A New Church Built:

The church continued in its present location until 1955, at which time God began to strive with the saints to build a larger dwelling (place) to accommodate an increasing fellowship and various functions that go along (with it). Under the pastorship of Bro. Walter Crowdus land was purchased for building a new church. It wasn’t until the Lord sent Sister Lizzie Jones the new church (that) was built in 1955, Christ Temple Apostolic Church.

The membership was in agreement that a larger church was needed but the funds were just not available. The pillars of the church at this time consisted of a few women - Sister Nova Johnson, Sister Eva Adams, and Sister Jeanetta Cole, with Sister Lizzie Jones as pastor.

A contractor agreed to come talk to Sis. Jones and members about building a church with payments. A group of men, who by this time had left the church - stopped the contractor in town and told him that the church consisted of only a few women who could not afford to build anything. So the man never kept his appointment and no one ever knew why until years later when Sis. Jones met him on the street and questioned his actions. But even this setback did not stop the will of God and the determination of his saints, even though there were only a handful of women. The whole community had a lot of respect for our church and its members. l, with a lot of prayer, saving money, donations and supplies furnished, this house of God was built. And did it ever rock with blessings from above. Ministers from all over came and worshipped, tent revivals were held, fish fries, chili suppers - all in the name of God. People seemed to come out of the woodwork to attend all of these functions. Whatever the church needed, God always provided.

Growing In The Lord:

At this time, Elder Henry Cole was the pastor. He was a great man of God - a very spiritual man, one who prayed and fasted all the time and kept the saints inspired to grow in the Lord. Sis. Johnson told him the Lord had shown her the baptism in Jesus’ name and that she was going to get baptized in Jesus ’ name that very weekend. He didn’t say a word, but before the weekend, he came to her and said he, too, was going to be baptized. When the time came for them to go, all the pillars of the Church went. They were baptized in Jesus’ name by Bishop David Schultz at Clay and Breckenridge.

The Determination of the Saints:

When Bishop Demmins heard of the church being buried in Jesus name, he came and padlocked the doors to the church and put the pastor down. Determined that no man should stand in their way, the Saints of God held worship services on the porch of Sis. Johnson’s house. At the end of the three (3) year lease with Bishop Demmins, Sis. Johnson purchased the building on her lot for $25.00, who in turn gave it to the Saints. The church was renamed Bethel Temple and a new pastor, Bro. D. Burns, was sent to pastor the church. Bro. Burns was followed in succession by Elder John Irving and later by Bro. Walter Crowdus.

Standing Firm in the Faith:

The church has stood in the doctrine of the Apostolic faith, baptism in Jesus Name, the filling of the Holy Ghost, and living a Godly and righteous life. The Lord has really established the church here in this community. Many things have come against the church and tried to destroy it; but the Lord has always protected the church and by his help the church is still here today, rooted and grounded in the truth; still going on in Jesus name. Many times satan thought he would prevail against this church and God would raise up his Spirit against the works of satan and the forces that came against the church were not able to prevail. We thank God for establishing this church in the truth and by God’s grace, we intend to continue in this way of Holiness - living according to God’s word.

The church stands here today as an open door to all who would be saved. Regardless of who would be saved. Regardless of who you are, you will always be welcome at CHRIST TEMPLE APOSTOLIC CHURCH.