Living Faith COGIC Ministries

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In January of 1983, Elder Freddie L. Thomas, Sr. and his late wife Glenda Thomas, along with their three sons: David, Freddie Jr. and Michael were received into the Douglas’ home. Thus the “baby church” – later to be called Riverside Church of God in Christ was born.

During the early days in the Douglas’ home, a very hospitable atmosphere was maintained. They invited others to attend, and at times, there were as many as twenty-five people in their living room. At that time, their home was located on Fairville Avenue of Cleveland’s Riverside Estates. After outgrowing the Douglas’ home, “the baby church” conducted several services in the Riverside Estates administration building, located in the center of the housing area. At that time, Sunday School was already conducted for children by Bro. & Sis. Brian Starr of the Cleveland Baptist Church. However, there was any tension because the Starr’s dealt with the children while the Thomas’ taught the adults. By 1985, Riverside had grown large enough to move into its own building at 15743 Puritas Avenue. And by 1990 the church had outgrown that facility and moved into our current edifice at 7115 Dearborn Avenue. In 20_ _ the church name was changed to Living Faith C.O.G.I.C. Bishop Freddie L. Thomas served the Lord with all his heart and our church until he transitioned to glory in 2019. Our current Pastor is Bishop Edward T. Cook who took charge of the ministry in 2020.