WHO WE ARE
OUR HISTORY
HOW WE STARTED
In 1956, a small group of six saints formed a prayer band going wherever they were invited to pray on Monday nights. This group believed in the power and importance of praying together in faith for the needs of others. That same year, Sunday School started in the basement of founder Rev. Philip Walker’s home in New Rochelle, New York. The focus was on teaching children about the Bible and God’s love. The prayer band and Sunday School assembly grew in size and strength as the years went by. In 1970, they moved to their current location at 375 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle. The Church continued to grow, and in 1977, the Bezer Holiness Church, Inc. was officially formed. Today, the Church is a governing body of believers headquartered in the United States with branches in Jamaica, West Indies. The trustees board consists of Martin Nelson, our Senior Pastor and President, Valerie Charles, Anita Lyttle, Greg Clarke, and Cecil McIntosh. Under their leadership, the Church continues to thrive and serve the community, spreading the message of God’s love and grace to all.
THE MEANING OF BEZER
Bezer is a Hebrew word that means “stronghold” or “fortress.” In the Bible, it is one of the three cities of refuge located east of Jordan. Moses set it apart for the tribe of Reuben and others.
— Deuteronomy 4:41-43
WHO WE ARE…….
YOU BELONG
We are a small church but a group of ordinary people with big hearts. At Bezer Holiness Church, everyone is welcome not only to the physical building but also in our hearts. We aim always to teach and practice the Word of God. We believe Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and stand by our motto, “Preaching the cross, Winning the lost.”
MINISTRY FOCUS
Our ministry is dedicated to serving communities through various means, such as youth programs, missions, Bible studies, prayers, and outreach programs that cater to the needs of the oppressed and disenfranchised.
We take pride in supporting over 12 different missions and missionaries worldwide who work tirelessly to positively impact countless individuals’ lives. Their efforts range from providing necessities like food and shelter to offering education and vocational training to those in need. Through our partnership with these missions, we hope to make a difference in the world by spreading love, hope, and compassion to those most need it.
MEET OUR PASTOR
Bishop Martin L. Nelson is the first of seven children born to Franklin and Gladys Nelson on the Island of Grenada, West Indies. At seventeen, he became a police officer on the neighboring Island of Antigua. He later rose to the position of a special agent to the Prime Minister. While in Antigua, Martin met and married Lenore Martin, his wife of over 40 years. She also served in the police force.
Bishop Nelson attended the New York School of the Bible to satiate his appetite for God’s word. There, he studied the life of the Patriarchs and Biblical literature. Bishop Nelson received certificates in Old and New Testament history and surveys. His quest for bible knowledge continued to Manhattan Bible Institute, where he exhausted the entire curriculum of studies, including Advance Pedagogy and Pastoral Excellence. Bishop Nelson also earned certificates in Christian Education through Anchor Theological Seminary. He is also a New York City Technical Institute graduate with an associate’s degree in social work. He also received a Bachelor of Science in Management from Nyack College and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Alliance University.
Bishop Nelson has also worked in various areas of Christian ministry. For over seven years, he attended Calvary Church of the First Born in Brooklyn, New York, serving as Youth Pastor and assistant to Pastor Cecil Henry. Bishop Nelson spent many years volunteering with the Soul Release Prison Ministry and has worked closely with Teen Challenge and Anchor House. He is also a Certified Chaplin in the State of New York.
A Dedicated Servant of God
Bishop Nelson is the Senior Pastor at Bezer Holiness Church, New Rochelle, NY, and general overseer of the Bezer Churches in Jamaica, West Indies. He continues to work tirelessly to advise, coach, and counsel myriads of laity and clergy from all walks of life on church administration and other spiritual matters.