History
Established in 1967
Pastor Mendres L. Bereal and District Missionary Sarah I. Bereal
Pastor Mendres L. and District Missionary Sarah I. Bereal were saved in Phoenix, Arizona in 1944. Pastor Bereal was licensed as a minister under the leadership of Dad Taylor and Overseer C. H. Mason. Pastor Bereal founded and established his first church, Bethel Church of God in Christ, as a licensed minister. In 1948 Pastor and Missionary Bereal moved to Los Angeles and joined under the leadership of Pastor Ulysses Blake. In 1951 Pastor Bereal was ordained by State Overseer S. M. Crouch. Pastor Bereal established five churches during his ministry, of which two are yet operating Bethel Church of God in Christ in Phoenix, Arizona and Hillside Tabernacle Church of God In Christ in Altadena, California .In 1968 Elder and Missionary Bereal, with the blessing of Pastor Lawrence F. Catley, began the firstChurch of God in Christ in the city of Altadena. The Lord gave Mother Sarah Bereal the name of HillsideTabernacle Church of God In Christ. God called Dad and Mom Bereal and the church to a three month prayer revival during which souls were saved off the streets and the church grew. The Lord spoke to Dad Bereal and made him a promise that he would never leave him alone, and so, the song that was sung for 36 years was birthed. Every Sunday morning the congregation sang, “No Never Alone”.In June of 1975 the Lord saw it was time to take Mother Sarah I. Bereal from labor to reward. The church suffered a great loss. Pastor Mendres L. Bereal served faithfully for 57 years in the ministry. Many pastors, preachers, musicians, and singers have been birth out of this ministry of HillsideTabernacle Church. In September of 1989, Hillside Church moved to its present location, 2561 North Fair Oaks Avenue,Altadena, California. In 1993 Pastor Mendres L. Bereal underwent a triple heart bypass, and in 1997 suffered five strokes. The Lord was so kind and faithful to restore him each time his health was challenged. On October 6, 2002, Bishop Charles E. Blake placed Pastor Mendres L. Bereal in emeritus status, and appointed Supervisor Dr. Frances E. Harris as the Administrator/Teacher of the church. The labor and counseling of Dad Bereal continued for two more years after the appointment of Supervisor Harris. For three years Dad Bereal led 5:00 AM prayer each morning along with Deaconess Patricia Joyce Callahan and Deacon Lester Patterson. Undergirded by prayer and with the tutelage of Dad Bereal the transition of leadership went smoothly. The Lord has truly blessed the labor of Dad and Mother Bereal. We say today, rest on, we love you,“and the fruits of your labor shall remain.”
Carrying the Mantle
Elder Jerry L. Harris & Supervisor Dr. Frances E. Harris
In 1968 change had come both physically and pastorally. Hillside relocated to its current location in Altadena, California and in 2002 Bishop Charles E. Blake placed Pastor Mendres L. Bereal in emeritus status and appointed Supervisor Dr. Frances E. Harris as the administrator/ teacher of the church.
The transition in leadership was a success with the undergirding of Dad Bereal’s prayers and support from Supervisor’s husband Elder Jerry L. Harris.
Elder Jerry L. Harris and Supervisor Dr. Frances E. Harris have been married for well over 50 years. The Lord blessed them with daughter, Jerice Kenebrew; son-in-law, Geric LaKeith Kenebrew; grandson David Kenebrew and son Pastor David E. Harris, founder of New Beginnings Temple of Deliverance COGIC.
Administrative Assistant G. LaKeith Kenebrew & First Lady Jerice L. Kenebrew
Hillside Tabernacle came from a long line of trailblazers. Supervisor Harris’s forward thinking allowed her to pass the torch and set ablaze with Senior Pastor Superintendent G. LaKeith Kenebrew.
Pastor and 1st Lady Kenebrew is committed to the church’s growth and expansion as they implement innovative ideas not only for their members but the community as large.
They create programs like HTC Community Development Corporation, they sponsor community job boards and health screenings and even partner with the NAACP Altadena chapter. This alone shows how compassion and support is always at the forefront of everything they do.
Much like Pastor and District Missionary Bereal, our leaders are dedicated to the work they were assigned. As they strive to accomplish it, they are constantly reminded of the promise, that they are truly never alone!