Our History
The ministry of Shekijah Preparation Assembly (pronounced Sh-Ky-yuh), was officially begun on Sunday, May 31, 1987 in the neighborhood recreation center of a small section of Lynchburg, VA called Dearington
. God had spoken to our leader, Bishop Terence M. Sykes, and said that He wanted him to begin a ministry where His people could worship Him sincerely in spirit and in truth. Shekijah, God said, is a Hebrew word that means "God dwells here!" Co-Pastor Shereé S. Sykes, was in agreement with her husband/Bishop throughout the whole time, and continues to work with him in ministry as they do the will of our Father God.
On the first day of Shekijah's existence, there were only about ten or eleven adults in attendance, but also on that day, the official membership of Shekijah Preparation Assembly started with seven obedient and determined individuals.
After about four months, Shekijah had to leave the neighborhood recreation center, but found provision at the YMCA on Twelfth St. Sunday morning worship services were held at the YMCA, while Bible Study, business meetings, and choir rehearsals were held in the pastors' home.
As the ministry started to grow and more people visited and joined, the Shekijah leadership knew that a more permanent dwelling was fast becoming necessary. Through much prayer, fasting, and believing God, just over a year from their inception, they came in contact with a man from New Jersey who told them that the Lord had sent him from New Jersey to Lynchburg, VA for the sole purpose of buying a church. Yes! God knew that they would not be able to get financial backing from a bank in their infancy, so He sent this man to purchase a church 
that was looking to relocate, and then this man rented the church to the members of Shekijah. This was in the latter part of 1988. God continued to progress the church at their, then, new location at 725 Mansfield Ave. The church started filling up and people came from miles around to be a part of a worship experience like they had never experienced before. Nevertheless, and more importantly, God's presence was in that place in a most magnificent manner. It wasn't long before God began to speak to our Bishop and instruct him to tell the people that it was time to build Him a House of worship.
Shekijah leaders sought out a piece of land and found their present location, situated on five acres, and in June of 1996 they broke ground on their current facility. In October of 1996, the leaders and members of Shekijah marched into this location 
and have since added on and grown in strength, power, anointing, as well as numbers.
Today, they continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of God, transforming lives, and reaching out into the community to enhance the city of Lynchburg, and the surrounding areas, and reinforce the principles of the Kingdom of God.
"As the founder and senior pastor of Shekijah Preparation Assembly, I have the privilege of leading some of the most precious sheep in God's green pasture. With a number of ministries including married couples, singles ministry, men's and women's ministry, youth and children's ministry, and college and young adult ministry, I have put together a ministry team that is ministry minded and people oriented, but has not forgotten the most important aspect of ministry: reaching souls for the Kingdom of God.
Here at Shekijah, we love guests, and long to invite all who stop by, to feel the love, enjoy the presence of God, and know that when you cross the threshold of our doors you can rest as we say, "Welcome home!"
†Bishop Terence M. Sykes