History
The Genessee Ave congregation came into existence largely from the faithful work of the late brother Edward Thompson. He would go to cities where there were not any congregations to conduct bible studies and worship services in his home. When he arrived in Columbus in 1923, he began teaching the word of God. In 1924, his son, Buford Byrd “BB” Thompson joined him and soon they learned about a group called the Church of Christ Disciples on Monroe Avenue. After a few visits, the Thompsons decided not to unite with them, because of scriptural differences. However they found there were some that were baptized into the body of Christ. One of those baptized was brother William P. Reese.
At this time, the congregation was made up of 10 people. During this period, brother TH York and brother JL Anthony would preach to this group until brother “BB” Thompson and brother William P. Reese were made ministers of the congregation in 1934. For the next 10 years, the congregation met in various storefronts and homes.
On April 5, 1948, the congregation moved into its first home at 1299 Mt. Vernon Avenue, with brother Reese and brother “BB” Thompson serving as the ministers. In 1954, brother Thompson assumed full responsibility of the congregation, upon the death of brother Reese. In 1964, Brother James Maxwell became the lead minister of the congregation, with brother Thompson serving as the Assistant Minister. The Mt. Vernon Avenue Church of Christ grew and thrived and shortly outgrew this location and then moved to 2189 Cleveland Avenue on February 2, 1969. Brother Clyde Sales became the assistant minister at the Cleveland Avenue location. In April, 1992, the congregation moved to the present location, 1889 Genessee Avenue, with brother Clyde D. Sales serving as the Senior Minister. After 37+ years of dedicated service, brother Sales retired and brother Vincent Ford, II was installed as Senior Minister and is currently serving in that position faithfully carrying on the legacy of spreading the word of God and expanding His kingdom.
Minister History
Vince Ford 2019-present
Clyde Sales 1982-2019
Buford “BB” Thompson 1934-
William P. Reese