TEMPLE OF TRUTH
OUR HISTORY
On Sunday, July 29, 1985, the Temple of Truth Baptist Church was founded and organized by the late Pastor Frances J. Holmes. The first worship service was held in her home with ten charter members, one which remains with us today, Sister Cynthia Holmes. The church motto adopted at this time and still remains the same was: “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32)
Beginning the first Sunday in August 1985, space was rented at the Kansas City Athenium Women’s Club, 900 E. Linwood Boulevard, where services were held weekly until December of 1990.
In December of 1986, the congregation purchased property at 53rd and South Benton. Plans were put into action to build a church there. A building fund was established and an architect was hired. We eventually learned that our plans were not God’s divine plan for us.
In November of 1990, the congregation voted to purchase a building at 1520 E. Linwood Boulevard. We moved in the first Sunday of December of 1990. The property at 53rd and South Benton was sold to Willis Chapel A.M.E. Church.
In January of 1995, the beloved Pastor Holmes was called home to be with the Lord. In February of 1995, Barbara J. Henderson, the associate minister, who had worked very closely with Pastor Holmes was voted in by the congregation as Pastor.
Under wise compassionate leadership, and great sacrifice of Pastor Barbara Henderson, Temple of Truth had accomplished many goals set before us. Just to mention a few: Mortgage of the church paid in full, purchase of a church van and the establishment of the Statement of Belief which we still recite every Sunday morning, the Lil Voices of Praise and the Men’s chorus was also established under her leadership.
In 2008 with Pastor Henderson’s blessing, prayer and foresight, the church voted to elect Pastor Gary Watts to be shepherd of Temple of Truth.
That following year God saw it fit to call Pastor Henderson home in November 2009. Temple of Truth, continued to move in the direction of God’s plans and understanding that “With God, nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37) the church has grown spiritually as well in membership.
As Pastor Gary Watts continued on with the legacy of preaching the truth, Temple of Truth continues to reach new heights and new levels of God’s greatness. He shared God’s vision with the congregation to meet the growth needs of the current congregation and future. So we embarked on a campaign to purchase a church with room to grow, and by December of 2014 we moved in to our church that is our present and future. Our new church location is 7900 Westridge Road in Raytown Missouri, giving us room for each of our departments to flourish.
From this move yes we have grown in space, but also in clergy to assist in leadership. With four new ministers being ordained in since our move, we have felt our spiritual growth too.
Temple of Truth is a friendly, loving church with strong commitment to Christian education. The congregation has kept the faith in God as the truths of the Holy Scriptures are taught. This church is a place of instruction based solely on the truths of the word of God. It is a place of prayer, worship and a place of Christian fellowship.
