Longtime pastor in Peoria’s North Valley has street named after him

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — On a sunny and slightly breezy day, members of Gospel Experience Church gathered outside the chapel to honor their pastor.

They didn’t have go to far as the stretch of Northeast Madison Avenue that goes right by their church was renamed for their long-time leader.

Richard Hammonds, the church’s head pastor, looked in awe as Pastor Richard K. Hammons Lane was displayed on a new street sign at the corner of Phelps Street and Northeast Madison Avenue in the North Valley area.

Hammonds has preached in Peoria for 45 years, and started Gospel Experience Church in 1979. According to a city news release, the church started holding services at the YMCA. From there, it moved to a building on Spring Street.

Over the years, the church grew and moved to its current location, 3101 NE Madison Ave.

Hammonds said the honor much a lot to him, and that it was a special moment to share alongside his congregation.

“This church, the members here, they are my family,” he said. “So to have them here is a great honor. It’s just like a big family reunion.”

Hammonds says he has an acronym he lives by: “JOY.” To him, this stands for Jesus first, others second and yourself last.

Even though he lives a selfless life, Hammonds said this was something he won’t soon forget.

“I think it’s always a good thing to know that somebody cares enough about what you do to honor you,” he said. “Of course, it’s not about me, but everybody loves to be appreciated every now and then.”

Speakers at the unveiling included Mayor Rita Ali, and Nick McMillian, a public works spokesman.

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