A Journey of Faith, Community & a Church Reborn
From Atlanta to Salem: My Journey, and a Sacred Space Reborn
When I moved to Oregon in 2008 to join my husband—who had arrived just a month earlier—Salem felt like another world compared to Atlanta, Georgia, where I came from. It was small, quiet, but incredibly friendly. The first few people I met here gave me warmth I didn’t know I needed. But deep inside, I had come with a heavy heart, searching for answers—especially regarding my baby boy.
He wasn’t sitting up, crawling, or even holding things. Medical concerns weighed heavily on my mind, and the insurance battle felt endless—eight months of back-and-forth before any real headway. If you’d like to know more about that journey, the struggles, and the triumphs, I invite you to read my book: My Cerebral Palsy Story, available now on Amazon.
From Beauty School to Building a Community
After the dust settled a bit, I enrolled in beauty school. Though we were still attending church in Portland the only branch of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Oregon, it was during this period that we started planting roots in Salem.
Not long after graduating from cosmetology school, God provided a salon for me within just 3 to 4 months. That salon became a second home—not just for me, but for many Africans and African Americans in the area. That’s how Flourish Beauty Palace was born.
It wasn’t the first African-owned salon in Salem, but it was the first owned by an African immigrant. Not someone born and raised here—but someone who came here carrying a different culture, a different background, and a whole lot of faith. I’ll forever be grateful for everyone who supported me—whether you stopped by to chat or dropped off some chicken nuggets for my baby.
Yes, that’s right—I would often braid hair with my baby tied to my back, and sometimes even my customers would hold him while I worked. What a beautiful, God-filled community Salem has been to us.
A Divine Encounter: Pastor Guessi Brown
One of my most memorable customers was Pastor Guessi Brown, who led the State Street Church of God. She would come in to get her hair done, and we’d pray together, share scriptures, and encourage one another. We connected over her experiences as a female pastor leading a church steeped in tradition but with prayer and perseverance, she triumphed.
Eventually, she moved to Seattle to be with her children, and the church she pastored went through several transitions—different ministers, then other churches. I visited the building a couple of times for women’s conferences, but never once imagined that our church would ever be connected to that same space.
A Forgotten Building Finds New Life
Years later, I noticed the building was being used as a homeless shelter by Seed of Faith Ministries—a noble mission. Then, in March 2024, our real estate agent called us with a property listing. We went to take a look.
To our surprise, it was the same church building at 1760 State Street—the one we had never paid much attention to before. But as soon as we walked in, my husband and I felt a deep connection. God confirmed it immediately by putting the exact amount needed for the down payment into the church account.
By June 2024, RCCG Winners Garden had its first service in that building. God was breathing revival back into a space that had once carried His name—and now, once again, it would serve His people.
A Historical Look at 1760 State Street
This church building isn’t just any structure—it’s a piece of Salem’s religious history.
1900 – Land deeded by C.N. Potter, likely when the church was first built for the Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church of Salem.
1966 – Purchased by State Street Baptist Church.
1976 – Became home to the Church of God (Pentecostal).
1990 – Celebrated 100 years of worship.
2020 – Purchased by Bishop Wade Harris, founder of Seed of Faith Ministries.
2024 – Acquired by RCCG Winners Garden.
Architecturally, the church reflects early 1900s Gothic Revival—arched windows, a gabled roof, and a full basement used for gatherings and meals. It has faithfully served many denominations and continues to stand as a spiritual anchor in Southeast Salem.
Gratitude for Bishop Wade Harris
Bishop Wade Harris didn’t just preserve a building—he preserved a legacy. He grew up in that church and couldn’t bear the thought of it turning into a nightclub or dispensary, as has happened with other former churches. Instead, God used him to keep the building in Kingdom use, and for that we are eternally grateful.
What a purpose-driven calling Bishop Harris has embraced—faithfully serving Salem through housing efforts, outreach, and now, helping RCCG Winners Garden continue the mission.
A Prophetic Dream Fulfilled
Years ago, my husband had a dream of a church building with a cross in front of it, but no location. When we acquired this church, the Holy Spirit reminded him of that very dream. This was it—a prophetic fulfillment we didn’t even know we were waiting on.
Our Jesus Care Ministry: Serving the City
Our work didn’t stop with Sunday services. Every third Sunday, after worship, we head downtown—just by the bridge leading to West Salem—to feed the homeless through our outreach: our Jesus Care Ministry, led by Elder Wendell Stoller.
A Living Puzzle Still Unfolding
If you’ve read this far and know anything more about the building’s early days—or if you once worshipped here—we’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment, help us fill in the missing pieces of this sacred space’s story.
And if God moves your heart, know this: RCCG Winners Garden Salem is a fertile ground to sow a seed. We are growing, we are serving, and we are giving God all the glory.
Thank you. And may God bless you richly.