About Our Founder

Renaissance Church of God in Christ had it's humble beginnings in 1978, when Elder L. (Lester) Philip Bragg, Sr. heeded the voice of God to become a pastor.  While actively serving at his local church as pianist, Minister of Music, and Associate Minister of Holy Mountain COGIC, God called Elder Lester and his loving wife, Bertha, to establish a new ministry.  The God-given name for his ministry was "Renaissance".  Although there were only 15 members at the first worship service, including First Lady Bertha and their six children, it was apparent that God's hand and anointing was on Pastor Lester Bragg and this ministry.  Souls were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, healing and deliverance took place and there was a mighty move of God in the services. 

Pastor Bragg was known for his unfaltering commitment to his wife, his children and his church.  He lead by example and taught the congereagion to live by the words of his favorite scripture:"By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, that you have love one to another", John 13:35.  Under his capable leadership, the word spread about the existence of Renasissance and the membership continued to grow spiritually and in number.  Not only was Elder L. Philip Bragg a prolific teacher and preacher of the Gospel, but he always encouraged everyone he came into contact with, to love God and to love one another unwaveringly and unconditionally. 

In December 2006, God called Elder Bragg home and thereafter, the mantle of pastor was passed on to his son, Elder Gawain Bragg, Sr., who now serves as Pastor of Renaissance Church of God in Christ.

In Loving Memory

Elder L. Philip Bragg, 1938 - 2006

Mother Bertha Mae Bragg, 1941 - 2010