History of Our Church

A Cry Heard from Heaven

God heard a cry, a moan, and a groan
In 1968, after relocating from Los Angeles to San Jose, California, Evangelist Julia Beatrice Ricks began fervently petitioning God to send someone to establish a church in her new city. A faithful Sabbath Keeper and devoted Prayer Warrior, she held Sabbath School and Bible Study in her home, welcoming her grandchildren and any visitors who desired to learn and worship.
Evangelist Ricks was well known throughout the San Jose area. Among her many connections was a meaningful relationship with Bishop Harrison and the Faith Tabernacle Church Organization. Through this connection, the House of God, San Jose was graciously allowed to hold its first service in the dining room of Faith Tabernacle Church at 1465 East San Antonio Street.

A Prayer in Motion

In 1979, when Apostle Larry Hamner and his wife Sandra moved to San Francisco, Evangelist Ricks believed her prayers might finally be answered. Yet God impressed upon her heart to continue praying, assuring her that He would send someone specifically to San Jose.
That divine answer came in 1981. Bishop Ronald Brown of Cincinnati, Ohio—along with his wife Connie, their six young children, and a faithful young member from Lockland, Ohio named Brenda Snell—answered the call. They packed their belongings and journeyed over 3,000 miles to San Jose, fulfilling the vision and prayer that Evangelist Ricks had carried for more than a decade.
Shortly after their arrival, the church secured a rental space in downtown San Jose at 501 Almaden Street. During this time, the Lord began to add to the church. Many children came at the invitation of Natalie, Bishop Brown’s elementary school-aged daughter. One of the first visitors was Sonia Law (later Tyner), who joined the church along with her entire family. Sonia began inviting others, including Sister Barbara Williams—a woman of great faith—who also became a member with her children.
For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Which shall prepare thy way before thee. – Matthew 11:10 KJV

A Messenger Sent

After Bishop Brown relocated to the state of Kansas, Apostle Larry Hamner was installed as pastor by Pacific Coast District Superintendent, Bishop S. C. West. In 1986, the church returned to 1465 East San Antonio Street, subleasing space from Bishop Harrison’s church. Two years later, in 1988, the congregation moved to 6500 E. 14th Street in Oakland, California.
Though the new location had once been a bar, Pastor Hamner assured the saints that God had a plan. The Lord continued to bless the ministry, and the church began serving the community through monthly fried chicken dinners and outreach testimony services.

A Vision Realized

In 1994, the Lord spoke to Pastor Hamner again—this time about purchasing a church building. Despite returning from the National Convocation with a $3,000 deficit, Apostle Hamner led the saints to visit a property at 1004 24th Street. Sister Barbara Williams, ever a woman of faith, began inviting people to the new location and to worship services.
In 2003, the Lord blessed the congregation to pay off the mortgage on the 24th Street church. The saints celebrated with a joyful Mortgage Burning Ceremony. Bishop Jerry Carter of Fort Wayne, Indiana served as the keynote speaker; Minister Terry Bailey of Moody, Alabama officiated the burning; and Bishop S. C. West of Los Angeles, California led the dedication.

Continuing the Legacy

As the Oakland saints continue to move forward, they do so standing firmly on a legacy of faith, prayer, and unwavering dedication. The story of the House of God, San Jose and Oakland is a testament to the power of persistent prayer, divine timing, and the faithfulness of God’s people.

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