Our Story

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This church was established many years ago as saints in the surrounding area started having prayer meetings in their homes. Being led by the spirit of God, the numbers increased. It started with a handful of dedicated believers. Among those were Missionary Emily Bridgers, Deacon William & Missionary Ella Mae Little, Mother Clavon Cotton, the Manning gamily and others. As the numbers grew they would go from house to house. They would often carry chairs to accommodate the people that joined for service. They would “tarry” during these meetings and people were filled with the Holy Spirit. The saints later moved to a small store front in Oak City, NC.

 

Superintendent Clarence Dunlap was asked to come from Richmond, Virginia to oversee these meetings. The saints later moved to a church building on Salisbury Street in Hamilton, NC and chose to name the church, “Holy Temple COGIC.” People would come and stand by the church windows to hear what was going on inside. Elder Dunlap would often bring visitors from Richmond, NC to help the ministry grow. Elder Dunlap was an anointed man of God and a great leader. He taught the true word of God. After the passing of Elder Clarence Dunlap, Pastor Elder Michael Bridgers was appointed by Bishop Leroy Jackson Woolard.

 

Pastor Bridgers continued to build on the same foundation of prayer. Pastor Bridgers loves the people of God and believes in the strength of the family. As believers, we know that we have the “Victory Assured” through Christ Jesus. As we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we stand firmly with our leader believing that, “God will give you what you need, to go through what you have to go through, to get what He has in store for you.”