Let’s journey back to 1971. Pastor Lorris Upshaw Sr. founded a church in Detroit. It all began with divine guidance.
Upshaw was led to Van Dyke and Harper. At first he saw nothing. He returned home and became ill. He was hospitalized for 29 days. After being discharged, he went back to the same location. This time Upshaw found a small building. He began preparing for the opening of Christ Temple COGIC.
Soon souls were added to the church. Through prayer meetings, fasting, and the Holy Ghost, the church grew. Miracles happened and lives transformed. The sick were healed. Souls were set free. After a few years, God gave Upshaw another vision. It was to buy a new edifice. “What you do, do quickly.”
In 1979, Christ Temple COGIC purchased a building at 10001 Hayes. It was at Promenade on Detroit’s northeast side. The church became New Christ Temple COGIC. For over 20 years, it has been a miracle story. New Christ Temple has continued to grow. Its outreach in the community has been profound.
Overseer Lorris H. Upshaw Sr. was born in Mississippi in 1931. He served in the Korean War. In 1954, he married Nellie Copprue. He served at Mack Avenue COGIC and East Vernor COGIC. It was at East Vernor COGIC that he was called to the ministry.
Upshaw Sr. faithfully served under Bishop C.J. Johnson and Bishop P.A. Brooks. In 1994, he formed the Greater Metropolitan Fellowship. Later, New Christ Temple united with the Southwest Michigan Agape Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He served as an Administrative Assistant and Superintendent of Judah District.
During 40 years of service, eleven ministries were birthed. Countless elders, ministers, and missionaries accepted their calling. Upshaw spearheaded programs that fed the hungry. He provided clothing and ministered overseas.
Overseer Lorris Upshaw Sr. passed away in 2012. He left behind his wife, Evangelist Nellie Upshaw, their eight children, and many grandchildren. He also left the New Christ Temple COGIC family.
Evangelist Nellie Upshaw was co-founder of New Christ Temple COGIC. She was raised in the Church of God in Christ. She moved to Detroit in 1955. She served as State Elect Lady and in the Evangelism Department. She also served as State Hospitality President.
Evangelist Nellie Upshaw was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. She was a faithful soldier in the work of the Lord. God blessed her ministry. She continued to work in the vineyard. Evangelist Nellie Upshaw passed away in 2017. She left behind her children, grandchildren, and the New Christ Temple COGIC family.
Zion Upshaw Temple Church Of God In Christ Inc. is located in Newark, New Jersey. It is a fellowship of believers. They share the Good News through learning, listening, and praying. They work together to reach out to their communities. It is a place to believe and belong.