Temple of Glory Community Church

In 1938, a seed of faith was planted in Savannah with the founding of Bay Street Baptist Church. This seed, nurtured by Reverend McKinley Garvin, would eventually blossom into the vibrant Temple of Glory Community Church that stands before us today. The Temple of Glory Community Church has a rich history, marked by growth, change, and an unwavering commitment to its community. The church’s first pastor, Reverend Garvin, led the congregation for five years before his untimely death. In his honor, the church was renamed Garvin Temple. Rev. Lisbon B. Free then took the helm, guiding the church for over forty years. He oversaw a significant move in 1960 to Barnard and Duffy Streets, where the church remained for thirty-seven years. A new chapter began in 1984 with the arrival of a 27-year-old pastor, Matthew M. Odum. Under his leadership, the church continued to evolve. Another relocation brought the congregation to its current location on Stiles Avenue in 1997. The name changed again, first to Greater Garvin’s Temple Baptist Church, reflecting the expanding ministry that included the Odum Learning Academy, the Garvin-Free Multiplex Center, and the Forum. Finally, in the year 2000, guided by divine inspiration, Pastor Odum renamed the church Temple of Glory Community Church. This name signifies not only the church’s dedication to worship but also its mission to spread the gospel and serve the community. Today, the Temple of Glory Community Church boasts a congregation of approximately 2,100 members. They continue to live out their mission, spreading the word of God and making a positive impact on Savannah. They have demonstrated their commitment to the community in tangible ways, such as their generous $5,000 donation to the United Way of the Coastal Empire in 2022. This act of giving exemplifies their belief in action, extending their ministry beyond the church walls.