PASTOR AMELIA JONES OF NEW JERUSALEM HOLINESS CHURCH IN EAST LIBERTY. (PHOTO BY COLETTE FUNCHES)
And 25 years with Rev. Amelia Jones as pastor; gala occurs Nov. 24 in Penn Hills
by Colette Funches
For New Pittsburgh Courier
New Jerusalem Holiness Church is nestled in a quiet section of East Liberty, at 111 Auburn St. The church sanctuary and fellowship hall are charming and inviting, with a band section complete with instruments and a modern light-up acrylic pulpit with the church emblem, right next to the one made of wood.
On Oct. 6, 1949, the church, under the direction of Rev. Sally Amelia Bradley and Elder Michael Bradley, had its first service at a dinette in the Hill District. The couple held their church service in their home at 2335 1/2 La Place St. in Pittsburgh.
Today, the church has Rev. Amelia E. Bradley Jones as its leader. She is the daughter of the late Bradleys.
The “111” in 111 Auburn St., the church address, Rev. Jones thought meant 1-Lord, 1-Faith and 1-Baptism. But she said it’s based on Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Reverend Jones also said that the church “is a Holiness Church (Pentecostal), that functions as a Baptist church, and shares fellowship with various denominations.”
The 50-member church is preparing for Rev. Jones’ 25th Pastoral Anniversary, which will be held, Nov. 24. The banquet will be held at the Blackridge Civic Center, 1200 Beulah Road, Penn Hills at 5 p.m.
“My life has been a beautifully woven tapestry,” Rev. Jones told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “Yet within the beauty of it all, there have been sad times, great joy, failure and accomplishment. Woven in the experience has been the seen hand of God. Sometimes you don’t see it when He is viewing it, but if you look back, you can see He was there.”
Reverend Jones said she was called at an early age, loved music, and tried to bargain with God when she was asked to sing at a church on the Hill. Her brother played the intro on the piano and she heard the voice of God speaking to her.
“You cannot do what you want to do,” Rev. Jones said she heard God tell her. Although grown, she fell silent for a minute.
This past November 4 equaled 25 years that she’s been the pastor of New Jerusalem Holiness Church. She is married to Joseph Jones II, and they have four adult children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Those who are familiar with the church are aware that harvest baskets are given out each Thanksgiving, which contain tablecloths, salt and pepper shakers, desserts and a full meal. Church members are encouraged to find a family and help them feel good about the Thanksgiving holiday. Also, the Angel Tree provides gifts to children whose parents are incarcerated. Adults choose a child’s name whose picture is on an Angel, and then purchase a gift for them.
The church’s Cancer Awareness Sunday is usually held in October. It focuses on pancreatic and breast cancers, usually. People hear from a person who either has cancer or beat cancer, and those in the audience receive a gift bag with a blanked, book marker and candy.
The “Seasoned Saints” Appreciation Day is a yearly event, which was held this past September. The 16 saints who are over age 60 received a gift bag containing small gifts, and each gift was representative of a scripture verse. Some of the verses were Psalms 131:1, II Chronicle 15:7, Galatians 6:2, II Timothy 2:21 and Proverbs 12:23. A bottle of water was given for I Chronicle 16:18: “For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge such men.”
Earlier this year, in October, the church celebrated its 75th anniversary. Among those who were guest speakers for that affair were Rev. William Curtis and Rev. Jonathan Wilson.
Reverend Jones told the Courier that as New Jerusalem enters its new chapter, she wants to have increased evangelism, an outreach focused on millennials and young children, more equipping of saints through classes and spiritual gift workshops.
She said the church’s motto is, “Everybody is somebody because Jesus Christ is Lord.” Reverend Jones said she wants everyone to leave the church “with hope, encouragement and direction.”
