The Lighthouse Story

In Southeast Oklahoma, on Lake Eufaula, stands a Lighthouse to a dark and dying world. This Lighthouse is built on a solid Rock, and it has stood the test of time for over 30 years.

Lighthouse Christian Center began as Bethel Temple in 1963 under the leadership of Pastor Lester Alexander. Bethel Temple was pioneered with a vision of reaching the lost in a dark and dying world. Pastor Alexander always held true to the mission that God had given the church. Under his leadership, the church excelled as Eufaula’s finest Holy Ghost-filled, non-denominational, Bible-believing church.

Alexander made sure that the primary goal of the church was to reach out to all who were lost. And as a result, Bethel Temple began to grow in all areas of the church. God was always faithful and the church never failed to be successful wherever God would lead. And for twelve wonderful years, Pastor Alexander was a true shepherd to the people of Bethel Temple.

However, in 1975 Pastor Alexander began to hear God’s voice leading the church to a new era. God had prepared a 22-year-old, fire baptized, tongue talking, devil chasing, preacher from Ypsilanti, Michigan to carry on the vision of Lighthouse that God had given to Pastor Lester Alexander.

Pastor John Parish made Eufaula his home in 1975, along with his wife Rhea, and the two of them knew right from the start that this was where God wanted them. Although the name of the church would change to Lighthouse Cathedral, the same vision still holds true to this wonderful congregation. God had truly lead them to Eufaula for such a time as this. And the timing of their arrival was orchestrated by the hand of God. You see only one year after passing the torch to Brother Parish, God called Senior Pastor Alexander to his eternal home in heaven. God had prepared the church for Pastor Alexander’s promotion and the responsibility of leadership now rested on Pastor Parish.

However, Pastor Parish was not alone in carrying the burden of the congregation. And that is why Rhea would play such a vital role in the church. Rhea is the niece of Pastor Alexander and her parents, Eunice and Estle Burns were some of the true forefathers of Lighthouse Christian Center.

Lighthouse and the city of Eufaula would not be what they are today had it not been for Eunice and Estle. Under their influence Lighthouse emerged as the standard for excellence in Southeastern Oklahoma.

Eunice, the Sister of Pastor Alexander, and Estle raised four children who live their lives as Holy and God-fearing individuals in the service of an Almighty God. Eunice lived as a true woman of wisdom and purity. Her love and acceptance for all won the respect for the thousands of lives that she touched over the years. And Estle possessed a heart of gold that would never cease to help anyone in need. All who knew Eunice and Estle carried the highest honor for their lives.

However, they too would cross over into Glory and find their eternal reward. Estle went to be with Jesus in 1977, and Eunice would find Heaven some two years later. She experienced heaven in 1979, but the Lord sent her back to this earth for three more years of service before she made Heaven her permanent home in 1982. The treasures that these two laid up in heaven could never be numbered.

Just before Eunice passed on the congregation grew to be more than the church building could hold. Thus, God began to speak to Pastor Parish about building a new church on the crossroads of two highways intersecting in Eufaula. The property was purchased by a miracle of God, the new church and sanctuary were built, and on May 31st, 1981, Lighthouse Christian Center was born.

Today, Lighthouse Christian Center stands appropriately on Eunice Burns Drive at the intersection of Highways 9 and 69 in Eufaula, and the vision remains unchanged after some 33 years.

Pastor Parish has brought Lighthouse to the forefront of Christian ministry. He possesses a powerful anointing and years of training in a pastor’s home. Pastor Parish places great emphasis on the anointing of the Holy Ghost, the Biblical demands of holiness, and possesses an extraordinary understanding of Bible prophecy. And Sister Parish carries a psalmist anointing as she directs and coordinates the Lighthouse Sanctuary Choir.

Pastor Parish ministers in camp meetings, conferences, and local churches across the nation. He was ordained to the ministry in 1974 and holds an Associate of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Ministry.

Jonathan and Kelly Parish are Associate pastors. Together, they host Revival Nights every Sunday night at 6 P.M.  Kelly Parish is a powerful worship leader and has recorded two worship albums Drenched and Gold that can be found on almost every online music platform.  Kelly hosts the annual Gold conference where ladies travel from around the country to be refreshed and touched every spring.  Jonathan and Kelly are true revivalists and carry a powerful message with signs, wonders, and manifestations in every service.

Under the leadership of Pastors John and Jonathan Parish, Lighthouse Christian Center has become known around the country as a hot spot for revival. They are committed to keeping this fire burning bright for generations to come.

The Lighthouse will always be a shining light on Lake Eufaula as we continue to be a harbor of hope for a dying world.