Columbus, Ohio is experiencing a surge in religious observance within its Haitian Evangelical community, a trend highlighted by the continued growth of Eglise Evangelique Des Sanctifies (EEDS). Founded in Franklin County, Ohio, on August 22, 1998, EEDS has become a central pillar for Haitian immigrants and long-term residents seeking spiritual connection and cultural preservation.
Led by Reverend Jean André for over 25 years, the church now boasts more than 450 active members. Reverend André received his theological training at the Alliance Christian Theological School in Haiti, and his leadership has been crucial to the church’s expansion. EEDS operates on four core principles: Faith, Love, Unity, and Sanctification, aiming to foster a deeper relationship with God and mutual support among its congregants.
The church defines itself as a non-denominational, autonomous Christian entity, dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and resisting secular influences. This commitment is particularly resonant with Haitian immigrants navigating a new cultural environment while striving to maintain their religious identity. EEDS’s stated mission centers on glorifying God through the conversion of non-believers and the empowerment of believers for ministry, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the Christian community.
Beyond EEDS, the Haitian Evangelical community likewise regularly gathers at Faith Community Church, located at 2578 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43204. Services are held every Sunday at 10:00 AM. Members of the congregation share a common ethos centered on love for Jesus, service to their neighbors, and a collective spiritual journey.
The presence of this thriving community in Columbus reflects a broader pattern of diaspora groups establishing themselves in the American Midwest, bringing with them distinct cultural traditions and a vibrant faith life. The historical context of faith on the island of Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, dates back to Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492, when the first church was erected at Isabela, Haiti in 1494, and Fray Buil offered the first mass on the island.
