A seed of faith germinated amidst Chicago’s bustling streets. It was planted by African Americans who migrated north for economic opportunities. Among them was Bro. Elliot T. Johnson. He sought a Church of Christ Holiness. He wanted the denomination founded by Charles Price Jones.
Bro. Johnson found no such church. He contacted headquarters in Jackson MS. They confirmed the absence of their church in Chicago. Undeterred Bro. Johnson initiated a prayer meeting and Bible study. Brothers Sims George Hines George Holloway and Matthew Thomas joined him. The group sought divine guidance to establish a church.
In the fall of 1917 their prayers were answered. Rev. C. E. Owens arrived from Jackson MS to assist. Early Bible lessons took place in private homes. Later services were held in a Methodist mission at 568 East 35th Street. There Christ Temple was officially organized with about thirty members. Rev. Owens became their first pastor. Brothers Mack Jordan Walter Wright and E. T. Johnson served as deacons and trustees. Other charter members included Brothers Jerry Johnson and Matthew Thurmond.
The growing congregation soon outgrew the mission. Christ Temple relocated to 520 East 35th Street then 3243 Cottage Grove Avenue. Another move followed to 3848 Langley Avenue. Finally the church found a more permanent home at 552 E. 44th Street. The Sunday School was organized at the 35th Street location.
In 1927 Christ Temple purchased the edifice at 44th Street and St. Lawrence for $55000. In May 1919 Rev. William Webb led a 30-day revival. By October 1919 he was elected pastor. During his tenure the church thrived. Membership increased. In 1919 Brother William Johnson started the Senior Choir. The C.W.W.W. No. 1 was also formed. Rev. Webb served until 1937.
Rev. Henry L. Caver became pastor in 1937. In 1938 he was ordained Bishop of the Northern Diocese. He established new auxiliaries. A Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed. The church reduced its debt significantly. Rev. Caver served until his death in March 1944.
After an interim period Bishop J. M. Haywood took over. Bishop M. R. Conic succeeded him in 1953. Under Bishop Conic Christ Temple underwent remodeling. The cost was $90000. Members contributed interest-free loans. New pews were installed. The organ was rebuilt. Bishop Conic was transferred in 1961.
Bishop O. W. McInnis became pastor in August 1961. Membership and finances grew. Property was purchased adjacent to the church. The Hugh May Scholarship was created. Bishop McInnis also started a food and clothing bank. GED classes and a Day Care were added.
In December 1972 Christ Temple purchased its present site at 62 West 111th Place. The property included an educational wing. Members again provided interest-free loans. In February 1982 Elder Emery Lindsay became pastor. In August 1990 he was elevated to bishop. Under his leadership the church expanded its outreach. The breakfast ministry served many.
In 2010 Elder Benjamin Winn was appointed pastor. Christ Temple focused on community engagement. The church partnered with local ministries. They volunteered at Pacific Garden Mission. They joined the PRAY CHICAGO campaign. The Lighthouse Ministry was established. Christ Temple continues to serve. It ministers to the Roseland community. It spreads the gospel.