Our Church History

The word of God declares in St. Matthew chapter 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” and this is what Pastor Hibbert did when he launched out and started the work in Morristown, New Jersey on May 16, 1999.

For a few years God has been speaking to Pastor Barrington Hibbert, through visions and prophecies of His calling to shepherd a flock, but like men of old and even our own contemporary ministers, this servant of God was filled with trepidation and doubts, whether he could master such a task of pastoring a congregation. But God’s will was stronger, and the church began in the city of Morristown.

There was some curiosity as to why Morristown? You see Morristown is located North Western in New Jersey, and somewhat away from the bigger cities closer to New York. It is a mix of middle class to affluent suburbanites and a very expensive area, but the word of God is not prejudiced to demographics or cultural norms. The gospel must be preached to all segments of the society. The decision to start a work in Morristown was confirmed when Pastor Hibbert and his wife did some research, and it was found that there was no Oneness Pentecostal church in the town.  So with much prayer, fasting and practical preparation the opening day came on May, 16th 1999.  The inaugural service convened at the Plaza hotel, Speedwell Ave, in the center of Morristown. With the support of saints from the headquarters church, in Paterson, East Orange, other locations and other invited guests, Pastor Hibbert welcomed all and shared his vision with congregation. 

Opening day was of a day of jubilation, praising God for what He allowed to come to pass.  The day’s message was delivered by Pastor Hibbert, and Jesus Christ the master builder took over from there as the guiding light of the church. After the first day, the church consisted of four members (Pastor and family) and Sis Sandra Mignott  (who was baptized shortly after) and daughter Ciavon. Most Sundays we had visitors from various towns, including the surrounding areas. About  three to four weeks later, we were encouraged by a blessing from God. While we were in church, a woman and her daughter came to the door with a paper in her hand. Sis Hibbert went to her and found out that she had received a flyer (hundreds of opening day flyers were mailed out) but she was unable to check out the location previously, because of work schedule. She was so overjoyed that she found us there, stayed that day (although not prepared for church) enjoyed the service and three years later Sis & Bro Davis are part of the Morristown church. Sis Davis advised us that she was new in the area also, and could not find an Apostolic church in Morristown.  Sundays after Sundays, Pastor Hibbert ministered the word and we laid aside all our fears and anxieties and trusted God. By then we thought, the congregation would be full to capacity after all the advertising that was done, but God knew best. 

The song declares “if I didn’t have a problem, I wouldn’t know that God could solve them, I wouldn’t know what faith in God could do. This was a reality to Pastor Hibbert and Sis Erica, when the enemy showed up and we were asked to leave the hotel. The city inspector of Morristown through some source found out that a church was being held on the premises and the hotel administration gave us 2 weeks to vacate.  With this short time with which to work, Pastor and his wife called upon God their Jehovah-jireh as the two weeks dissolved into days. But God proved Himself once more to be always on time.  Just two days before the time ended God provided the present location, 39 Maple Ave.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow. At 39 Maple Ave. (our prayers and fasting, were for God to add daily such as to be save), and the church began to grow daily. Young and old, backsliders and sinners accepted the Lord and we praised God for that.

The church in Morristown started out and continues to advocate the theme LOVE, AND A FAMILY environment of warmth and caring.  Pastor Hibbert reminds the saints to show and practice love for all who come through the doors of the church. He believes that church should be a place where joy is shared and spread, where wounded lives are healed, and spiritual fellowship is shared.  Over the four years, the testimonies of many are the validation of these attributes as from time to time it can be heard.

In keeping with our view that the church must extend beyond its four walls, our outreach ministry has held services at the Market Street Rehab Mission and on the third Saturday of each month visits the Morris View Nursing Home. Known as the “Pentecostal Praise”, the Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic of Morristown, visits the shut-ins and minister to the elderly in a worship service of songs and praise, and Pastor Hibbert encourages them with a message from the Bible.

Asked how we would characterize this church, we respond that the Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) of Morristown is a church that imparts God’s salvation plan, a church that makes the difference in individual’s lives, a church that cares about the soul.  A church that puts fragmented lives back together-through the word God.  It is a church that MAKES A DIFFERENCE!