Church History

From Humble Beginnings

Apostolic Faith Temple’s inception occurred humbly in 1972.  During April of that year, the Lord led Elder Nemiah Smith to leave his position as assistant pastor of Zion Apostolic Church in Ferndale, Michigan to start a congregation in Detroit, Michigan. He and approximately 25 saints came together and formed a small ecclesiastical work.  Joining Elder Smith were Brother and Sister Theodore Dickerson; Sister Lue Ella Downer and family; Brother and Sister Johnny Holley, Sr. and family; Brother and Sister Marshall Glenn and family; Mother Inez Linson; Brother and Sister Arthur Varner and Mother Mary Wilson.

This newly established church family had no permanent structure in which to dwell.  Thus, Bible classes, prayer meetings and worship services were held throughout the city, in the homes of the various members.

After several months of moving, the church family was housed in a fixed location.  The members responded to a gracious offer made by Pastor Herbert Richey and shared his facility located on West McNichols Road.

Places to Call Home

In the spring of 1973, God blessed the members to acquire a building of their own in Detroit, at 13513 Fenkell Street.  It was a small storefront site.  Nevertheless, the members labored spiritually, physically, and financially to convert the building to a place which merited the name Apostolic Faith Temple.

Over the next three years, more people were transformed by the preaching of the Gospel.  The church membership increased to 100 saints, necessitating a larger facility.  In April of 1975, the increased congregation moved to 20915 Evergreen Road in Southfield, Michigan.

 

At this location, the membership continued to grow.  With this growth, the qualities of faith, unity and diligence were maintained.  By May of 1984, some nine years later, the 250 plus members paid off the church’s mortgage.

The growth pattern remained and within a year, an even larger church home was needed.  Steps were taken to accommodate the size of the present and the future church family.  In 1985, building fund endeavors began, spearheaded by the recently installed assistant pastor, Elder Lambert Gates.  Approximately one year later, enough monies were gathered to purchase 8.5 acres of land located on Lahser Road in Southfield.  The plan was to build an 800-seat sanctuary, pending the city’s approval.

However, the Lord had a different plan for the new church home.  Instead of building in Southfield, God led Pastor Smith and the members to purchase a constructed edifice in the city of Detroit.  In July 1990, God blessed the members with a 1700 seat, three-story church facility at 4735 West Fort Street. 

In August of the same year, Pastor Smith, Assistant Pastor Gates and 400 plus members returned to Detroit, making the transition from the “old” to the “new” Apostolic Faith Temple.

At the present edifice, the Lord continues to guide.  The number of the church members steadily increases. Several congregants serve in state and national positions in the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith (P.C.A.F.).  Established church ministries flourish and new ones develop. The church’s natural as well as spiritual provisions extend beyond the church walls to the neighborhood through an annual Thanksgiving and Christmas food project, an outreach prison ministry and an involvement in community and civic organizations.

To reflect the guidance and work of God through this church, in 1997, Bishop Smith and the congregants changed the name of the edifice to Greater Apostolic Faith Temple. Also reflective of God’s divine leading, the members paid off the church’s mortgage in 2000, just ten years after occupancy.

A Change of Leaders

On July 24, 2007, Bishop Nemiah Smith made his transformation from earth to glory. However years before his departure, Bishop Smith wisely selected and groomed his successor, Bishop Lambert W. Gates, Sr.

Under Bishop Gates’ capable leadership, Greater Apostolic Faith Temple continues to thrive and to perpetuate the legacy of a life changing ministry.

Compiled by Trustee Geraldine Heath
Church Historian