On March 3, 1869, the land on which People Mission Interdenominational Church was built which included Lots 13 and 14 Block 10, Parker Addition to the City of Omaha being located within the north east ¼of the north east ¼ of Section 16 township 15, Range 13, east of the 6eth p.m., Douglas, County, Nebraska (which is now known as 1710 North 26th Street) was purchased and patented by Moses F. Shinn from the United States Land Office signed by Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, by Frank Cowan, Secy, and 1. N. Granger, Recorder of the General Land Office.  The land was first the home for the Shinn's descendants until August 28, 1892, when it was purchased by St. John Episcopal Church for a "Guild House" and rectory.  On March 17, 1905 the Cathedral Chapter of Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska occupied the building as a church.

It was not until December 31, 1912, Rev. A. Wagner, first black minister, purchased the building from Allen Filter Company and organized the Interdenominational People Mission Church of Divinity.  The church was organized as a corporation which was to exist for 50 years (December 31, 1912-December 31, 1962).   The corporation was organized and existed for religious purposes with its church edifice and sanctuary within the City of Omaha.

The objectives and purposes of the corporation were to build and maintain churches for dissemination of the Christian religion, establish and maintain mission and rescue stations.  In order to attain such objectives the corporation has power to take property by gift, purchase bequest or devise.  It would have a board of not less than three or more than five trustees.  The officers of the corporation were president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.  Rev. A. Wagner was pastor and president and Mrs. Celia Lewis was secretary.

Rev. A. Wagner was Pastor from 1912-1940.  This was during World War I and II.  As the church began to grow it became a strong group of baptized believers in the Trinity; believing in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  The Deacons were Henry Hayes, Charles Reed.  The Mother was Sis. Gordon. John Davis was Janitor, and Ethel Davis was Treasurer.  Rev. Wagner was pastor for approximately 28 years before he retired.  Rev. Wagner appointed Rev. Foreman and Sis. Foreman, Pastor, in 1941.  He was Pastor from 1941-1954 (13 years).

Under Rev. Foreman’s leadership many members were added to the church.  The Deacons were Hugh H. Reece, Treasurer, Henry Hayes, Charles Reed.  The Mothers were Mother Elizabeth D. Anderson, Mother Martin, Mother Russell, and Mother Dorsel.  Elder Wadell Seals was Associate Minister.  During the years Rev. Foreman was pastor the church building burned but through prayer and faith the building was rebuilt.  In 1954 Rev. Foreman retired and appointed Elder Wadell Seals, Pastor. Elder Seals was Pastor from 1954-1988 (34 years).

Elder Seals continued to preach God Word and added more members to the church. The Associated Minister was Elder James Anderson.  Deacons were Henry Hayes, Treasurer, Hugh Reece, Charles Reed.  The Mothers were Elizabeth Anderson, Mother Jackson, Mother Marion, and Virginia Reece.  The clerk and secretary was Gaynelle Killgore.  Charles Reed was the Musician. There were many members in the body of Christ who served in other auxiliaries.  The choirs included the Fulton Family, Gulley Family, Fullwoods Family, Reed Family, Anderson Family, Killgore Family, Williams Family and many more faithful Christians.  The Usher Board members were Willie Burt, Mozel Gulley, Jamie Faye Anderson, Valene Anderson, Lafette Williams, President.  Under Elder Seals’ leadership the church body installed a new floor, contributed to the foreign mission, provided money for the needy, purchased new pews, a new piano, new choir robes, and a water fountain.

Elder James Anderson, Associate Minister, was inspired by God to branch out and organize the Church of God In Christ Congregational located at 4628 Grand A' Elder Anderson was a great loss to the People Mission Family.

Elder Seals was pastor until 1988 when his health began to fail.  He retired but did not appoint a pastor as the previous pastors had done. The church was without a pastor; but a few faith members continued to keep the church doors open.  Sunday School classes continued and various ministers from the city were brought in to conduct morning services.

A TIME OF REBUILDING

On February 28, 1988, Rev. L. Bill Woods, Associate Minister at Second Baptist Church, was sent to People Mission Church by the Holy Spirit through Rev. F. S. Stanberry, Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Rev. L. Bill Woods was elected pastor by the church congregation on April 24, 1988.  This was a rebuilding period for the church.  Deacon was Hugh Reece and later Rev. L. Bill Woods crowned Herbert Hayes who became the treasurer.  Rosetta Williams was secretary.  Other secretaries during this time period were: Sis Mable Gulley, Sis Frieney, and Sis Antionette Murrell.  Past associate ministers were: Rev. Gerry Bright, Rev. Frieney, Bishop Scott, and Rev. Melvin Spellman.  The auxiliaries of the church were: the Usher Board, Adult Choir, and Junior Choir.  The musicians were Charles Reed, Jesse Edwards, Sis. Howard, Erma O'Donell, Ella Mae Prima, Kevin Clemmon, Kendra Johnson, and Rev. Melvin Spellman.

Rev. T. Jones and the Shiloh Baptist Church held service in the building for a short period until God blessed them with a church building.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, Rev. Woods and the church congregation have provided money to the needy, purchased an organ, a church van, a micro-hone system, a set of drums, a new church sign, carpet, choir robes, air conditioner, new doors, and two lots of land. The church adopted the motto: "Prayer is the Key to the Kingdom; Faith will Unlock the door."

On Sunday, May 24, 1994, People Mission celebrated eighty-one years of service to the Lord.  Rev. P. Destry Smart and the Prince of Peace Baptist Church was our special guest.  On Monday, May 25, 1994, the church’s roof was being repaired by Micklin Lumber Company when a fire started and completed destroyed the building.  With a long court case ahead, the church worshipped in different facilities.

1994-1996 – O.I.C. (Omaha Industrialization Center)

1996-2001 – 4010 Hamilton Street

September, 1996, the church rented and renovated a building at 4010 Hamilton Street. This was the place of worship for five years.  With charitable contributions from christians and a few churches, the church was able to finish remodeling the building at 4010 Hamilton Street.  During this time of great tribulation, the church learned to depend more on God and his Son Jesus Christ.  With each passing year our motto: "Prayer is the key to the Kingdom; Faith will unlock the door" became a vital part of our hearts and minds.

On February 16, 2001, guided by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Woods and the congregation purchased the church building at 1317 North 42nd Street.  Since arriving at this location God has added many Christians to the church.  The church membership has increased to over 100 members.  The officers are Pastor Rev. L. Bill Woods, Deacon Robert Perry, Layman Jermine Carroll, Secretary  Doris Fulton, Mother Fannie Fulton, Mother Patterson, Mother Whatley, and Deaconess Mae Perry.  Trustees: Brother William Williams, Sis. Ruthie Patterson, and Mother Fannie Fulton. Musicians are Sis. Christi Woods, Organist; Sis. Tanisha Woods, Choir Director; and Bro. Dewayne Simpson, Musician. Superintendent of Sunday School is Sis Carolyn Easter.  Auxiliaries of the Church are Usher Board, Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Sunday School, Deacons, Women, and Mission.