Our Story
Rooted in Berea since 1973
On February 17, 1973, Pastor Hezekiah Ford accepted the role of Founding Pastor of People’s Community Church. Pastor Ford and a group of founding members established PCC as a non-denominational church in Berea. Its first service took place on March 11, 1973, at Baldwin Wallace College’s McKelvey Hall. He faithfully served in that role until March 30, 1975.
A growing church family
From 1974 to 1989, PCC worshiped at Baldwin Wallace’s Lindsay-Crossman Chapel. Reverend Leroy McCreary was installed as the church’s second pastor in August 1975. PCC joined the International Council of Community Churches in 1981.
In August 1989, the congregation moved to 631 North Rocky River Drive. An Administrative and Educational Annex followed in 1996, and a new sanctuary was constructed in 2003.
Serving beyond our walls
Community service has long been part of PCC’s life. The church’s history includes educational initiatives, youth outreach, and support for the North End Foundation of Berea.
In 2012, PCC became an authorized partner agency of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. The Food Pantry continues this expression of care for our neighbors.
Share in the next chapter
By God’s grace, People’s Community Church has been a spiritual home for generations of worshipers and a caring presence in Berea’s North End. We are grateful for the faith and fellowship of our congregation and for the relationships we’ve built with our neighbors. Together, we look forward to many more years of worship, service, and sharing God’s love with one another and throughout our community.
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Pastors of PCC
Rev. Leroy McCreary
Pastor Emeritus · 1975–2018Rev. Leroy McCreary began serving as pastor of People’s Community Church of Berea in 1975 and was installed as the church’s second pastor that August. He retired as active pastor on September 30, 2018, and is honored as Pastor Emeritus.
Pastor · Since October 2018Rev. Charles (CJ) Harkness
In October 2018, Rev. Charles (CJ) Harkness began serving as Pastor of People’s Community Church in Berea, Ohio. He accepted the call after more than 20 years of service as an associate minister at Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood Village. He is humbled and excited about the call to lead PCC.