“A place of worship, healing and salvation”. That’s what the Gospel Temple Baptist Church stands for. It is not just a building. It is a spiritual home.
The history of Gospel Temple Baptist Church is a story of faith. It is a story of fellowship. This fellowship was destined to change and grow. It accommodated the North Memphis community’s needs. These needs were for organized religion.
In 1904, a group of Christians gathered. These men and women met under the guidance of Rev. William Davis. They started as a Sunday School. This was in a home on the Belt Line. The group organized into a church. They called it Gospel Temple Baptist Church. The name reflected its origins. It grew out of an organization. This organization taught the Bible. The church grew. It prepared for a change in leadership. Rev. Davis was called to pastor a church in Oklahoma.
Rev. Fred Thomas became the first elected pastor. The church was then at 661 Maple. This is now Wells Avenue. In 1912, Rev. Thomas resigned. Rev. Bolton was chosen to continue the services.
Rev. L. A. Kemp was called to the pastorate. He served from January 1913 to 1947. The church’s cornerstone was laid on the third Sunday in July 1916. Under Rev. Kemp’s leadership, a platform was built. It was used for Manassas High School’s graduation exercises.
Rev. Robert Culp was invaluable. He served as Assistant Pastor. Rev. L. E. Bingham, Rev. Melvin Tate and Rev. Walter Thomas were pastoral aides. Rev. Kemp became Pastor Emeritus. He served until his death.
Rev. Charles T. Epps served as pastor. He was here from January 1948 until December 1961. Under his leadership, rooms were added. These were in the back of the sanctuary. The pulpit and choir stand were relocated. Air conditioning was installed. The baptistery moved from the basement. It was moved to the front of the sanctuary. He organized the Board of Christian Education. He also organized the Deborah Circle. This enhanced the Missionary Society. Rev. Epps resigned after his father’s death. He pastored his father’s church in New Jersey.
Rev. Nearer Daniel Swannigan was chosen. He conducted the services upon Pastor Epp’s resignation. He served until August 1962. Later he was appointed Assistant Pastor.
Rev. Neasbie Alston served as pastor. He was here from 1962 to 2007. Members of the church and community remember him. His administration had an extensive remodeling program. A fellowship hall was added. It included a new kitchen. A paved and fenced parking lot was added. Sunday morning sermons were recorded. They were aired on Radio Station WLOK. The sick could hear spiritual messages.
On November 18, 2007, the church received Rev. Gary DeBose. He was the associate minister at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church-Wellington. He served as interim pastor until 2009.
Rev. Katral Rainey preached his first sermon on March 8 2009. His tenure showed the church’s interest in the community. It showed support of student scholars. This was especially true at Manassas High School. Gospel Temple hosted the Baccalaureate Services for the graduating class of Manassas High School in May 2012. Pastor Rainey served until November 2016.
Rev. Charles Lee Ewing II preached his first sermon on September 3 2017. Rev. Ewing was installed as the seventh pastor. This was on Sunday October 29 2017. The congregation looks forward to the future. They look forward to the vision the Lord has set forth through him.
Today Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church continues to nurture its members. It does this through study. It does this through education. It does this through fellowship and prayer. The church reaches others. It uses personal witnessing. It evangelizes. It helps the needy. It seeks justice. It seeks liberty for all. It does this in the name of Jesus Christ. Remember that being a Christian is a daily process. You grow to be more like Christ. Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that. God gives us happiness and peace. This is found in Himself. There is no such thing apart from Him.
The Gospel Temple Baptist Church is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith. It’s a beacon of hope. It is a place where all are welcome to experience the love of Christ.