In 1920, Sister Ida McDonald received salvation during a prayer service in the home of Walter and Frances Herndon, a couple of the Pentecostal faith. Sis. Ida’s receiving of the Holy Spirit was also the beginning of Temple Church of God in Christ in Parsons, Tennessee. Sister Ida and other saints brought prayer meetings into the community through brush arbor meetings, and through prayer and bible band in their homes. Assisting Sister Ida in this task were: Elder Mitchell and Sis. Velora Fisher, Sis. Guster Fryson, Bro.Walter Harris, Bro. Parker McDonald, Sis. Rosie Jones, Bro. Ollie Jones, Mother Clara Howard, Mother Anna Mays, Bro. and Sis. Will Johnson, Sis. Jane Parrish, Sis. Ann Bunch, Sis. Opal McDonald, Sis. Lovie Garrett, Bro. J.B. Fisher, Sis. Anna Fisher, and others.
The spring of 1921 was a landmark date for the COGIC believers in
the city of Parsons: the early members decided to elect a church. Temple had to
endure the harsh realities of segregation and prejudice. Temple was attacked by
night riders with gunshots; some worshipers were wounded, but miraculously, none
were killed. That same year, in 1921, Temple constructed its first church, and Elder R.B. Walker
was appointed as its first pastor. The members faithfully worshiped there until a brand-new structure was erected in 1955, under the leadership of Elder S.B. Grimes.
This church still stands today, although it has been completely renovated several times, including in 1994, under the leadership of current pastor, Supt. Joseph Fisher; fellowship hall and new Sunday School classrooms were added. Nine years ago, Pastor Fisher's vision expanded to include the building of a new worship center in our community. Our new edifice was completed in January 2009.
the city of Parsons: the early members decided to elect a church. Temple had to
endure the harsh realities of segregation and prejudice. Temple was attacked by
night riders with gunshots; some worshipers were wounded, but miraculously, none
were killed. That same year, in 1921, Temple constructed its first church, and Elder R.B. Walker
was appointed as its first pastor. The members faithfully worshiped there until a brand-new structure was erected in 1955, under the leadership of Elder S.B. Grimes.
This church still stands today, although it has been completely renovated several times, including in 1994, under the leadership of current pastor, Supt. Joseph Fisher; fellowship hall and new Sunday School classrooms were added. Nine years ago, Pastor Fisher's vision expanded to include the building of a new worship center in our community. Our new edifice was completed in January 2009.
