Large formal gathering inside a church, with attendees in suits and dresses standing beneath wooden beams, stained-glass windows, and hanging lanterns.
Construction workers building brick and cinder block walls for a commercial building
Large choir in white robes singing on church steps as a crowd watches outside
Black-and-white photo of children gathered in a room while adults watch from rows of chairs.
Man wearing a fedora sits inside a dimly lit theater beside a wooden podium and rows of pews.
Interior of a church sanctuary with wooden pews, a raised altar, pulpit, floral arrangement, and ceiling windows.
Construction site beside a large building with exposed utility lines, trenches, dirt, and concrete sidewalk under construction
Brick church with a tall tower and cross-shaped window, photographed on a snowy winter day.
Vintage photo of a smiling Black pastor speaking into a microphone from a wooden church pulpit
Vintage halftone portrait of a formally dressed man in a suit and tie
Black-and-white halftone portrait of a smiling older man in a suit and tie

Elder I.H. Hammons

Black-and-white halftone portrait of a smiling man wearing glasses, a suit, and tie.

Elder James Vaughn

Smiling man in a black tuxedo with a white boutonniere posing beside a brick wall and staircase

Elder John Sanders

Portrait of a smiling bald Black man wearing glasses, a gray suit, lime green shirt, and patterned green tie against a purple backdrop

Bishop George L. Stearnes

Elder Jeffery E. Allen

Church History

The Logan Park Assembly of Christ Church has the distinction of being the first Pentecostal church established in Gary, Indiana. Founded in 1917 by Elder I. H. Hammons, the church is affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. and continues to uphold the Apostolic doctrine established by the early church on the Day of Pentecost. Our faith is founded upon the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone (Acts 2:1–12; Ephesians 2:19–20). Logan Park continues to preach repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, as recorded in Acts 2:38.

In 1917, God moved upon the heart of Elder Hammons to come to Gary and proclaim the gospel. His ministry began on street corners, and through God's providence, Mother Pace opened her home for worship services. As the congregation grew, a storefront building at 1634 Monroe Street was purchased and became the church's first official home, known as Apostolic Faith Church.

Following the passing of Elder Hammons, Elder James Vaughn became pastor on October 18, 1943. Alongside his wife, Sis. Rebella Vaughn, he faithfully served the congregation for seven years. During his pastorate, Brother George L. Stearnes was converted and added to the church. After Elder Vaughn's passing in 1950, the congregation was sustained through the ministry of Elder Arthur Jennings, local ministers, and dedicated deacons until God provided another shepherd.

On July 17, 1950, Elder John H. Sanders of San Antonio, Texas became the church's third pastor. During his eleven years of leadership, he guided the congregation and acquired property that would eventually become the permanent home of the church. Upon his resignation in 1961, District Elder Sloan Woods provided temporary leadership while the congregation sought God's direction concerning its next pastor.

In 1963, Elder George L. Stearnes was selected to lead the church. Under his leadership, Logan Park entered a season of tremendous growth and progress. Church debts were eliminated, the existing facilities were remodeled, additional property was purchased, and plans were made for a new sanctuary. Through God's blessing and the faithful support of the congregation, the church sanctuary was rebuilt, expanded, and dedicated in 1972. The mortgage was paid in full within four years and celebrated with a mortgage-burning ceremony in 1976. As the membership continued to grow, further renovations were completed and celebrated with a rededication service in 1988.

Bishop Stearnes faithfully served as pastor for fifty-five years, providing spiritual leadership, wisdom, and vision to the congregation. His ministry was marked by a deep commitment to the welfare of God's people and the advancement of the church. In 2010, that vision led to the establishment of Logan Park Memorial Gardens, providing a beautiful resting place for members of the church family. Throughout his tenure, Bishop Stearnes continually sought the Lord's guidance concerning the future of the church and prayed earnestly for the one who would succeed him.

After much prayer and divine direction, Bishop Stearnes announced Elder Jeffery E. Allen as his pastoral successor. Elder Allen had faithfully served the congregation for many years and was well known for his dedication to the Word of God, his commitment to Apostolic doctrine, and his faithful labor within the church. On January 13, 2019, Bishop Stearnes retired and officially installed Elder Allen as the fifth pastor of Logan Park Assembly of Christ.

Soon after Pastor Allen assumed leadership, the church celebrated its 47th Annual Convention in May and June of 2019. Later that year, the world was confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing unprecedented challenges to churches, communities, and nations across the globe. Through this difficult period, Pastor Allen remained steadfast in preaching sound doctrine, encouraging the congregation, and reminding God's people to remain faithful to His Word. Through prayer, faith, and God's sustaining grace, Logan Park successfully navigated this season while continuing its mission and ministry.

Today, Logan Park Assembly of Christ continues to stand as a beacon of Apostolic truth, building upon the foundation laid by its founders and leaders. Through every generation, God has faithfully preserved His church, and we remain committed to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ while carrying forward the rich legacy entrusted to us.