JESUS

The church was founded by the late Pastor James Young in 1962. Pastor and First Lady Prophetess Gertrude Young started out with two daughters. The church was formerly known as St. James Baptist Church, located at 5724 Vine Street, Philadelphia, Pa. The church moved from the Vine Street location to 40th and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.and from there to 60th and Haverford Avenue and from there to 743 North 44th Street.

 

Pastor Young preached and taught, he showed love to everyone (1 John 4:11). The membership grew. He began to work helping others and teaching Bible Study. God blessed St. James Baptist Church with a piano player, drummer, usher, deacon, and trustee.During this period the Lord really blessed the church. Thus, under the unction of the Holy Spirit a new name was given to the church, Jesus Holy Temple. 

 

Before Pastor Young went home to be with the Lord in 1995, God spoke to him, he said Evangelist Williams (Jean Williams known as Hattie), God told me to tell you to stand. He said stand in my stead until the Lord send the Pastor. It was so real as if God was right there. Pastor Young knew who God was sending but he didn't tell us (Pastor Curtis Rich).

 

Pastor Williams accepted the position as Pastor of Jesus Holy Temple Church. Pastor Williams preached, taught love, showed love and how to be in touch with the Lord. Pastor Williams would get a brush and paint, plaster, sweep, build, and rearrange. The Temple had a name for her, (The Worker).

 

Pastor Williams pastored for almost 3 years, and was operating in all nine gifts. One day the Lord spoke to her in a vision saying I am sending him NOW. Months passed, when we saw Pastor Rich at a function. Pastor Williams said please call me, I have a message from the Lord. She saw a man in the vision so she called him and told him what God said, that he would be Pastor. Pastor Rich said the Lord dealt with him. His answer was when do you want me to come? A couple of months later Pastor Rich came.

 

In 1998 he was installed as Pastor of Jesus Holy Temple. The Congregation grew. We have Prophets, Elders, Ministers, Evangelists, Teachers, and Ushers. In 2000 Jesus Holy Temple moved to 1997 North 63rd Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19151 where we currently reside. We also have 5 churches that are joined in fellowship and we have a Bible School where the word of God is taught. We provide counseling, and a Food Cupboard Program that provides not only for our members but to the people of the community.

 

Our endeavors include spreading the word of God, organizing fund drives to help prepare our children for school. Also during the holidays we provide baskets to help feed those in need. We desire to be a positive role model and a blessing in our community.

 

- Apostle Rich & Pastor Rich