The Historic Past Of Lingo Memorial Church

The current Lingo Memorial was the “Mother” Church of God in Christ in Harrisburg. Originally known as the Broad Street Church of God in Christ it was established in 1924 under the leadership of Elder L. R. Roberson and his wife Bessie. Over the next six (6) years Elder Roberson and the Saints built the church by going door to door witnessing to people, praying with them and extending invitations for them to attend the church.

In 1930 Bishop Mason sent Elder Roberson to New York and over the next ten (10) years the church was led by several dynamic pastors, Elder Kendall from Pittsburgh; Elder John J. Perkins known as the “singing preacher”; and Elder Wyoming Wells. 

In 1940 Elder E. T. Lingo and his wife Genieve took over the leadership of the church. Within four (4) years they built a new edifice on Sixth Street in Harrisburg and one year later on August 2, 1945; the church was incorporated and registered with the state of Pennsylvania as the Lingo Temple Church of God in Christ.

Unfortunately, in 1960, due to the Urban Renewal, the Sixth Street location had to be torn down.  The congregation then moved to 501 N. Cameron Street until June 22, 1972 when Hurricane Agnes flooded the church. However, from the time Elder Lingo arrived until his death on February 26, 1969, the congregation and spiritual programs continued to grow.

Elder Joseph E. Bass was the Pastor from 1970-1977. Under his leadership, the present location was purchased and the church name was changed from Lingo Temple to Lingo Memorial.

From 1977 until April 20, 2018, the church was blessed to be under the great leadership of Bishop  Benjamin J. Ravenel, Sr., a man who loved the Lord, the people of God and one who had a great vision and much wisdom. Upon his arrival at the church the membership consisted of approximately 20 adults and a few children. However, because of his faithfulness and selflessness, the church grew abundantly and numerous ministries were birthed for the young and old. Under his leadership, the ongoing objectives of the church were and still are holy and righteous living, soul winning and kingdom building.

Bishop Ravenel was an example of how to be contributors to the church both spiritually and financially. As a result the church extension was built and now houses our administrative offices; a house was purchased that is used for community outreach; vans were purchased and the sanctuary was renovated. In the last year of his life he was leading the project to pay off the church mortgage.

Since the beginning, our church has not only been blessed with outstanding men as pastors, but also with blessed and anointed women. Mother Lula Lucky; Mother Ruth White who in 1966 was appointed Jurisdictional Supervisor by Bishop O. T. Jones, Sr.; Mother Ezell Ellison, and our current Church Mother Lula Wiggins appointed by Bishop Ravenel in August 2016. Even though she never served as the official Church Mother, Mother Matilda Ravenel has had a significant influence on the growth of this church.



The Lingo Memorial Church of God in Christ has been in existence for approximately ninety-five (95) years. Our church motto, “It may be difficult, but not impossible. By faith, it can be done” exemplifies our journey.