In 1976, then-Elder Roy S. Petitt followed the call of God to plant a church, so he rented a storefront at 1551 West Jefferson Blvd., in Los Angeles and named it Miracle Center Apostolic Community Church.
Some of his peers thought his action was unwise, but Elder Petitt and his only member, his wife and assistant pastor, Dr. Bennie Ruth Petitt, moved forward. Together, they placed their faith in God and committed to follow the mandate to “preach the good news of Jesus Christ.”
Four decades later, it is clear that their faith and commitment were not misplaced. Today, Miracle Center is located on a wide parcel located at 2638 S. Western Ave., in Los Angeles and it is a successful ministry with hundreds of members and multiple outreach programs that aid the community.
In observance of their 40th anniversary, Suffragan Bishop Petitt and his congregation are holding a month-long celebration. Worship services taking place each Friday in February at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, February 28, at 3:30 p.m. The guest preachers will be Bishop Robert T. Douglas of Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship Church in Inglewood, Bishop Eugene Johnson of Madison Pentecostal Fellowship in Madison, Wisconsin, and Suffragan Bishop David Rhone of Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center, District Elder Gentry Richardson, Jr., of Bethel Temple Church, and District Elder John Portis of Church of Apostolicity, all in Los Angeles.
“Miracle Center was born through faith, hope, love and prayer. God has guided us every step of the way and we will continue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all that will hear until Jesus comes,” declared Bishop Petitt.
Reflecting on several miracles during the 40-year journey, Bishop Petitt said that the storefront church had a 50-seat capacity that filled up every Sunday. Eighteen months later, the congregation sought a larger facility at 1639 West Jefferson Blvd.
“The owner was asking $22,000. But, after receiving wisdom and counsel from God, I negotiated the price to $19,000,” he recalled. “Praise God another miracle was performed! It was a beautiful brick building, with a seating capacity of 150 – 175 people.”
However, Miracle Center relocated again in 1981 after the L.A.’s Community Redevelopment Agency purchased their property through the imminent domain process. The new place of worship was now at 2638 South Western Avenue, the site of its current location.
Bishop Petitt purchased adjoining lots and made plans to construct a new edifice. Because the location was in a redevelopment zone, he encountered resistance from city officials to build a church in the area.
“But, the Lord was with us and guided us through each phase. By faith, we kept buying land near the site, so eventually the CRA/LA had to give into us,” said Bishop Petitt.
Over the years, Miracle Center acquired adjacent land to expand its campus to 22,500 square feet with a goal of creating additional parking and developing an affordable housing complex. In addition, Bishop Petitt continues to work closely with elected officials and civic leaders on redevelopment plans for the community.
“Our church has been powerfully blessed with great men, women and children who have stood up for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have sacrificed, prayed, and proclaimed the Kingdom of God and joined hearts and hands in prayer for the ‘Miracle On Western Avenue,’” said Bishop Petitt.
To learn more about Miracle Center Apostolic Community Church, call (323) 735-5122.