We where established in 2001
Under the Divine direction of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, The Harvest Christian Fellowship was organized to give people the opportunity to be saved through responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We organized the Lord's church as a continued soul-saving station in Alton, Illinois through the three-fold spiritual program of the M.E.E. ( Missions, Evangelism and Education) concept.
On February 16, 2001, at the home of Rev. & Mrs. Gino A. Austin, on one accord, 5 saints came together and expressed a desire to be a church and be shepherded by Reverend Gino A. Austin.
- Sister Aretha Manley
- Sister Wanda Chapman
- Sister Glynn Austin
- Sister Juanita Smith
- Reverend Gino A. Austin
Having decided to organize, a search was begun to locate a place to worship. On February 21, 2001 the church, not yet named, met at Monroe Memorial Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C), to have Bible Study. Approximately 20 persons were present at that first Bible Study. During Bible Study the invitation was offered and a candidate for baptism came.
God heard the prayers of the membership and blessed us with a place to worship and the first service was held on February 25, 2001 with approximately 57 persons in attendance. The church still unnamed was meeting at Allen Chapel on Salu St.
On February 28, 2001 the church was named Harvest Christian Fellowship Church, Pastor Austin expressed the focus of our church would be: Simple in Worship, Sound in Doctrine, and Steadfast in Prayer.
"Leaning on these three pillars with Jesus Christ as our foundation, we will be successful in our witness "(Acts 2:42-47).
During the second official service, 43 persons joined the new family of Harvest Christian Fellowship Church. And the Lord is continually adding to the church daily such as should be saved!
Praise God! We are still making history!