About Stratford
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Our History
founded in
1954
Stratford was founded by the late Richard W. (Dick) Baker as the South Side Move of God Church, located at 64th Street and Eggleston Avenue. Pastor Baker was a pioneer of the interracial churches in the City of Chicago. At that time in America’s history, that was a major accomplishment.
founded in
1954
Stratford was founded by the late Richard W. (Dick) Baker as the South Side Move of God Church, located at 64th Street and Eggleston Avenue. Pastor Baker was a pioneer of the interracial churches in the City of Chicago. At that time in America’s history, that was a major accomplishment.
relocated in
1956
After two years the congregation had outgrown their first facility so they purchased the Stratford Theater on 63rd and Halsted Streets. On a weekly basis many well-known evangelists were invited to minister at the Stratford Theater, to name a few Bob Dunbar, A. A. Allen, Robert Shambock and the late Richard D. Henton. These revivals were attended by thousands weekly. The 1960’s brought its share of challenges for Stratford Revival Center. In 1967, God led Pastor Baker to discontinue the weekly revival meetings, and he began having weekly Bible Study.
transitioned in
1996
After many years of leadership at Stratford, in 1996 Pastor Baker handed his ministry over to Pastor Odell Townsend, Sr. before he went on to be with Jesus. The Word of God says that the race is not given to the swift or the strong. And just like a runner who takes the baton in a race, Pastor Townsend carried on the work of the ministry and relaying the Word of God around the world by means of the outreach ministries’ birthed through his vision of expansion.
TRANSITIONED in
1996
After many years of leadership at Stratford, in 1996 Pastor Baker handed his ministry over to Pastor Odell Townsend, Sr. before he went on to be with Jesus. The Word of God says that the race is not given to the swift or the strong. And just like a runner who takes the baton in a race, Pastor Townsend carried on the work of the ministry and relaying the Word of God around the world by means of the outreach ministries’ birthed through his vision of expansion.
growing in
2019
On September 15, 2019, just as in 1996 when Apostle Baker handed the ministry over to Bishop Townsend; Bishop Townsend handed the reigns of Stratford Christian Center Church over to Pastor Keith Nelson Brown to continue the work of the ministry. His message is simple and clear, continue spreading the Word of God and GROW His Kingdom.
