About Us
The Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Central Illinois
Abrief History of Liberty Temple
Jerome Charles Chambers, Jr.
Jerome Charles, the only child, born to the late Jerome & Pearl (Culbreath) Chambers, Sr., was reared and educated in St. Louis, Missouri.
Growing up the son of a preacher and missionary, he was steeply rooted and grounded in the ways of the Lord. He accepted his call into the ministry in February 1959, while still in high school.
The call on his life has taken him across the world into many different ministries and denominations. He has preached, as an evangelist throughout the United States, including Great Britain, parts of Central America, Canada (Ontario), the U.S. Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands.
He has served in the Church of God in Christ, Baptist and Presbyterian denominations in official capacities; The Church of the Living God (PGT), and First Born Church of God. His music abilities also have helped to enhance his preaching ministry. He has a love for the people of God and a fervent desire to live for Christ. A husband, father, grandfather, friend, certified counselor, pastor, evangelist, and musician are just some of the things he has been endowed, gifted, and trained to perform.
He was formerly educated in the St. Louis public schools, Brookes Bible Institute, and Harris Teachers College. He earned his Bachelor of Ministry and Master of Ministry degrees in Christian Behavior from Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible College, Texarkana, Arkansas. He also earned his counseling certification from Howlett & Associates for Behavioral Insight in St. Louis, Missouri.
He is presently serving as Pastor of Liberty Temple Ministries (COGIC), Champaign, Illinois. He has served several congregations as pastor and associate minister. He has been a contributing writer for many publications to include The Whole Truth (COGIC) and the St. Louis North Star Magazine. He is an instructor/facilitator in the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Central Illinois Quarterly meetings of the Church of God in Christ; Assistant Dean for the Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges; member of the Executive Committee; Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, Jurisdictional Program Chairman, Expediter, and Public Relations. He has many other religious affiliations and offices to include: former Secretary for the Champaign/Urbana Ministerial Alliance & Vicinity, and former member of The Pastor’s Prayer Network Steering Committee. (Champaign).
He has many civic affiliations to include: The Champaign Community and Police Partnership, former member of Champaign City Council Task Force, Champaign County Juvenile Issues Forum (CCJIF). He is the current President of the Champaign County Branch of the NAACP. He was a candidate for the Missouri Senatorial District #13 (1980, 1984).
Mrs. Juan Marquette Bonner Chambers
Juan, the youngest of three children, born to the late Julius Caesar & Porter Larkin Bonner, was reared and educated in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Warren, Ohio.
She, being the daughter of a preacher and educator, was firmly planted in the church and in her faith. She started, at an early age, her quest into music. Realizing quite soon that music was her ministry, she was given voice and piano lessons. Growing up she was involved in so many activities, between church and school, that her family would take turns coming to the different events and performances.
At age 13, she was appointed Minister of Music of the church where her father and brother was pastor. Being that young, she learned early the art of “getting along” and compromise. Although never compromising her gift and the will to make sure things were done correctly and to the glory of God.
She has served in the Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal and Church of God in Christ denominations in official capacities. Her love for Christ and her gifts have led her to sing and speak for many different audiences across the country. Her appearances include the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as guest soloist, background vocals for such recording artists as: Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Rev. Cleophus Robinson, Sr., Dr. Robert Ray (University of Missouri-St. Louis), and Dr. Dello Thedford & The Gospel Symphonic Choir. She has spoken for several conferences to include: Holy Spirit Conference (Open Door Ministries-St. Louis), Unction 2005 (Mason Memorial Church-Norfolk, VA) Champaign Christian Center Women’s Conferences (Champaign Christian Center-Champaign) to name a few. She is available for concerts and speaking engagements.
A wife, mother, grandmother, friend, singer/musician, are just some of the things God has allowed her to accomplish. Educated at Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville, Illinois) and Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas), she continues to strive for excellence in everything she attempts.
Juan has been employed in management and administrative capacities with several corporations in the publishing and cable industries for the last 15 years. She received several professional awards and commendations during her secular career.
She is employed as the assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Illinois. She is active in Ministry as an Evangelist and the pulpit assistant to her husband at Liberty Temple. She also serves in the capacity of comptroller, as well as one of the adult Sunday School teachers. She is the Secretary of the Department of Women in the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Central Illinois Churches of God in Christ. Mother Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington is Supervisor of Women.