What if I told you that this very spot was once just a dream? That dream took root in the heart of Bishop Ellington Forbes. It all began in 1927 with Bishop Forbes his wife and mother-in-law. They formed a small congregation. They met in the basement of Bishop Forbes’ Detroit home.
Greater Grace Temple has a history spanning over 90 years. It is a testament to faith and perseverance. The early years were marked by struggle. The congregation faced incredibly lean times. They were often forced to move from building to building. America was recovering from the Great Depression. Money was scarce. They often could not pay rent and were deep in debt. But they believed in God like Abraham. They walked on by faith.
Today Greater Grace Temple stands as a beacon of hope. The new 35-million dollar church and conference center sits on a 19-acre complex. It is known as the City of David.
Bishop David L Ellis Sr received the vision for this amazing development from God. He was a dynamic leader. He was a respected clergyman and a visionary. During his 34 years as pastor Greater Grace Temple experienced a tremendous turnaround. He arrived when the church seemed to be failing. It had thousands of dollars in debt and faced foreclosure. The gas meter was removed from the building. The weekly income was only $135. But God remained faithful. The turnaround happened. Greater Grace Temple became a spiritual pillar of the Motor City. God gave him a greater vision. It was to build the City of David. It would be a place of hope. It would be a refuge for the broken hurting and lost.
Bishop Ellis passed away unexpectedly in 1996. Before his death he shared his vision with his son Charles H Ellis III. Bishop Ellis did not know that he was preparing his son for destiny. Amidst great pain Pastor Charles Ellis declared The Vision Shall Come To Pass. The congregation stood with him. They would complete what God had ordained.
Under the leadership of the young and innovative pastor the ministry reached new heights. Membership soared. He was elevated to Bishop. Eventually he was elected the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. As pastor of Greater Grace Temple he saw his father’s God-given vision fulfilled. In February 2002 the Greater Grace Temple family opened the City of David. Bishop Ellis reminds us to stay tuned. There’s always another vision.
Greater Grace Temple is more than just a church. It is a 6000-member family. It is located in Northwest Detroit. It’s complex is known as The City of David. Founded in 1927 Greater Grace Temple has long been a spiritual pillar of the Motor City.
They offer many outreach programs. They give Christmas gifts to families. They host illustrated sermons. They host a Back To School festival a Block Party and a Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. They also give away Christmas Bicycles.
Children can explore God’s word through a creative Children’s Ministry. There is a dynamic puppet ministry. They host interactive illustrated sermons. They organize exciting field trips.
Teens and young adults can find their place in the MIA Ministry. It’s a Bible Class and worship experience filled with energy. It meets on Wednesdays during Family Matters.
Prayer is available for anyone who desires it. Ministers are always available after the service to perform baptisms.
So step inside Greater Grace Temple. Experience the warmth the welcome and the unwavering faith that has defined this community for nearly a century. Feel the embrace of a family that believes in the power of hope and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Remember you are always welcome at Greater Grace Temple.