Prayer Room COGIC 39 Lyon St Batavia Ny 14020 2.33

PRAYER ROOM CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST



Prayer Room Church of God in Christ began its origin in the early 1950’s in a house located in Oakfield, New York. A praying woman of God, the late Missionary Charlene McKinnis, began this ministry. In the small Oakfield community, Mother McKinnis visited homes, prayed with families and then invited them to the “little mission.” As a result, many souls were saved and the mission grew. To assist her in the mission work, various ministers visited Oakfield. One minister in particular visited often and labored with Mother McKinnis to bring souls into the kingdom. This minister was Elder Carl Roberson, Sr. He was one of the faithful ministers who was later appointed pastor in the late 1950’s. Mother McKinnis moved from Oakfield to Batavia where she renovated one room of her house for a church – the new Prayer Room Church of God in Christ at 31 Maple Street. Assisting Mother McKinnis in this great work was her daughter, Missionary Della McKinnis. Among the great women who labored in kingdom work at the Prayer Room were Missionary Louis Doward, Sister Joanne Penders and Mother Dolly Mae Williams. They continued their work for many years under the leadership of Bishop Roberson. Several ministers assisted Bishop Roberson with pastoral care including Elder Willie C. Roberson and Elder George Williams. In the early 2000’s, Prayer Room moved its worship services to the YWCA. It was in 2003 Prayer Room Church was blessed to purchase a building at 39 North Lyon Street, Batavia New York. Bishop Roberson remained the pastor of Prayer Room Church until he retired from his pastoral duties in 2009. The congregation continues in the work of the Lord under the leadership of Superintendent Willie. C. Roberson and Assistant Pastor Raymond Doward.