A Local Inspirational Legacy Leaves His Mark

By ESTHER GONZALES

JERSEY CITY– The air filled with eager anticipation as the large crowd waited for the street-sign renaming, a gift for their beloved pastor. A group of women broke out into a beautiful melody as they sang a hymn, the same music that started the generation of their church in the 1970s. Soon it was time for the big reveal, the moment the entire community was waiting for.

The piece of white cloth lifted; the air filled with applause. As the community honored their pastor, Erwin Lanier Sr., on August 28, 2010 at Dales Ave., it was a moment they would remember forever. The street sign which now bore the name Pastor Erwin Lanier Sr. Drive, was only a small piece of the legacy he would soon leave behind.                 

“I could tell that there was love emanating from them. And love does things. Love has authority,” said Erwin Lanier Sr. to a reporter at the Jersey Journal in an article written about the moment.

Building the Church

Starting as an owner of a Christian bookstore, Lanier Sr. began teaching Bible studies with families across the street in the housing projects. Eventually, the studies involved so many members, they moved into the community center on Dales Ave. to hold their weekly Bible studies. There, Lanier Sr. started raising money for a church building.

Good News Bible Mission was built in 1969, its name reflecting the message Lanier Sr. wished to portray to the community. 

“[The community believed] my grandfather was able to bring peace and love to help the crime in the community,” said Brianna Lanier, Ramapo College senior and Lanier’s granddaughter.

“Crime here was high in the 70s,” said D. Thomas, a member of the church since it first opened its doors. “The state wanted to close Marion Gardens,” which is where a large portion of the congregation lives.

“Pastor Lanier,” Thomas added, “was [one of the people] that saved it.”

For the local community, the non-denominational church paved a way for a new start. Pastor Lanier Sr. was a prominent member of  Jersey City which has a 22 percent crime rate annually per 1,000 residents. He spent his time not only preaching on Sundays, but walking throughout different parts of the entire city every day, visiting nursing homes and hospitals.

“He was always on call and ready to answer the mission. Wherever he was, that’s when he was showing other that they are loved by Christ,” Brianna said.

Over the years, the church held ministries, breaking through stereotypes. From a food pantry, to the Clinton-prison ministry, members of the church followed their pastor’s lead and became actively involved in their community, reaching beyond their church’s walls.

Erold Lanier Sr., one of Erwin Lanier Sr.’s three sons, picked up the baton when his father passed away in July 2011.  To him, prayer became the foundation of the church, which is something his father taught him.       

“Our church seeks not only to meet physical needs, such as through the food pantry, but also to reach spiritual needs through reading and understanding God’s word,” said Lanier Sr.

Brianna, who is considered a miracle, because she was born three months early after the doctors said it was impossible for her to live, is the next in line to be handed the responsibility of Good News Bible Mission.

“Looking at my grandfather’s legacy,” said Brianna, “I would be hesitant to take over one day, but if God has the calling on my life, I would be ordained. With my testimony, not having the certainty of my future, especially because of my medical problems, I know this legacy would always be a part of me. I can see my dad in my grandfather and I can see myself in my dad.

“We all have the drive and the mission to help make a social impact on the community. At the end of the day if that’s all I have with me and I end up taking over the church, I know I can make my dad and grandfather proud,” she added.