It was on January 1, 1971 that the Lord put into operation the Grace Temple Church Of God In Christ. Having a testimony of being led by God Reverend Thomas J. Williams found himself opening a sanctuary on Roman Avenue in Westbury Long Island. With himself as Pastor, Reverend
Williams began having services with a congregation consisting of Sis. Lula Nolan, Bro. Hudson, Sis. Minnie James, Min. Lawrence Primm, Mo. Barbara Primm, Sis. Rose Owens and Sis. Odessa Lewis. Through much fasting and prayer these stalwart saints brought the church through many
hardships and disappointments. On more than one occasion they found themselves forced to move locations but with the constant belief that God had the way already made.
In 1972 the way was made for the purchase of the present home at 739 Broadway which we now own outright. This year we celebrate over 47 years at this address.
One interesting fact is that in 1968, after the assassination of Dr. King, there was intense rioting in the village of New Cassel. Many homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged. But it was reported that the building we now call home (but at the time was a clothing warehouse) was
set on fire on at least three different occasions but each time the fire failed to catch on and the
building suffered very little, if any damage during those riots.
In the 47+ years God has blessed us to make major renovations that have enhanced and beautified our sanctuary. Numerous changes in membership and additions of different auxiliaries has made Grace Temple all that the Pastor envisioned.
In July of 2006, Pastor T.J. Williams went home to be with the Lord, having paved the way for future generations to be blessed by the vision that God gave to him. In March of 2007, the Lord saw fit to plant Rev. Stanley Williams as the Pastor and given him the charge to take Grace Temple further.
“To God Be The Glory”
GRACE TEMPLE'S EARLY YEARS AS ONE OF WESTBURY'S FIRST FIREHOUSES (PICTURE TAKEN IN 1923)......
.......AND AS IT LOOKS TODAY!
