On Thursday, October 21, 2010, Pastor Galen Leverette received a telephone call that he should not return to the property located at 6555 South Cottage Grove Avenue. He was informed that the locks had been changed and the members were no longer his concern.
On Saturday, October 23, 2010, many of the members drove past the church and noticed a “CLOSED” sign on the front door. In lieu of the circumstances, the late Dr. Charles G. Hayes gave Pastor Leverette consent to use the “annex” of the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer to hold his first service. An agreement was made that services would continue at the Annex until Greater House of Prayer could find a more permanent church home.
On Sunday, October 24, 2010, the first service for the Greater House of Prayer Church was held. It was a time of mixed emotions, but God was in control. Services were held at the Annex for 4 consecutive years. Pastor Leverette encouraged the members to hold fast to the belief that God would provide a place for us.
The church established a monthly newsletter to keep in touch with members via the U.S. mail. A telephone outreach system was also implemented to keep members abreast of weekly services, events and activities. Pastor Leverette received letters, telephone calls and words of encouragement from many Pastors on both the local and national level.
During the 4-year period of time, false allegations and rumors continued to overshadow the ministry, but the church was not swayed by the transition that was taking place. Prophet Johnson’s picture was hung in the annex and what had been prophesized became a beacon of light for the members to continue. Pastor Leverette held Sunday School classes, weekly worship services, weddings, funerals, regular Leadership Training,, Memorial Day services, the Annual Father’s Day Banquet, Harvest Services, Feet Washing services, Christmas Banquets, Watch Meeting, services, Church Conferences in Oakbrook, IL, Soul Food Feasts, and Ice Cream Socials,.
After an extensive period of prayer, fund raising, budgeting, and property searching; the ministry received its 501c3 charitable organization status form the Internal Revenue Service in May 2013.
God did all that He promised during the time at the annex. It is impossible to tell print all of the miracles, blessings and incredible turn of events that propelled the ministry forward from 2010 until now.
On October 28, 2014, Greater House of Prayer relocated to the current location of 700 East 111th Street in Chicago, IL. 60628. We will never forget all of the Pastors, ministers, attorneys, accountants, realtors, corporations, team members, auxiliary leaders, church members, sponsors and supporters who helped us actualize the vision!!!