the history of gospel light church

Through divine direction and a vision, the Gospel Light Church of God in Christ Jesus, (Apostolic) Inc. was established in 1977. For the first few months services were held in Bishop Smith’s home; however with God’s unmerited favor and the faithful members, the church relocated to a small store front property at 721 Springfield Avenue where the first service was held in September of 1977.

As a result of the rapid growth and the need for a larger space, God made provision and Bishop Smith purchased our current location, 684 Springfield Avenue. God has blessed us tremendously on this pot of ground. Since the purchase of 684 Springfield Avenue it has been a work in progress. In 1997, with the vision that God has placed in our pastor,

Gospel Light Church was able to purchase 688-692 Springfield Avenue. Through prayer, faithfulness, and hard work, in 1999 the vision came to pass and Gospel Light Christian

Academy was birthed. Since the opening of the Gospel Light Christian Academy, it has been serving both the city of Newark and the surrounding areas. God continues to give

our pastor the vision to purchase properties to benefit both the members of our church and the people in the community.

Bishop Smith has been awarded for his efforts in the community and worldwide. He was presented with an achievement certificate from both the Mayor of Newark, and the

Governor of New Jersey.

Today, Gospel Light Church is a great blessing to the general public both spiritually and temporally. For such of a time as this, God has truly given our Bishop a vision for his people. The bible declares in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people

perish.” We are patiently waiting with great expectations knowing that the work does not end here because God is still enlarging our territories and boarders. “The vision shall come to pass” We thank God for the way he is using Bishop and Lady Smith along with our Gospel Light Church family to “Redeem lost souls through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”