“We are honored that you are visiting our web site.” These are the words that greet you. They reflect the welcoming spirit of God’s Holy Temple Church. This church strives to connect with people. It wants to broaden their faith.
God’s Holy Temple Church sees itself as one big family. The church extends open arms and hearts. It invites everyone to its services.
What can you expect if you visit God’s Holy Temple Church? On Sundays, Sunday School starts at 9:00 am. Morning Worship follows at 10:30 am. Monday evenings offer a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. Wednesday provides a Mid-Week Service and Bible Study at 7:00 pm.
The history of churches is often a story of people seeking connection. They seek connection with God and with each other. In Detroit, the Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple Church exemplifies this. It started in April 1919. Brother W.M. Gray held open-air tent services. Elder J.W. Childs joined him from Flint. He brought zeal and ministry experience.
Elder Childs taught the apostolic faith. He preached the good news of relating to God. This happened through Jesus Christ’s life and death. Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit were offered. Salvation was assured.
In June 1919, Elder Childs rented a room. In July, the church moved to a storefront on Lafayette Street. God blessed the ministry. Additional souls joined. That August, they rented a storefront at 1716 St. Aubin Street. Elder Childs affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
Able ministers gathered. They included Mother Brewer and Mother Porter. Also Mother Campbell and Sister White joined. The Lord inspired the group. In July 1920, the congregation rented a living room. It was in Sister Bryant’s home on Lafayette Street. They worshipped despite obstacles. God continued saving souls.
After two months, they bought a tent. They pitched it on Clinton and Rivard Streets in September 1920. This was a historical place. Elder Carson of Springfield, Ohio, joined them. Services continued under burdensome conditions. This led to a separation. Some moved to Duboise and Lafayette Streets. Others stayed at Clinton and Rivard Streets.
By mid-November 1920, the assembly reunited. They met in a storefront at 1466 Monroe Street. Elder Carson led them. In spring 1921, Elder Childs left for Springfield, Ohio. His ministry saved many souls there.
In June 1921, disunity struck again. Some wandered like sheep without a shepherd. In July and August 1921, a group gathered. They met at Brother and Sister Harry Miller’s home on Napoleon Street. They desired a pastor to reconcile the saints.
After weeks of prayer, the Lord answered. Saints contacted Elder Samuel Nathan Hancock. He was Assistant Pastor to Bishop Garfield T. Haywood in Indianapolis. Brother Levi Miles wrote to Elder Hancock. He requested him to consider pastoring the flock. On October 20, 1921, Elder Hancock replied. He would visit.
On December 16, 1921, Elder Hancock took over the service. He became pastor of Bethlehem Temple Church. He vowed to do a great thing in Detroit. He moved the church to St. Antoine and Montcalm Streets. The only possession was twenty-five chairs.
The Lord blessed the ministry. He delivered them from the enemy. In February 1922, Elder Carson relinquished his church. It was at 1466 Monroe Street. The saints reunited. There was a great shout in the camp. Bethlehem Temple Church was on the move.
After Monroe Street, the building became too small. In 1923, Elder Hancock bought two cottages at 2238 Clinton Street. One became a church seating 159. The other was a parsonage. In September 1923, the congregation moved.
In 1926, a larger building was needed. The parsonage was added to the church. Seating increased to 400. The dedication took place in October 1926. In 1928, plans were made to expand further. In 1929, a new church was built at 2254 Clinton. It was yellow brick. It seated 1,200. Bishop Hancock designed it.
God’s Holy Temple Church is more than just a building. It is a community. It is a place where faith is broadened. It is a family with open arms. As you leave, remember the words that welcomed you. Consider how you might broaden your own faith.