Elder Samuel Edward Russell came to Phoenix, Illinois having rented a little storefront from Mrs. Pauline Carr. He paid the first month’s rent for $55.00 on March 20, 1964. He began this mission with his wife and three children: Audrey, Harry, and Samuel Jr.

Sis. Savannah Cook, her son Fisher Cook and daughter Ester Cook came into worship also. Later, her Pastor, Elder R. Hopson gave her permission to put her membership with this church. Also, Bro. O. C. Perkins was here in the beginning. After a month, this new mission still didn’t have a name. Pastor Russell wanted a name for it. Brother Hardy Cook came up with the name Peace and Goodwill.

Every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday morning and Sunday evening the Pastor and his family and his few members would worship the Lord there. Mother Russell was always by his side. Bishop L. H. Ford came a few weeks later and preached the opening message. Bishop Ford was very encouraging to Pastor Russell.

The Lord began to add souls to the church and the storefront became too small after only one year. The church saved $500.00 to make a down payment on a dwelling house. At that time, it was occupied by Brother and Sister Cook. Brother Cook was trying to buy the house, but the Hood Family wouldn't sell it to him.

Evidently, God had it preserved for a church home. After the purchase of the building, it needed remodeling. Pastor Russell was unable to find a contractor whose price was within reason, so he decided to do the work himself, never having done this kind of work before. Pastor said, “All things are possible with God.” Pastor Russell worked a full-time job and did the remodeling. During this time of remodeling and purchasing Pastor Russell served the church for two years without compensation.

God began to add more souls to the church and the membership out grew this building. The Lord led Pastor Russell to build a new church. Pastor Russell gave up his job in order to better serve the church and build God a house. So, in 1969 he began to build God a new church from March 20, 1964 through April 4, 1998 when God called him from Labor to Reward.

On May 17, 1998 the Church overwhelmingly elected and Bishop Robert R. Sanders appointed Elder Fisher Cook, a son of the church, as Pastor of the great Peace and Goodwill Church of God in Christ. His endeavor is to carry the great legacy left by founding Pastor, Elder Samuel E. Russell.

Elder Samuel Edward Russell came to Phoenix, Illinois having rented a little storefront from Mrs. Pauline Carr. He paid the first month’s rent for $55.00 on March 20, 1964. He began this mission with his wife and three children: Audrey, Harry, and Samuel Jr.

Sis. Savannah Cook, her son Fisher Cook and daughter Ester Cook came into worship also. Later, her Pastor, Elder R. Hopson gave her permission to put her membership with this church. Also, Bro. O. C. Perkins was here in the beginning. After a month, this new mission still didn’t have a name. Pastor Russell wanted a name for it. Brother Hardy Cook came up with the name Peace and Goodwill.

Every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday morning and Sunday evening the Pastor and his family and his few members would worship the Lord there. Mother Russell was always by his side. Bishop L. H. Ford came a few weeks later and preached the opening message. Bishop Ford was very encouraging to Pastor Russell.

The Lord began to add souls to the church and the storefront became too small after only one year. The church saved $500.00 to make a down payment on a dwelling house. At that time, it was occupied by Brother and Sister Cook. Brother Cook was trying to buy the house, but the Hood Family wouldn't sell it to him.

Evidently, God had it preserved for a church home. After the purchase of the building, it needed remodeling. Pastor Russell was unable to find a contractor whose price was within reason, so he decided to do the work himself, never having done this kind of work before. Pastor said, “All things are possible with God.” Pastor Russell worked a full-time job and did the remodeling. During this time of remodeling and purchasing Pastor Russell served the church for two years without compensation.

God began to add more souls to the church and the membership out grew this building. The Lord led Pastor Russell to build a new church. Pastor Russell gave up his job in order to better serve the church and build God a house. So, in 1969 he began to build God a new church from March 20, 1964 through April 4, 1998 when God called him from Labor to Reward.

On May 17, 1998 the Church overwhelmingly elected and Bishop Robert R. Sanders appointed Elder Fisher Cook, a son of the church, as Pastor of the great Peace and Goodwill Church of God in Christ. His endeavor is to carry the great legacy left by founding Pastor, Elder Samuel E. Russell.