221 Hamilton Ave Paterson, NJ
973-341-7481

"I believe that the community center will be a lighthouse, so that I could see into the lives [of others]"--Barbara Franklin

In 1950 the Lord sent a young man to the city of Paterson to the street called Straight, form Montclair, New Jersey. The Lord told the late Elder James C. Creech to come to Paterson by himself and not to bring anyone with him. Preach the Cospel to the unsaved and to tell them about His saving blood. Many of the members of Mt. Carmel U.H.C.A. Inc. in Montclair wanted to come along with him but, he stated to them of his departing. In February 1950 he took his little brown bag and came to Paterson and started a church on Straight Street.

Edler Creech did just what the Lord told him to do, come by yourself. The Lord told us in his word if we ask we shall receive, knock and it shalt be opened. For a long time Elder Creech would come to Paterson by himself and he would be the only person in the church singing, playing, and praying. He stated that while he was praying the Devil came to him and said, "Why don't you just get your little brown bag and go back to the big beautiful church in Montclair," but the Lord came to Edler Creech and said to him, "I said Paterson".

As Elder Creech continued to preach, play, and pray the Lord began to add to the church. After a short time, the late Sister Annie D Creech began to come with him. One night while he was praying, Elder Creech told the Lord, "Lord you said Paterson, so please send some members." He remembered again the words of the scripture, "ask and it shall be given," The Lord answered his prayers and began to add to the church. The church began to grow rapidly adding many members.

Our church was blessed with deacons, trustees, missionaries, teachers, and great preachers. As Elder Creech began to age his health began to fail, he saw the need for an assistant pastor, and placed Elder Moses Mckenzie as assistant pastor of Creech Temple #1.

Over the years of leadership the Lord has blessed the late Pastor Creech with two pastore, Elder Linda Hindsman and Elder Willlie McClam. Other ministers as Evangelist Martha Barnes, who was the first missionary, Rev. Sis. Ethel Williams who organized the first Pastors Aide Dept. The late Lela More, Evangelist Verleen McKenzie, who first chaired the Annual Woman's Day celebration; Evangelist Valerie Carter-Howard; Minister John Gadson; Missionary Annie Jacobs and Evangelist Marrie Price who became the first Vice President of the North New Jersey sub-district out of Creech Temple.

Elder Creech obyed God. He was able to attract his own members, not other pastors members. He came to Paterson and did God's will. It was with these members and their faithfulness that plans for construction of a new church came into play. After the plans were set, papers were signed with the city of Paterson and the Lord called him home from labor to reward him on October 2, 1987.

BARBARA FRANKLIN

Barbara was born and raised in the city of Paterson NJ she is the Executive Director of the CREECH CDC. Barbara has a love for people and her community, she believes that it takes a village to raise our children and no one person can do it alone.

EBONY FREEMAN

Ebony is a life long resident of Paterson NJ. She is the Youth Director of the CREECH CDC Aftercare and Summer Camp Program. Ebony believes that the love she has for children will affect the community in a positive way. She says that just by spending time with a child can make a world of difference.

SCOTT MAHONEY

Mr. Hahoney has lived in Paterson NJ all of his life. Scott is the Assistant Director of the CREECH CDC. Mr. Mahoney believes by dedicating his life to community service he can help someone in a positive way.

JAMES GUTHRIDGE JR

James comes originally from Asbury NJ and at the time he came to CREECH he was homeless. He is now a current worker and recipient of the Housing Assistance Program through CREECH CDC. James believes that through his maintence work that he does, he can help the community center to keep on it's path of positive growth.

NINA LLOYD

Nina is a life long resident of the city of Paterson NJ. Nina is the head cook of the Aftercare Program. Miss Lloyd believes that by cooking meals in a loving way helps the children in the community focus on ther academics better.

SHERRI STEPHEN

Sherri was born and raised in Paterson NJ. Miss Stephen is a Youth Counselor in the Aftercare Program and Summer Camp. Sherri was involved with a gang member and she now realizes that working with the Aftercare Program is vital to the children in our community.

MONICA GEORGE

Monica is a life long resident of the city of Paterson NJ. Miss George is referral secretary, an Aftercare and Summer Camp Youth Counselor. Miss George believes that CREECH CDC is like a lighthouse to the community. A place that the members can turn to in times of trouble so that the different needs of the people can be addressed.

ANTHONY GLOVER

Mr. Glover was born and raised in the city of Paterson NJ. Anthony is a volunteer cook at the Aftercare Program. Mr. Glover believes by giving his time to the nourishment of the children in the center, that he will have a positive impact on each of their lives.