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WHEREAS, on Saturday, September 10, 2016, the Baptist Temple Church will celebrate its' 95th Anniversary; and,
WHEREAS, on July 21, 1921, under the prayerful leadership of Mildred Craighead, James B. Deans, Pearl R. Johnson and Annie Ross Lewis, the Baptist Temple Church was officially organized at a Recognition Council meeting held in Smith Hall on Centre Avenue in the Hill District. The Church's congregation, at formation, numbered just five; and,
WHEREAS, early in 1922, the Church purchased five lots on Collier Street at Frankstown Avenue, in Homewood, and erected a tent sanctuary, which was soon consumed in a fire. From that fire, new hope arose and in March 1923, the congregation met to dedicate a new sanctuary made of galvanized metal; and,
WHEREAS, in March 1945, the Reverend James A. Williams accepted the call to serve as the new pastor of Baptist Temple. Under his anointed leadership, the Church moved into the sanctuary at 7241 Race Street in Homewood where the Church worships to this day. Reverend Williams led Baptist Temple for over 40 years, extending the influence of the Church beyond the walls of the sanctuary through involvement in religious and community organizations; and,
WHEREAS, The Rev. Dr. Toussaint King Hill, Jr. accepted the call of Baptist Temple Church on January 18, 1989. Under the pastorate of Reverend Hill, the Church became poised for an active ministry in a modern age as it transitioned from a long-term pastor to new leadership. New ministries were created to better serve the community and the BTC Center, Inc., a non-profit entity, focusing on community outreach programs was formed; and,
WHEREAS, in August of 2009, the Rev. Rodney Adam Lyde was called to be the eighth pastor of Baptist Temple Church. Under his leadership, the membership of Baptist Temple continues to grow. He has modernized the Church's technological capacity, grown the Church's food pantry and renovated the Church's facilities. Rev. Lyde is also ...
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