About Triedstone
In 1942, Reverend T.K. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Malcolm, Reverend Hardy and Sister Ethel Cumby, covered with the full armor of God, found their way to 3353 South Indiana Avenue on Chicago's south side. In the upper room of the Steward Foundation Funeral Parlor, Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church was formed. Under the watchful eye of the Lord, Triedstone was to change locations three more time during the next 59 years as it continued to move forward in service, membership, and leadership for Christ.
The small group of believers continued to meet weekly in prayer, and after several months, God began to open doors for Triedstone. A first home was provided for its members at 3457 South Michigan Avenue. Reverend Davis ministered to the Triedstone body at that location, increasing the membership until his death in 1947. Next, Pastor William Dockerey became the pastor, and took on God's charge to continue the vision for Triedstone. Pastor Dockery served as the pastor until 1951 when Pastor Princeton A. Cantrell took the reigns, and directed Triedstone's congregation until 1955. In 1955, the well-known Reverend Albert Spells was asked to pastor the flock of Triedstone. He ministered at Triedstone until 1971. Young and old remember Reverend Spells for his outstanding personality, kindness, and close relationship with the parishioners. Many families joined Triedstone under his leadership. And during the "Turbulent 60's" and "Recovering 70's", Triedstone continued to grow in grace and spirit, and it's mission of victory remained clear.
In 1975, the building at 1415 West 104th Street was purchased. Under the leadership of Reverend James Walter Siler, the Triedstone Daycare was established as a childcare provider for the community. Pastor Siler ministered at Triedstone until 1979. During the "Prosperous 80's", between 1979 and 1988, Triedstone was to have three other ministers serving in its midst. They were: Pastor Larry Trask (from 1979 to 1981), Pastor Terry Baker (from 1981 to 1984), and Pastor Charlie Hatter (from 1985 to 1998).
In 1989, Triedstone was blessed to have come to them, Reverend Simon Gordon. Today, Bishop Gordon carries on God's Vision for Triedstone, and is committed to making it a reality. His leadership challenges our understanding of the Word, enables us to clarify our direction and continually asks the church to demonstrate its stewardship. Between 1989 and 1988, Triedstone has witnessed and experienced tremendous spiritual, numerical, and financial growth under Bishop Gordon's direction. To begin to propel Triedstone toward the Vision, in 1991, a $25,000 loan was taken out and used to restructure the "original" sanctuary. Funding went towards immediate changes in the outward appearance of Triedstone to draw in the community. These included adding new pews, pulpit furniture, and purchasing a new illuminated sign to mark the church for our community to see and notice our imminent presence. In record time, this "improvement" debt was paid off in full.
To further our spiritual growth and increase our Christian relationships, Triedstone joined the International Full Gospel Church Fellowship(FGCF). In 1994, Bishop Gordon was appointed to the position of State Overseer for Illinois. And to date, he continues to serve in this capacity. Under his leadership, eleven Pastors have joined and are actively apart of our Triedstone family. Additionally, the number of state churches has grown from 17 to over 70 churches that are actively apart of the FGCF in the Illinois region. In November 1998, Overseer Gordon was consecrated as Bishop by the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship under the Presiding Bishop's, Bishop Paul S. Morton, leadership.
As Triedstone's Shepherd, Bishop Gordon's influence and desire to develop others can be seen through their ministerial accomplishments and growth. With the continuous emphasis and focus on our Vision, the milestone achievements continue to manifest. Just to name a few, our accomplishments include the following:
We completed our new church edifice in December, 1998, and our sanctuary was dedicated to the Lord with celebration during April, 1999 under the leadership of Bishop Gordon. Today, Triedstone has approximately 2,000 members.
Our first network Telecast went forth on April 23, 1999 with Bishop Gordon bringing Rhema Word forth. Our Telecast Ministry began under the watchful eyes of Sister Crystal Coleman and Sister Marsha Davis on Cable Access. This weekly telecast touches the entire Chicagoland area and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Our Deacon Ministry has increased the efficiency of our auxiliaries under the leadership of Deacon Herbert Outlaw.
Triedstone's Finance Department has increased by 70in efficiency under the leadership of Sister Betty Anderson.
Our Women of All Seasons Ministry initiated the Annual Women's Retreat under the direction of Elder Ruth Adair. This has now now become a state function that ministers to approximately 200 women each year.
Our Freedom Talk Broadcast Ministry, which ran for 7 years,(1993-2000), reached an average audience of 500,000 listeners weekly with Minister Maston Knowles leading.
Our Children's Church, whose theme is "TO KNOW the WORD, RESPECT the WORD, OBEY the WORD.", oversees and teaches over 300 children weekly under the guidance of Elder Jo Ann Harrison.
The Triedstone Learning Center has been established with the leadership of Minister Lorece Collins as our Christian Education facility offering both Christian classes, Educational tutoring, after school care programs and a summer day camp.
In 2001, to challenge God's people to stay with the basics and keep God's work "simple", Cell Ministry Leadership was implemented. This strategy allowed newer ministries and leaders to benefit and grow from the experience of the more "established" ministries and Lead Servants. It also supported the overall House Vision through the development and strengthening in the area of Unity among our ministerial and auxiliary alliances. Currently, there are 51 active ministries in Triedstone serving the needs of God's people.
In the fall of 2001, the Prayer Ministry opened the doors of Triedstone's School of Prayer. This ongoing 10 week session offered 6 classes in various areas of Prayer geared towards strengthening the prayer life of God's soldiers.
The Marriage Ministry, Keepers of the Flame, held its first Newlywed recognition breakfast, Marriage Couples Weekend Rendezvous and Romantic Dinner getaway to minister to Triedstone's married couples at all levels.
Our Singles Ministry provides monthly teachings and gatherings that minister to the needs of our Christian Singles Community.
As Triedstone continues to grow, 'The Stone Experience!'continues to be awesome.