberta McCluskey wrote, "New Light." Hubert Dawse wrote, "Sanctuary of Joy." In October a church at 1430 West 100th Place was rented and Pastor Simon, the 68 new converts, and 16 seasoned Adventists had their first worship service on October 12, 1974 in their own church called the, "Beacon of Joy." After the organization of this new church, Lake Region Conference sent Pastor Simon and Associate Pastor Barry Brandon from Andrews University.
January 1975, Pastor Simon and Pastor Brandon, along with the local elders, Edward Williams, 1st Elder, Douglas Taylor, Sr., 2nd Elder and Juan Leon, Youth Elder, elected church officials which included Sabbath School Superintendent, Roberts McCluskey, 1st Deacon, Jose Leon, 1st Deaconness Beatrice Garrett, Lay Activity Leader, Hubert Morgan, Sr., Missionary Volunteer Leader, Margree Taylor, Dorcas Leader, Beatrice Garrett, Head Usher and Communication Secretary Clora Jeannette, Church Clerk Thelma Jackson, Treasurer Linda Dixon, Choir Pianist Marcelene Leon and Bible Worker, Ted Collie coach for all sports as basketball, etc. As Beacon of Joy progressed, the following members from Straford were sent as helpers--Cloie and Leroy Logan as Choir Director and Pianist and Bible Workers along with Rosie Nelson, Virginia McArthur, Ann Ellis, Mary Ross, Denise Epps, Myrtos Griffin, Arzie R. Thomas, Mildred Richetts, Cynthia and Lloyd Martin.
In the late summer on August 9 - 29, 1975 Pastor Simon and Pastor Brandon along with the Bible Workers and members conducted a tent effort, "The Sanctuary of Joy" on West 103rd Street, half block west of State Street for three weeks. With our theme, "From the Home to the Pool." We baptized 55 new converts.
In November 1975, a pre-teen and junior choir was organized by Marlene Leon and Margree Taylor. On July 17 - August 14, 1976 Evangelist J.D. Simon and Associate Pastor B. E. Brandon had a four week tent effort, "The Sanctuary of Joy Crusade" at 90th and Hasted Streets, along with the above mentioned Bible Workers and members of Straford and Beacon of Joy. As a result, 47 new converts were baptized. These were a part of a dream that came. By prayer and supplication God answered Pastor Simons prayer by letting him receive a permit to baptize and on August 14, 1976 Pastors Simons and Brandon of Beacon of Joy and Straford, Pastor James C Wray, Hyde Park, Pastor E. Foxworth of Altgeld Gardens baptized in Lake Michigan at the 63rd Street Beach.
On September 11, 1976, Pastor Brandon preached his farewell sermon. That afternoon his dream came true with a family style communion service with the table set with grape vines, grape juice, bread and lighted candles. Straford members united with Beacon of Joy for a dedicated communion service. On October 20, 1976 Straford and Beacon of Joy gave a farewell banquet at Straford for Pastor Barry E. Brandon and his wife Patricia. Beacon gifted Pastor Brandon with a robe and his wife Pat was given a watch.
On March 5, 1977, Pastor J.D. Simon preached his farewell sermon. That Sabbath night a banquet with food and gifts from Straford and Beacon of Joy was held honoring Pastor Simon, his wife and children.
From October 12, 1974 - October 8, 1977, Elder Richard C. Brown, Lake Region Conference Secretary, along with our local elders, E. Williams, D. Taylor Sr., and Juan Leon all faithfully served throughout the years in their service and sermons in the absence of the Pastors.
On October 15, 1977, Lake Region Conference sent Pastor George C. Bryant to Straford and Beacon of Joy. Local Elder Edward Williams passed away on December 27, 1977. Beginning July 23 - September 1978, Pastor Bryant had a tent effort, "The Metropolitan Bible Foundation," on 103rd and Lowe Streets for seven weeks. A farewell dinner with gifts was given for Pastor Bryant, his wife Pearl and their children.
In late 1977, Elder Charles D. Joseph, President of Lake Region Conference introduced Pastor Charles Drake, III to Beacon of Joy and he served as pastor from August 22 - December 9, 1978. Elder Drake preached his farewell sermon on family life December 16, 1978 and was transferred to Straford Memorial Church.
On December 23, 1978 Pastor Tyrone Anthony Boyd was transferred from Shiloh to Beacon of Joy as the Pastor. On July 15 - August 12, 1978, Pastors Boyd and Drake had a four week tent effort on the corner of 103rd and Eberhart Streets with the theme, "Christ Is The Way Out Bible Crusade." July 12 - August 1, 1980 Pastor Boyd held a three week revival meeting at the church with the theme. "The Health & Happiness Bible Crusade," at 100th Place resulting in 20 new converts baptized. From July 18 - August 1, 1981, the Health and Happiness Crusade continued for four weeks at 1430 West 100th Place with Pastor Boyd preaching and showing films every night. There were 24 candidates baptized. There were Bible studies given by Pastor Boyd and Elder C.D. Joseph in Spring 1983 and 10 new converts accepted Jesus Christ and were baptized.
On July 9 - August 13, 1983, Shiloh, Beacon of Joy and Independence Churches had a combined evangelistic effort with Evangelist Clifton Davis preaching each night for 5 weeks. With the help of Elders J.C. Wray, T.A. Boyd, L. Shaw and R.L. Douglas Sr., 213 new converts were baptized. The candidates were given the option to chose the church where they wanted to become members and 8 became members of Beacon of Joy.
About Seventh-day Adventists
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a mainstream Protestant church with approximately 19 million members worldwide, including more than one million members in North America. The Seventh-day Adventist Church seeks to enhance quality of life for people everywhere and to let people know that Jesus is coming again soon.
Adventists believe a Trinity of three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—make up one God. They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father's will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone.
When He returned to heaven following the resurrection, Jesus left the Holy Spirit to serve as our Comforter and Counselor. He promised to return to earth a second time to complete His plan of salvation and take His people to heaven. Adventists are among the believers who look forward to that day.
Adventists believe that God is concerned with the quality of human life, and that everything—the way we live, eat, speak, think, treat each other, and care for the world around us—is part of His plan. Our families, our children, our jobs, our talents, our money, and our time are all important to Him.
FIND OUT MORE
Your local church has a vision..
Beacon of Joy Church strives to:
- Passionately pursue Christ,
- Patiently love one another,
- Purposely grow in discipleship.