Beyond these doors lies a story of faith. That story began with a small group of African-Americans. They sought a place to worship in a new city. This is the story of Christ Temple Baptist Church.
In the early 20th century many African-Americans migrated to Chicago. They came seeking economic opportunities. Among them was Bro. Elliot T. Johnson. He sought a church of his faith. It was the Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. He couldn’t find one.
Bro. Johnson wrote to the headquarters in Jackson, MS. They confirmed there was no such church in Chicago. Undeterred Bro. Johnson started a prayer meeting. He also began a Bible study. Brothers Sims, George Hines, George Holloway, and Matthew Thomas joined him. They prayed for guidance. They wanted to establish a church.
In the fall of 1917 their prayers were answered. Rev. C. E. Owens came from Jackson, MS. He came to help them. Bible lessons were held in private homes at first. Later they found a Methodist mission at 568 East 35th Street. It was there that Christ Temple was officially organized. About thirty members joined. Rev. Owens became their first pastor.
Brothers Mack Jordan, Walter Wright and E. T. Johnson were elected deacons. Moses Phillips, George Holloway, Matthew Thomas, George Hines and Walter Moore were the trustees. Jerry Johnson and Matthew Thurmond were also charter members. The church quickly outgrew its space. They moved to several locations. These included 520 East 35th Street and 3243 Cottage Grove Avenue. Also they met at 3848 Langley Avenue. Finally they settled at 552 E. 44th Street. It became a more permanent home. At the 35th Street address the group organized their Sunday School.
In 1927 the church purchased a building. It was located at 44th Street and St. Lawrence. The cost was $55000. In May 1919 Rev. William Webb of Magnolia, MS led a 30-day revival. In October 1919 he was elected pastor. During his time the church prospered. Membership increased. In 1919 Brother William Johnson organized the Senior Choir. It met in the home of Brother J. E. Johnson. The C.W.W.W. No. 1’s was organized in the home of Sister Nettie Phillips. Rev. Webb served until 1937.
Rev. Henry L. Caver became pastor in the spring of 1937. In 1938 he was ordained as Bishop of the Northern Diocese. New groups were organized under his leadership. A Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed. New pulpit furniture was purchased. The church debt was reduced significantly. He served until his death in March 1944.
Rev. Jesse McGarrah served as interim pastor. He served from March 1944 through August 1944. In August 1944 Bishop J. M. Haywood was sent to pastor the church. He also presided over the Northern Diocese. Bishop Haywood resigned in January 1953.
In January 1953 Bishop M. R. Conic became pastor. He also became presiding Bishop of the Northern Diocese. Under his leadership the church grew. The church completed a remodeling program for $90000. Bishop Conic introduced interest-free loans from members. This helped pay off the debt. New pews were installed. The organ was rebuilt. Lounges and the kitchen were modernized. A Baldwin piano and a church parsonage were purchased. The Women’s Auxiliary was organized in 1954. The Board of Christian Education was organized in 1958. Bishop Conic was transferred to Jackson, MS in 1961.
In August 1961 Bishop O. W. McInnis became pastor. New members were added. Financial resources increased. The mortgage on the parsonage was paid off. Property next to the church was purchased for $16000. A Hammond organ was purchased. The Hugh May Scholarship was established. Bishop McInnis organized the Children’s Church. A food and clothing bank for the needy was started. G.E.D. classes and a Day Care were also started.
In December 1972 the church purchased its current site. It’s located at 62 West 111th Place. They bought it from Bethel Reformed Church for $240000. Again members loaned money to the church interest-free. This saved the church about $58000 in interest.
In February 1982 Elder Emery Lindsay became pastor. In August 1990 Pastor Lindsay became a bishop. Membership increased. The breakfast ministry was expanded. It provided food and the word to many.
Ministries like Wednesday morning Bible study were added. Also the Praise Team ministry and Saint’s Alive ministry were founded. The Drama and Media ministries followed.
In 2010 Bishop Lindsay was transferred to Los Angeles. Elder Benjamin Winn was appointed pastor. Under Elder Winn the church became more involved in the Roseland community.
Today Christ Temple Cathedral continues to serve. It shares the love of Christ. It offers hope to the community. It invites everyone to experience God’s love. It also welcomes them to join their church family.