Church History

Bishop and Mother Reid
Bishop and Mother Reid

Evangelist McBrideEstablished in 1976 under the leadership of three faithful warriors; Bishop John T. Reid, Mother Ermma Reid and Evangelist Lillian Jones McBride, Prayer and Deliverance Center provides a refuge for those in trouble and are seeking ways to overcome.

       The first church was established in a two-story dilapidated building on the corner of 700 Virginia Avenue and Hartford Street in Portsmouth, VA. Although the outer appearance had much to be desired, members enjoyed the closeness they shared as they worshipped and praised God.  They often spoke of cold temperatures, burst water pipes, sitting by the heater to get warm, crackling wooden floors, leaking ceilings when it rained, rodents, crawling creatures, miracles, good times, the spirit of deliverance, and freedom through the Holy Ghost.  However, the peace and joy they found outweighed the challenges they experienced. The next site was Bell Mills Road in Chesapeake, VA.  A fire destroyed that facility.  Other places of worship were the pastor’s house, Faith Tabernacle, and Pastor Brown’s church on Lafayette Blvd. Finally, the Lord blessed them with this present location.  Bishop Reid referred to it as the “Garden Spot of Norfolk.”  The late Elder James McBride along with the brethren remodeled the warehouse into a beautiful edifice and a place of worship.

      Now, look at Prayer and Deliverance Center today.  Who would have thought the church would look like this? Many of you may recall an old apartment building that was our next door neighbor.  A few years ago, a fire destroyed the building and it was torn down.  Since the church suffered water damage which prohibited us from having service, Prayer and Deliverance was closed for several months.  However, we are grateful for Bishop Jobie Boone and Pastor Naomi Smith allowing us to use their churches until our church was ready. To see Prayer and Deliverance’s facelift is a miracle. Deacon Larry McClellan spearheaded the renovation project and saw a vision that many of us did not see.  With the help of God, the leadership of the pastor, and the labor of the members, we now sit in a newer Prayer and Deliverance Center. “To God be the glory for the things He has done!” 

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