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A Brief History
EL Bethel Temple of Jesus International was founded
in 1958 as Praise Temple Church of the Nazarene after a revival
meeting conducted by the late Rev. Warren A. Rogers of Detroit,
Michigan, then district superintendent of the Gulf Central District
of the Church of the Nazarene. More than sixty-five people attended
the meetings held in the school auditorium of the Holden Street
School then under principal, W. B. Nixon. Mrs. Lessie Weaver furnished
music from the piano while the Five Stars singing group ministered
every night. The Central Jubilairs shared the singing spotlight
and doubled as ushers.
This fledgling church met on the corner of Lee and Carter Streets
in Orlando, Florida with its new pastor, the late Bishop Archie
Williams, Sr, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Compassion for the lost
and soul-stirring preaching drew many members and soon necessitated
a larger meeting place. The Church of the Nazarene and an Orlando
businessman named Earl Gorman helped relocate this growing church
in West Orlando on Vineland Road (now Bruton Boulevard). The church
was named Gorman Memorial (after the generous businessman) and continued
to grow attracting people with its caring approach to ministry.
Pastor Williams moved away with his family to lead a Church of the
Nazarene in Detroit, Michigan while Dr. Leonard Adams replaced him
as pastor in Orlando, Florida. Bishop Edward Thomas accepted Jesus
as his Lord and Savior under Dr. Adam's ministry. After a few years,
Pastor Williams returned to Gorman Memorial to resume his pastoral
duties. After the passing of his wife Inez, this pastor continued
to face the challenges of a new church while dealing with his loss.
Years passed and as the church grew, new and innovative programs
sprang up including several building programs, programs for youth
development, an athletic program for young men, a thriving Sunday
school program, and one of the finest gospel music and choral programs
in the city. Elder L. Jean Lamar Conway led the worship and praise
teams as psalmist.
Dr. Williams collaborated with Central Florida area Nazarene pastors
in starting a district-wide ministerial program which led to a four-year
bible college education. This training program would later become
the EL Bethel Bible Institute. God continued to deal with Dr. Williams
about reaching the total needs of man spiritually, physically, emotionally,
economically, vocationally, and psychologically. This burden would
prophetically lead to THE VISION as we
know it today and the vehicle for the fulfillment of this vision
in EL Bethel Temple of Jesus, Inc. Dr. Williams later led several
fund-raising drives to acquire prime real estate on the corner of
Bruton Boulevard and Prince Hall and in 1986, the church marched
from its former 1602 Bruton Boulevard address to its present new
address at 3000 Bruton Boulevard.
Ever marching forward, EL Bethel Temple of Jesus opened the EL Bethel
Christian Academy the next year with over 30 new students in grades
ranging from kindergarten three (3) to the eighth grade. Many talented
students have graced the rolls of this private school effort. They
have gone on to distinguish themselves as top students in public
secondary schools and colleges and universities. Destiny, a Christian
youth music group, was begun with the musical talents of students
of the academy. After leaving the ranks of the Church of the Nazarene
movement, EL Bethel Temple of Jesus was incorporated to continue
the on-going work of reaching the lost and empowering our people.
The first Holy Convocation, an annual church leadership and homecoming
event was organized in July of 1990. Reverend Dr. Archie Williams,
Sr. was ordained the first bishop of EL Bethel Temple of Jesus,
Inc. by Apostle S. D. James. Afterwards, three bishops and several
elders were ordained and papers presented to other ministers, deacons,
deaconesses, mothers, evangelists, and local preachers. After the
sixth Holy Convocation, Bishop Archie Williams went to be with the
Lord Jesus on Sunday, September 24, 1995. Over forty pastors and
their wives have entered the ministry from under his fatherly care.
The EL Bethel Temple of Jesus International ministry continues under
the leadership of the Bishop's Council. The chair of this council
is Dr. Cliff C. Morris, Jr. The other governing bishops are Dr.
Edward M. Thomas, Sr., James T. Williams (Dr. Williams' son now
deceased), and Bishop Larry Herbert (Victory Deliverance Center
of Auburndale, Florida). Dr. Thomas is senior pastor of EL Bethel
Temple @ Orlando (The Rainbow Church) while Elder W. David Arrington
serves as senior pastor of Sanford EL Bethel Temple. Mother LouVallies
Williams and Mother Valegia Postell are our national mothers. Mother
Lillie Pearl Williams is the widow of our founder, Dr. Archie Williams,
Sr.
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