By Noel Serrano
There is a Powerhouse of light, hope and refuge in the midst of a dark and dreary 125th St in Harlem, New York. It was once a major hub of entertainment, political meetings , crowded drinking pubs and small sandwich restaurants. In 1960 ,a new neighbor towered its presence with a large blue-trimmed cross with neon splendor. the cross glistened high above the newly paved brick surface. The cross read "Iglesia Pentecostal" The church had recently moved from its original location at 109th st. High above this massive sanctuary, there were large stain-glassed windows that depicted the bible and the lamb. There were two large wooden double doors that would lead one into a large lobby. Large Glass doors would balance a second lobby as one entered the beautiful sanctuary that was once called the Majestic Hall, decades before.
At first glance, there is but a few families that slowly enter the church and many kneel to pray on the front altar while the lights are still low. There is a quiet and sublime peace in the auditorium that contrasts with the frenetic pace of outside Harlem. The sirens of police and firetrucks rushing by at the busy 125th St cannot penetrate the quiet meditation and reverent hour of prayer that is underway in that Great house with the lighted cross. Throngs of families now enter the church. the large chandeliers are now lighted to full capacity and the service begins with a passage of scripture, a congregational prayer and a hymn. In those days, the congregation would sit during the singing of these special hymns that would describe the life of a Christian. Memorable songs such as "El vino a mi corazon!" "He came into my heart!" and "No puede el mundo, ser mi hogar!" "The world cannot be my home!" The joyful congregation would rejoice and sing these songs as they sat with their families. There is no doubt that this congregation was characterized by its great love for God and for one another. They were all knitted together as a family. They celebrated with a deep gratitude to their Savior for the salvation and the joy of living a close and joyful life in the Lord. Many of these families had big problems but when they entered the church, they placed it all in God's hands and they rejoiced in their Redeemer. The congregation is now standing and singing one of those fiery songs that was first introduced by Rev. RW Shambauch during one of his early Revivals at La Sinagoga. The song became an anthem for the church in the early 1960s It was called..."Jesus! JE-E-E-SUS!"
JESUS JESUS! Whoa! The ladies would pound their panderettas with massive force and the men would clap their hands as their ties would swivel like flags. Whenever the pastor heard this song, he would stand up from the large thrown and motion the congregation to stand. He would often do this in the spirit, whenever their was a memorable worship. The power of God would then swoop down the large hall and the congregation would be singing and shouting praises to the Lord. The pastor would start jumping and raising his hands with shouts of Hallelujah. He would beam his famous smile and the congregation would rejoice with him. This song became so popular that Rev. Berrios would often request this song. He would look around the congregation and declare: "Let us sing the song, JESUS! Brother Frankie, come and join us and lead us with the song..JESUS! Frankie would come up to the platform and began to lead the great congregation as Organist Jaimie Pagan started the powerful (Now Famous) flourishes that would set the stage for a glorious time of praise and adoration to our Redeemer. the powerful organ chords resounded and reverberated throughout the massive temple as Frankie led the congregation with his powerful baritone voice..JESUS! JESUS! Frankie, would then improvise with HOLY,HOLY,HOLY. The services extended to midnight on many occasions. The power of the Holy Spirit would take over and the congregation would be swept up in joyful submission to the Lord. This church still lights the way for many and it is still a flickering flame in the midst of darkness. They are a light because they love Jesus and they walk with Him , Daily.
(PART TWO OF AN ONGOING SERIES)
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