In 1962, Pastor Charles Upchurch founded El-Shaddai Church of God in Christ in his home. The church was located in an area of Milwaukee that desperately needed a true God-sent ministry. After experiencing rapid growth, the congregation moved to its first sanctuary. It was there that Pastor Upchurch made a name for himself as one of the up-and-coming preachers in Milwaukee.
The initial congregation grew so rapidly that they quickly outgrew their first sanctuary. Needing a larger place to worship, Pastor Upchurch and the congregation moved to its current location on the corner of 27th and Chambers. At the time of this move, El-Shaddai had the largest COGIC sanctuary in Milwaukee and more than 11 full-time employees working in several church-founded businesses.
After the untimely passing of Pastor Upchurch in 1970, El-Shaddai had many changes in pastoral leadership. In 1993, Bishop Adolphus Allen told then-Elder John Johnson, “Go to El-Shaddai until I send for you.” While at El-Shaddai, Elder Johnson experienced many successes, including the acquisition of adjacent land, construction of the parking lot, and increases in membership. After serving for 25 years, Elder Johnson retired as Pastor of El-Shaddai.
