About Us

THE BEGINNING

The history of Christ Temple Cathedral begins with the exodus of many southerners to Chicago and other northern cities for economic reasons. Brother E. T. Johnson of Hattiesburg, MS was among this number. After arriving in Chicago, he looked for a Church of Christ (Holiness). When he failed to find one, he wrote the headquarters in Jackson, MS and was informed that no church of our faith existed in Chicago. He immediately contacted migrants from the Mississippi area that he knew were members of the denomination; some of those persons were Brothers Sims, George Hines, George Holloway, and Mathew Thomas. This group fasted and prayed for wisdom and guidance in establishing a Church of Christ (Holiness) organization in Chicago.

In the fall of 1917, their prayers were answered. Rev, C. E. Owens came from Jackson, MS to work with them. Bible lessons were first conducted in private homes and later they were able to hold worship services in a Methodist mission. It was there that Christ Temple was organized with about thirty members. Rev. C. E. Owens served as first pastor. Brothers Walter Wright, F.T. Johnson, Moses Phillips, George Holloway. Matthew Thomas and George I-lines were elected deacons and trustees. Brother Walter Moore was elected treasurer. Other charter members were Brothers Jerry Johnson, Matthew Thurmond, and families of the above mentioned. As time progressed they outgrew the mission and moved to three other locations before purchasing the site at 552 E. 44th Street

THE EARLY DAYS

In May 1919, Rev. William Webb of Magnolia, MS was invited to conduct a thirty day revival. The following October he was elected pastor. His pastorate continued until 1937, during which time the church prospered and increased considerably in membership. As new members continued to join or migrate from other areas, the church building again became inadequate. In 1927, after much searching, the edifice at 44th and St. Lawrence (552 E. 44th Street) was purchased for $55,000. Following Rev. Webb’s resignation in 1937, Rev. Henry L. Caver was ordained Bishop and placed in the northern diocese as pastor of Christ Temple. Under his administration, new auxiliaries were organized, the Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed, new pulpit furniture purchased, and the debt reduced from $15,000 to $7000. He labored untiringly until his death in March 1944. Rev. Jesse McGarrah served as interim pastor from March until August of 1944.

In August 1944, the national convention sent Bishop 3. NI. Haywood to pastor the church and preside over the northern diocese. Under his administration, the church debt was liquidated, a new lighting system installed, and a parsonage purchased. He resigned his pastorate and withdrew from the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. in 1953.

BOARDS and AUXILIARY BEGINNINGS AT CHRIST TEMPLE

o Deacons and Trustees - 1917

o First Church Treasurer - Brother Walter Moore

o Senior Choir - 1919 — Brother William Johnson, Director; Dons King, Pianist

o C.W.W.W . No. 1 - 1919 — organized in the home of Sister Nellie Phillips

o Women’s Auxiliary - August 1954 (First officers: Sisters Susie Jones, President; Bettie Neal, Secretary; and Ruth Glaspie, Treasurer)

o Board of Christian Education - 1958 — Dr. Lloyd Elam, President

1953 - 1972

Bishop M. R. Conic was appointed Pastor and Bishop of the northern diocese by the National Executive Council and confirmed by the national convention in August 1953.

Under his administration, the church prospered numerically, spiritually, and physically. The church was successful in completing a remodeling program at a cost of $90,000. The method of borrowing money from the members (interest free) was introduced by Bishop Conic to help pay off this indebted¬ness. Some of the capital improvements during his tenure included installing new pews, rebuilding the organ, modernizing the lounges, refurnishing the kitchen, and purchasing a Baldwin piano and church parsonage. Also during this time ‘Release Time Classes’ (children released from school early with consent from parents to attend church school) were held in the church with Sister Fannye McFerren, from child Evangelism, teaching the class. The Children’s Choir was organized with Sister Gladys Moore serving as directress and musician.

Bishop Conic’s pastorate was terminated when the national convention transferred him to Jackson, NIS in 1961.

At the 1961 session of the national convention, Bishop O. W. McInnis was sent to pastor Christ Temple Cathedral. Through his dynamic ministry, many new members were added to the church and the financial resources were increased. The mortgage on the parsonage was paid off and the property adjacent to the church (548-40 E. 44th Street) was purchased for $16,000. A Hammond organ was purchased and the Hugh May Scholarship was established.

Under the leadership of Bishop McInnis, the Children’s Church was organized through the auspices of the Board of Christian Education; a food and clothing bank for the needy was begun; C.E.O. classes were started with local teachers employed by the Chicago Board of Education as Instructors; A Day Care Center was organized. Bishop McInnis was always supportive of Christian young men aspiring for the ministry and did all he could to help them. As a result he became known as “The Great Encourager.’

THE RELOCATION

In December 1972, Christ Temple Cathedral purchased its present site. Property included the church located at 62 W. 111th Place, and a two flat building at 46 W. 111th Place, purchased from Bethany Reformed Church for a total cost of $240,000. The church building was equipped with an educational wing having a piano in each room, a large multipurpose room on the upper level, a Pastor’s study and counseling room, two pianos and an organ in the main sanctuary. Again the members loaned money to the church. interest free, resulting in the church saving approximately $58,000 in interest payments and liquidating the remaining indebtedness in a much shorter period of time.

In August 1981, Bishop McInnis elected to become a non-pastoring Bishop. His letter was presented to the national convention and, reluctantly, the convention granted him his request. On December 27. 1981, he preached his final sermon as pastor of Christ Temple.

On February 28, 1982, Rev. Emery Lindsay was installed as the new pastor of Christ Temple Cathedral. At the conclusion of this service, Bishop McInnis was presented with a plaque and named Pastor Emeritus of Christ Temple Cathedral.

Under the leadership of Pastor Lindsay, the church has experienced a tremendous growth in membership and revitalization of our evangelistic outreach. Pastor Lindsay initiated and implemented a follow-up ministry for new members with packets giving basic doctrinal information, and a new members’ Sunday School Class was added to the list of other classes held weekly.

Not only has the physical plant undergone improvements, but the church also purchased two additional parking areas, air conditioned the sanctuary, installed window units in several of the class rooms, modernized the heating system, installed two extra comfort facilities, installed a chair lift from lower level to sanctuary, modernized the church office, and initiated a tape ministry. Cottage prayer meetings (spearheaded by Brother William Callion and Sister Lillie Wilson) were started and held weekly.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

o A breakfast ministry, which began in 1980 to the homeless and needy of the area, administers not only physical nourishment but also addresses spiritual needs. Before breakfast each Sunday, the Word of God is preached and explained to approximately 100 or more men, women, and children.

o As a result of this ministry, many have given their lives to the Lord, became members of the church,and are assisting in various areas of the church where help is much needed.

o A neighborhood outreach Bible study for the children held each Thursday led by Sis. Joan Little;

o A women’s Bible study held in various homes:

o A prayer ministry, held at the church on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday of each week, with Bro. Davenport serving as prayer leader;

o A charm class for young teenage girls with Sis. Myatt teaching them how young ladies should conduct, adorn, and present themselves as Christians in dignity and respect. In conjunction with the Charm class, Bro Gregory Wilkerson stated a Wednesday night class for the young men of the community. Each Wednesday they would have lessons based on relevant topics that effected the young men’s lives. As result of that ministry many teenagers gave their lives to Christ and it has now turned into a youth ministry presently lead by Bro. Robert Winn.

o A marriage class geared primarily for young married couples spearheaded by Maurice and Regina Washington.

o Christ Temple Cathedral continues to move forward with great emphasis placed on missions and evangelistic outreach programs, all geared to reach the lost for Christ.