Message for the Saints

In 1889, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason started preaching in Memphis, Tennessee and established a community-based platform that served Blacks during Jim Crow.  While the Church Of God In Christ was actually launched from Memphis, Bishop Mason and C.P. Jones established the regional headquarters in Lexington, Mississippi.  Of course, from Lexington, Mississippi, the Church Of God In Christ emerged as the Pentecostal reformation it is today.

Temple Church Of God In Christ is the "Church of the Founder."  Our thriving and active congregation is part and parcel of the legacy of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason and the many saints who labored with him from the beginning.  Present members are aware of the heritage that Temple represents.  Located in South Memphis near the downtown area for more than one hundred years, Temple Church, as “a light on a hill,” has developed cutting-edge ministries that served both the congregation and the community at large.  

Temple Church Of God In Christ is excited about its 501(c)(3), Life Together, Inc., which began a re-entry program for individuals recently released from incarceration called "Final Escape."  Today, members of Temple are busy for the cause of Christ serving through this innovative social ministry.  Many formerly incarcerated people can find hope, emotional support, job preparation, and positive social interactions as participants of this mentoring program.  The Final Escape program is located at 588 Vance Avenue, Suite 200 in the Memphis Branch NAACP building, also known as the Freedom House.  This historic site is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights leadership planned much of the protest during the 1960s.  Through the oversight of the Life Together Board of Directors, the Final Escape offices were completely renovated and the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held on May 15, 2021 to officially begin this thriving, functioning program.

With the progression of vaccinations, the pandemic is soon coming to an end.  We invite all who would to return to in-person worship at Temple Church and renew their commitment to faith and ministry.  We have utilized the virtual technology of this era, but the scripture reminds us to "forsake not the assembling of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:25).  So come, enjoy the saints, the worship, and the fellowship of Temple Church Of God In Christ at 672 S. Lauderdale St.  Bishop David Allen Hall, D. Min, General Board member and Lady Mary Portis Hall, M.D. hope to greet you soon.  Please enjoy the viewing of this website, and know that we welcome you to join us at Temple Church.