Whole Truth - Lewis Temple Church History
Lewis Temple Church of God in Christ of Saginaw, Michigan began as Whole Truth Church of God in Christ in 1956 in a rented house on 21st Street. Under the leadership of Pastor Fred Lewis and the unwavering support of his wife Statha, along with their young children, a small band of believers began to worship together. Among those early members were Mother Vermell Franklin (our first Church Mother), Mother Flora Winters, Deacon and Mother Portis, Mother Williams and Mother Vicey Wright.
The congregation later moved to Astor Street then to 3024 S. Washington where we worshipped until the move to our current location at 3300 Hess Street. Pastor Lewis began the work as an unlicensed minister, was later ordained, served as District Superintendent and years later was elevated to the office of Bishop. Throughout the years, his faith in God and love for people soared. God's power was continually demonstrated through him to bring deliverance and healing to numerous individuals and families.
Not only have individuals and families been blessed by his life and ministry, several "sons" have answered the pastoral call and consider this man a mentor extraordinaire. His oldest son, Elder Clarence Lewis, along with his wife Barbara assisted in caring for this flock for many years – alternating Sundays in Saginaw and Flint.
Mighty in prayer and the Word and with abundant love for people, our pastor accomplished great things for God. He did not have many years of a formal education, but he was rich in faith! He took God at His Word. In 1981, that faith led him to conceive and execute the building of a new worship facility for our Sister Church in Flint – formerly Hamilton Ave COGIC and newly named Faith Temple COGIC.
The Whole Truth congregation rejoiced with Faith Temple and patiently waited for another demonstration of the favor of God. Fifteen years later, in 1996, his vision to build the Lord a house in Saginaw came to fruition. He always said, "These people of God are so faithful and loyal. I believe with the Lord's help we can do it!" The trustees and members proposed a new name for this new edifice. Whole Truth COGIC became Lewis Temple COGIC of Saginaw, Michigan. It is built on almost 10 acres which allows for expansion.
When he was grooming a successor, he installed one of his grandsons as pastor while he continued to hold the position of Senior Pastor. Elder Johnny W. Dukes III served for approximately six years under Bishop Lewis' leadership.
In November 2013 Elder Fred A. Lewis was appointed as Presiding Pastor of Lewis Temple Church by Bishop Lewis. He was given specific instructions by Bishop Lewis to "walk in his shoes." Bishop Lewis served God and humanity until he was called from labor to reward on January 27, 2018. His son and namesake, Pastor Fred and his wife Dr. Lydia Lewis have committed themselves to equip and empower believers to do the work of the ministry.
Over the decades, many have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord and have moved on to other portions of the vineyard. Today Lewis Temple has a strong leadership team and a committed body of believers who have responded to the call and anointing of God to fulfill the Great Commission. We are blessed to have multi-generational family members as well as newcomers. We love each other and operate in a spirit of unity to take the Word beyond the four walls. We embrace the surrounding community by taking a Bible Study to Birch Park Apartments and needed resources to the City Rescue Mission of Saginaw.
The Board of Directors and the congregation are fully behind our mission statement: Connecting People to Christ and to Each Other. With Pastor Fred, our Board consists of the following:
Founding Mother Statha Lewis
Deacon Willie Wright
Deacon Thomas Darby
Church Mother Annie Austin
Missionary Beverly Brascom
Sister Regina Ryan
To God be the glory for all He has done and for what is yet to be manifested!
The Late Bishop Fred Lewis
& Mother Statha Lewis
lewistemplecogic@gmail.com
3300 Hess Ave
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I Love The Way You Love Me - Jekalyn Carr