Servant George Rayford has been a community fixture for decades. From the local “fish man” in the 1980s and 1990s to one who would become a “fisher of men & women” as a leader in Aurora’s faith community. As he prepares to celebrate his 75th birthday and the upcoming 25th anniversary as Pastor of New Community Baptist Church, it coincides with the 90th anniversary of his church at the corner of New York Street and Smith Boulevard. Built in 1930 as one of Aurora’s original basement churches, the building was reenergized with new life after Rayford took the helm and raised funds needed to build the upper floor, which now serves as the main sanctuary. “Just as he worked to build this church, he has worked to help countless community members to build new lives,” said Ward 7 alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns. Before COVID-19, Rayford’s personal hospital ministry took him into area hospitals several days a week to visit and pray for ill patients. Hart-Burns and Aurora mayor Richard Irvin joined an extended outside Sunday service, which included a Street Dedication Ceremony in honor of Servant Rayford’s life-changing mission and ministry in Aurora. “This is truly an honor that I could never have imagined,” said Rayford. “I’m just a humble servant trying to do my part.”City of Aurora government
