“The Church where everybody is somebody” is more than just a saying here at Bethlehem Temple Pentecostal Church. It is a lived reality. Greater Bethlehem Temple Pentecostal Church Ministries welcomes everyone. People can meet Jesus here. They can engage in a life-giving community. Everyone is embraced.
Bethlehem Temple Pentecostal Church believes in creating a space. In this space people can have authentic encounters with Christ. They discover their gifts here. They use them for God’s glory. The church says nobody is a stranger here. You indeed belong here.
Let’s step back in time. We’ll explore the history of this church. Eld. Armstrong, Pastor Lucille Valentine, and Eld. Battle all preached here. They were the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th pastors. They preached One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism.
After Elder Battle died in 1949, the saints prayed. They fasted. They sought a new pastor. In September 1949, Pastor Daisy L. Culpepper was inspired. God told her to take the reins. Special bible classes were held. These classes were for teenagers and younger children. God prospered the church. It gained dining facilities. It gained restrooms and sitting rooms.
After her death, Dist. Eld. B.T. Scott gave instructions. The church should stay together as a family. It should continue in the Apostles’ Doctrine. Eld. Alex Kitchen became interim pastor. He served until the church received a new pastor.
In September 1967, Eld. Kenneth J. Hoke became pastor. Bish. R.P. Paddock and Dist. Eld. Scott guided the church. The membership voted for Eld. Hoke. They found comfort in their pastor. He was a Holy Ghost filled minister. He had wisdom and knowledge of teaching God’s word.
In July 1974, the church purchased 3 ½ acres of land. Pastor Clyde Colbert and Eld. Felix Gaylord helped. 22645 Quinn Road became the new location.
From 1989 to March 1995, Eld. Bradley was Assistant Pastor to Elder Hoke. Bishop Kenneth Hoke left Bethlehem Temple Church. He completed work begun by his father. Eld D.L. Bradley became the pastor. The late Assistant Presiding Bishop of the PAW, Bish. David L. Ellis installed him. That was on October 7, 1995.
In July 2001, the church began a major construction project. It cost over $300,000. This addition increased the sanctuary’s size and seating capacity. It also added much-needed office space.
The church needed a new parking lot. The 2001 construction and the economy caused issues. They could not complete it. In September 2012, the LORD JESUS blessed them. A benefactor called the church. The church did not know this person. They bequeathed a gift of $130,000. It was for a new 68 stall parking lot. The parking lot was completed and dedicated. The Lord saw the need. He did what they could not do. To God be the glory.
Today, the church continues to thrive. It welcomes all to its services. The Temple Hour shares praise, worship, and preaching. This is a place where everybody is somebody.