They unanimously voted Reverend Eugene W. Ward, Sr. as pastor and adopted the church motto, “The Lord is on my side. I will not fear what can man do unto me?” (Psalms 118:6). The first worship service was held on Sunday, March 30, 1952.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
The rich history of the Temple Baptist Church on Cedar Avenue is coming to a close. The church will be moving to a new location on October 22, 2011 and Pastor Sedrick D. Veal Sr. wanted to have a special service entitled “Remembering When” before departing.
The service was both sad and joyous for all who attended. The Reverend Walter R. Houston took the church down memory lane, which included songs from the various pastors and, at times, imitating various members.
When the service started, Veal asked all past members of the choir to come forward. The choir was already full from current members and Temple asked Professor James W. Wade II to return and handle the music ministry part of the service.
Looking around the church, it brought back memories of the many Sunday nights of Temple’s famous evening broadcast. People praising and shouting all over the sanctuary while Carolyn Kirkwood worked everyone’s spirit with “Touch Somebody Somewhere” and Jonella singing “Lift the Savior Up” that cause everyone to run around the church.
The choir reached back and sang “The Lord is on my Side” and the Temple version of “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Words of encouragement came from the Reverend Eugene W. Ward Jr., Sister Bernice Rice, and the oldest active member Sister Dorothy Davis who is 94 and still serves on the Usher Board.
One of the highlights came when Avery Lee talked about her time at Temple in which she will always be a pillar in the great big family. Lee was superintendent of the Sunday school for many years.
Sister Latonya Griggs gave a brief talk about the history of the church. It was faith that led the late Reverend Eugene W. Ward, Sr., and a few faithful followers to a temporary place of worship at the Moon Hotel, located at East 55th Street and Cedar Avenue to a packed auditorium on Sunday, March 23, 1952.
On March 26, 1952, after the lease/purchase secured the “Old Cedar Theater,” a meeting was held and 17 charter members organized the Temple Baptist Church.
They unanimously voted Reverend Eugene W. Ward, Sr. as pastor and adopted the church motto, “The Lord is on my side. I will not fear what can man do unto me?” (Psalms 118:6). The first worship service was held on Sunday, March 30, 1952.
In 1957, the front of the building was renovated. The mothers of the church and others worked tirelessly to purchase the ever-shining cross, which has been a beacon of light and a landmark to attract lost souls to Jesus Christ.
God blessed the congregation to pay off the mortgage in May, 1962 and the cornerstone of the church was laid on July 12, 1963.
As the church began to flourish, another service was added. On Sunday, May 3, 1952, the first live evening radio broadcast service was held. What began as a half-hour live broadcast eventually extended to a full hour, from 11 p.m. until midnight on station HOLY, and was called the Hour of Consolation. People came from near and far to be a part of this praise and worship service.
Sharon Troutman took a moment to start reminiscing from the days of Rev. Ward until the present with Rev. Veal and asking members to stand up under who’s leadership they joined under and the a silent prayer for all the deceased members.
Join Temple Baptist Church on October 22, at 9 a.m. as a motorcade leaves Cedar Avenue and travel to the new location at 1862 Noble Road.
Editors note: Join us next week as we talk more about Temple Baptist Church rich history and music.
